Bridgestone/Firestone Launches Sport Compact Brand

A tire designed specifically for the enthusiast and tuner markets, was introduced by Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show this week in Las Vegas.
The Fuzion ZRi, a new brand of tire from BFNT that addresses this fastest growing segment in the performance tire market, will be available to retail customers in Canada and the U.S. in spring 2004.
"We are very excited about the new Fuzion brand of tires," said Phil Pacsi, executive director, North American Consumer Tire Brand Marketing, BFNT. "This is our first tire designed specifically to appeal to the tuner market segment."
The new W- V- and H-speed rated Fuzion ZRi features a directional tread pattern for great looks and optimum handling. The tire launch will be backed with a major marketing initiative, including a new Web site, www.thefuzionzone.com, complete with an exciting interactive on-line racing game, Pacsi added.
The tire, which is engineered with the company’s exclusive UNI-T technology, will be available in more than 30, 16- to 20-inch, 30- to 60-series sizes.
UNI-T is an acronym for "Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology" found only in Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and select associate brand tires. One of its core technologies is a Computer Optimized Component System, COCS, which uses a super computer to help determine an ideal combination of tread design, casing shape, materials and construction for a particular application.
Tires with UNI-T have a special O-Bead that eliminates overlapped joints in the bead assembly, improving the way a tire interacts with the rim, and providing a rounder assembly for improved stability.
The use of L.L. Carbon, or Long Link Carbon, an advanced form of carbon black, produces a stronger tire, better able to resist cracking, chipping, tearing and excessive wear.