June 29, 2000 - NASHVILLE, TN Bridgestone Group Receives Fifth Consecutive GM Global Supplier of the Year Award The Bridgestone Group has been named a General Motors Supplier of the Year for the fifth year in a row. The award was presented May 20 in Munich, Germany to Bridgestone President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Yoichiro Kaizaki. "We are proud of and grateful for this acknowledgement of our capabilities in serving automakers globally," Kaizaki said. "This recognition will motivate everyone at Bridgestone to work harder than ever to fulfill the highest expectations of our customers." Only 181 suppliers from 22 nations received the award, which recognizes superior performance during 1999. "Bridgestone is one of our best and brightest suppliers," Harold Kutner, GM Group Vice President, Worldwide Purchasing and North American Production Control and Logistics, said, "It is an honor to have them working with us. Their contributions to General Motors' overall success are immeasurable. We look upon the Supplier of the Year as an important recognition of their value as an automotive industry supplier." The GM Supplier of the Year award began as a global program in 1992. Award-winners are selected by a global team of executives from purchasing, engineering, manufacturing and logistics who base their decisions on supplier performance in quality, service, technology and price. "We place tremendous value on our relationship with General Motors. We are extremely proud in receiving this level of recognition for our efforts," said Art Stuart, President, Bridgestone/Firestone Original Equipment Tire Sales Company. "Our associates worldwide continually demonstrate their dedication to customer satisfaction in the products and services our company provides." In addition to Bridgestone's five consecutive global supplier awards, the corporation received regional awards for 1992 and 1993, making this the seventh time Bridgestone has been recognized by GM for excellence. The Bridgestone Group supplies Bridgestone and Firestone tires to GM plants around the world. In the United States, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. supplies not only GM, but also its subsidiary Saturn Corporation and GM/Toyota joint venture, New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc. Bridgestone/Firestone Europe S.A. supplies tires to GM Europe. Bridgestone Group companies in Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Kenya and South Africa are also GM suppliers. Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo is the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and house and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial products. Back to News Page