Bridgestone 2008 Annual Report Download - page 26

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set by Bridgestone, and the operations demonstrate a high level of quality control. Over the
next few years, we plan to open about 20 of these bases around Japan. Moreover, we are
implementing Eco Value Pack, a new proposal-based business designed to achieve
reductions in customers’ total tire-related costs. Eco Value Pack includes new tires and
retread tires, as well as tire management services for the purpose of making the best use of
those tires.
In Asia (including China), we anticipate continued growth in the retread business in the
years ahead. We will further utilize our existing channels and strengthen our “solutions
business” to provide combinations of new tires, retreads, and services.
As in North America, the use of retreads is rmly established in Europe. Targeting further
growth in the new tire/retread package business, we will proceed in stages with the
integration of Bandag and Bridgestone operations. In this way, we will aim for steady growth
through increases in the service levels provided by our existing operations.
OPTIMIzING BUSINESS DOMAINS IN THE DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS SBU
We are reconsidering the optimal business domains in the Diversied Products SBU. To
that end, we are executing “selection” and “concentration” initiatives. In areas identied for
“concentration,” we will aggressively invest management resources under the key concept
of globalization in order to reinforce business foundations. Meanwhile, in areas identied
for “selection,” we will implement appropriately timed withdrawals from these businesses,
while taking into serious consideration the impact this decision may have on our customers
and suppliers.
In “concentration” businesses, our products include EVA lm, polyurethane foam seat
pads, automotive antivibration rubber, and conveyor belts. In the past year, we took a key
step to enhance our capabilities in antivibration rubber for automobiles. In December 2008,
INITIATIVES AND PROGRESS OF MTP2008
KEY STRATEGY 1
Antivibration rubber Steel cord conveyor belts
24