Bridgestone Inspired by Solar Students and their Commitment to Tomorrow

Some of the world’s brightest young minds will soon take part in a gruelling 3,000km challenge from Darwin to Adelaide – a drive many wouldn’t consider doing in a normal car, let alone a vehicle powered by the sun. 

As the title sponsor of the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and tyre supplier of choice to many of the event’s teams, Bridgestone is throwing its support behind these young students and recognizing their contribution to ensuring a positive future for society.

But Bridgestone’s commitment to this cause extends far beyond the event itself – it’s part of an important new company-wide initiative called Tomorrow Matters. 

“At Bridgestone, our commitment to the community extends far beyond providing safe, quality tyres,” said Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Moffatt. 

“We believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can to create a bright and sustainable future for generations to come. We believe that tomorrow matters today.” 

“With that in mind, Bridgestone is actively working towards three objectives under the Tomorrow Matters initiative, with a commitment to finding new and better ways of using technology; encouraging our children to find solutions for tomorrow; and helping to ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”

 Alongside a host of other activities, support of the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is just one initiative the company is implementing as part of its Tomorrow Matters program.

“Bridgestone’s innovative low rolling resistance Ecopia technology is a good demonstration of our commitment to finding new and better ways of using technology as well as our commitment to the environment,” Mr Moffatt said.

“Our environmental commitment is further strengthened by our Bandag retreads – the number one tyre re-treading brand in Australasia, re-treading more than 550,000 truck casings every year and saving them from ending up as waste.”

“Our company is also striving to be the leader in responsible tyre waste disposal. We are a member of Tyre Stewardship Australia which, under its Tyre Stewardship Scheme, aims to reduce the amount of end of life tyres damaging the environment via landfill. Furthermore, our retail stores use accredited Australian Tyre Recycling Association members to collect and recycle old tyres.”

“These are just a few examples of the many ways we’re actively working towards our Tomorrow Matters commitments. It’s exciting because we know from experience that we can make a real difference through these initiatives, as demonstrated by our new Ecopia with ologic technology.” 

Ologic technology was first tested by a team that participated in the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – and it is now on Australian roads with Bridgestone’s Ecopia 500 tyres fitted as original equipment on the BMWi3.

“The fact that this technology has made the full journey from solar challenge to real-life application is a compelling example of the great things that can be achieved when we invest in technology and our young people in a meaningful way,” Mr Moffatt said.

For more information about Bridgestone’s Tomorrow Matters initiative and the 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge click here.

Under its Tomorrow Matters initiative, Bridgestone is actively working towards three important objectives, with a commitment to:

• Finding new and better ways of using technology;

• Encouraging our children to find solutions for tomorrow; and

• Helping to ensure a healthy environment forcurrent and future generations.