Pirelli, Bridgestone announces price increases

Citing continuing increases in raw material costs, Pirelli Tire North America has increased prices for its passenger and light truck tires by 5%, effective June 1, 2005, in the U.S. and Canada. In a similar move, Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) have jointly announced price increases on the companies’ Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tire lines. The announced increases, up to 8 percent on passenger and light truck, truck and bus, and agricultural and off-the-road tires, will affect the replacement, original equipment and export channels. The price increases took effect May 1 for truck and bus tires and June 1 for all other tire lines and channels.