Bridgestone has been awarded the BMW Supplier Innovation Award 2014 in the category “Efficient Dynamics”, in recognition of Bridgestone’s new ologic technology for C02-optimised tyres developed for the BMW i3 electric vehicle. The award was presented to Mr. Franco Annunziato, CEO and President Bridgestone Europe, by Mr. Gerhard Kurz, Senior VP Purchasing Driving Dynamics, at an official ceremony in Amsterdam on 1st October.
“Bridgestone is very proud to have been chosen by BMW as exclusive tyre development partner for its range of electric vehicles. BMW and Bridgestone share the same vision of sustainable mobility and we are delighted to receive the BMW innovation award for our new ologic tyre technology” says Mr. Annunziato.
Bridgestone was selected exclusively by BMW to develop tyres that complement the dynamic handling and sustainable performance of its revolutionary i3 all electric vehicle. The ologic tyres have especially large diameters and narrow treads, which reduce tyre deformation and loss of energy during driving, helping to reduce rolling resistance while at the same time keeping safety levels at least at the same level as conventional tyres.
This lower rolling resistance leads to improved fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions and in the case of pure electric engines, an extended range of operation. Thanks to its design and the use of innovative materials, Bridgestone tyres made with ologic technology fulfil all BMW’s driving dynamic performance requirements.
Bridgestone is currently exclusive tyre supplier to BMW i vehicles, supplying Ecopia EP500 tyres with ologic technology for the urban all-electric BMW i3 and Potenza S001 sport tyres for the BMW i8 electric hybrid model. The BMW Group presented 2014 innovation awards in a total of seven categories, as well as a special “Innovation Partnership” award. The categories span fields of technology where the company will define the future of individual mobility as a premium manufacturer.
