Tokyo (October 21, 2008) - Bridgestone Corporation (“Bridgestone”) has formulated “Mid-term Management Plan 2008” (MTP2008) covering the period 2009 through 2013. An outline of the plan follows.

1. Basic Approach to MTP2008 Formulation
	Bridgestone has formulated MTP2008 which covers the period 2009 through 2013, which is one year further on from MTP2007 (2008~2012). In making the revisions, Bridgestone updated and added initiatives in response to recent changes in the business environment, including changes in demand trends and the cost environment, in order to achieve the goals set in MTP2007.
2. Progress from MTP2007
	(1) Expand tire strategic products
		Bridgestone has positioned various lines as tire strategic products, namely runflat tires*1, ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires, winter tires for passenger cars, GREATEC*2 and low-profile radial tires for trucks and buses, and radial tires for large off-the-road vehicles, aircraft and motorcycles. Contribution to operating income increase by expanding these strategic product groups is projected to exceed that of MTP2007.
	(2) Further enhance eco-friendly products
		With regard to tires, Bridgestone will accelerate development of ECOPIA product lines that are equipped with technology which reduces rolling resistance as a means to provide more fuel-efficient tires and contribute to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, Bridgestone projects ongoing high growth in the market for solar modules, which are gaining attention as a viable alternative energy, and as such, seeks to aggressively invest resources in this area. This includes investment to increase production capacity of EVA film*3 for solar modules, as previously announced.
	(3) Develop solutions business utilizing retread business
		Bridgestone is working on a strategy to expand retread business globally in line with the degree of maturation of retread in respective markets, utilizing Bandag retread business which was acquired in 2007.
	(4) Reinforce fundamental competencies
		The domains of examination in the plan have been increased relative to MTP2007, which focused on product development, to include an in-depth review of procurement and various technologies, such as production technology. Through this, Bridgestone aims to further reinforce its fundamental competencies.
	(5) Optimize Diversified Products business domains
		With the objective of establishing optimal business domains, Bridgestone has determined the positioning of each of its businesses in order to address and implement its strategy of “selection and concentration”. In businesses marked for “concentration,” Bridgestone will vigorously invest management resources and focus on promising product groups with a view towards globalization. Bridgestone will withdraw from “selected” businesses at the optimum timing based on a spirit of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), while prioritizing consideration of customers and business partners.
	(6) Further enhance CSR systems
		To further enhance CSR, Bridgestone will clarify the targets, and the divisions responsible, for each of 22 specific themes previously identified and convert them to concrete implementation plans.
	(7) Strengthen environmental activities
		Based on the five activity areas and three programs announced in MTP2007, Bridgestone will continue to implement comprehensive environmental management activities as a business group.
	(8) Enhance competitiveness throughout supply chain
		Bridgestone will promote full utilization of GLC (Global Logistics Center) functions targeting the entire lifecycle, from product release to completion of sale. By advancing procurement activities, making full use of internally manufactured raw materials and equipment, and effectively utilizing production and logistics functions aiming for consistent total optimization at the global level, Bridgestone will further strengthen its ability to exploit its superior competitiveness over other companies throughout the entire supply chain.
3. MTP2008 Targets
	(1) Achieve ROA of 6% in 2012 in line with the plan
		Bridgestone forecasts ROA of 6% in 2012 as planned in MTP2007. Efforts will be made to further elevate this figure to a higher level in 2013.
	(2) Secure net sales of ¥4.3 trillion in 2012
		In terms of net sales, Bridgestone aims to exceed its MTP2007 goal of ¥4.0 trillion with ¥4.3 trillion in 2012. Bridgestone will seek to attain an even higher level in 2013.
	(3) Realize operating income of ¥410 billion in 2012
		Bridgestone will strive to realize operating income over the ¥400 billion mark set in MTP2007 and achieve ¥410 billion as of 2012. Again, Bridgestone will work toward the higher level in 2013.

Notes:

*1.	Runflat tires continue to function safely at a specified speed for a specified mileage after losing air pressure under normal conditions at 0kPa air pressure. Runflats have been developed for the purpose of ensuring safety in the event of a sudden loss of pressure as with a puncture. In addition, runflats eliminate the need for a spare tire. This can contribute to fuel economy through weight-saving, and it gives automakers greater latitude in designing vehicles. Eliminating the spare tire also reduces rubber consumption and rubber scrap. Bridgestone's runflat tires are installable on conventional wheels.
*2.	GREATEC tires have an ultralow aspect ratio and allow for replacing dual-tire configurations on trucks and buses with single-tire configurations. The overall weight of the tire and rim is less than the aggregate weight of two conventional tires and rims. That improves fuel economy and also helps accommodate heavier loads. It reduces the amount of scrap rubber, too, which lessens environmental impact. In addition, a GREATEC tire occupies less lateral space under a vehicle than two conventional tires. In a bus, GREATEC's streamlined configuration increases the interior space available for the aisle or seating.
*3.	EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film is used to fasten the silicon cell (which converts the sun's rays to electricity) to the glass surface through heat-induced molecular binding.