Financial Overview

(in billion JPY)

	FY2009	FY2008	Rate of change (%)	Factors
Sales	1,132.8	1,417.2	(20.1)	-In the Americas, sales decreased by 20.1% from the previous year, due to the significant impact of the slumping demand.
Operating income	344	216	59.3	-Operating income increased by 59.3% from the previous year, due to curbed expenses and a favorable performance by tire retail operations.

Contracts

-The Company announced that Bridgestone-brand Run-Flat tires have been selected for the 2009 BMW X5 M and X6 M. The new models come with Dueler HP Sport RFT tires, in sizes 275/40R20 106Y (front) and 315/35R20 110Y (rear). The Plant in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan will be supplying the tires for these vehicles. (From a press release on Jul 2, 2009)

Business Restructuring

-The Company announced that it has made the decision to cease passenger and light truck manufacturing at its LaVergne, Tennessee, USA tire plant due to negative economic conditions. The Company will implement a layoff beginning in mid-March 2009. Truck tire manufacturing will continue at LaVergne. (From a press release on Jan 22, 2009)