Bridgestone Launches Firestone Brand In India With FR500 And LS02 Tyres

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in India, world's largest tyre and rubber company, Bridgestone Corporation launched America's iconic Firestone tyre brand in India on Friday. The century-old brand launched two of its products -- Firestone FR500 and Firestone Destination LE02 -- during the event in Mumbai. 

Available in the Indian markets right away, the Indianapolis 500 tyre sponsor is targeting different segments with these two offerings. While the former will roll under passenger cars, the latter is set to perform duties for SUVs. 

Talking about the FR500, it will be available for a total of 24 sizes from 12 rim diameters to 16 rim diameters. Key features include compound 2-ply construction side walls to withstand external shocks, wider shoulder blocks for no irregular wear, 3D block shape winding groove for improved safety and high, low angle slots for better water drainage. 

The LE02, on the other hand, will come in no less than three different sizes between 15 and 16-inch diameters. It will get 11 more sizes by the year 2018, company's Indian marketing head, Vaibhav Saraf said during the launch. 

Targeting the SUV segment, the LE02 will carry similar safety and durability features  to its passenger car sibling. It has been further bolstered by centre cross piping, shoulder closed pipes and rib combinations lug. 

The Firestone brand will be sold via the current Bridgestone network but the company is majorly targeting independent tyre shops with the new brand. This move is targeted at better penetration in the rural markets while e-commerce is also a part of the company's retail strategy for Firestone. 

In terms and of pricing, the Firestone brand is priced at an average 10 percent cut from the Bridgestone range of tyres. While the FR500 will start at a price of Rs 2,200, the LS02 will begin from Rs 5,500.