Going ‘green’: Bridgestone makes it a family affair

TAGLE (2nd from right) leads Paec executives as well as celebrity guests Isabelle Diaz Daza (3rd from left) and Ramon Bautista (2nd from left).

The United States’ Department of Energy says that up to 15 percent of fuel consumed by a car is used to overcome the resistance created by its tires as they roll down the road. For trucks and buses that carry heavier loads, this figure could be as high as 30 percent.

Had these vehicles used low rolling resistance tires, fuel consumption may be reduced by 1.5 percent to 5 percent. Unfortunately, car owners and and a number of manufacturers tend to focus on longer wearing type of tires or those that are priced the lowest rather than fuel efficiency that could be achieved.

“Most of us don’t think about tires much until we either get a flat or they wear out and had to shell out a considerable amount for the four replacements. Most of all, we don’t think of tires as having anything at all to do with fuel economy, when in fact they make a big difference. Choosing low rolling resistance tires combined with employing the recommended tire pressure are one of the most powerful tools in improving fuel consumption and lifespan of the tires. We have always emphasized these things, which is why we regularly organize events like this one in order to educate more people,” said Marc Tagle, president and CEO of Philippine Allied Enterprises Corp. (Paec), the official distributor of Bridgestone tires.

Paec recently held the Bridgestone Ecommunity event, which advocated the prevention of global warming, climate change, energy saving, the proper use of natural resources, recycling, noise reduction and road safety.

String of activities

“Through Ecommunity, Bridgestone continuously promotes a string of activities that comprehensively addresses the many fronts wherein the global tire maker can make a positive impact on motorists, industries, local communities and the environment. At the same time, we want to let them know that Bridgestone makes fuel-efficient, low rolling resistance tires and leads the industry in environmental innovation,” said Tagle.

THE BRIDGESTONE Ecommunity makes sure the entire family—including the kids—enjoyed the visit.

Within the enclosed space at the Glorietta Activity Center, the Bridgestone Ecommunity set up “stations” for each member of the family: the Rumble & Tumble playground and art area for the kids, Bridgestone Sales Caravan, Ecopia Showroom, Bridgestone Cares, driving simulation games, Bridgestone golf, seminar area, photobooth, Toyota Sales Caravan (where a Vios Cup car was displayed) and Partner Services area.

Bandag retreads

One interesting section of this event was Bridgestone’s “green” commitment in the commercial transportation sector: The booth highlights how Bridgestone’s Bandag retreads are extending the lifespan of commercial vehicle tires and is helping major businesses in minimizing both costs and environmental impact.

Seminars were also conducted during the two-day event and covered “basic traffic violations and what to do when approached by an officer” (courtesy of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority); “basic car maintenance, road safety tips” (A-1 Driving Co.); “how to be a professional race car driver” (Tuason Racing School); “car insurance for women” (Pink Wheels); “customization and body kits” (Atoy Customs and Body Kits); “tuning suspensions” (Bilstein Philippines); “proper engine tuning” (Autoplus Sportzentrum); driving in the Philippines (conducted by automotive journalist and Driver on Call founder James Deakin).

“During the event, we have booths that inform that through significant investments in R&D (research and development), Bridgestone was able to come up with low rolling resistance tires that does not sacrifice other other crucial tire attributes such as mileage, traction and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) characteristics,” said Tagle.

Apart from featuring Bridgestone’s Ecopia line of fuel-efficient and environment-friendly tires, Paec also showcased its Bandag brand of retread tires and its corporate social responsibility efforts like the tree-planting project at the La Mesa Ecopark, the creation of a 400-square-meter playground in Montalban, Rizal, that employed junk tires and an educational tour of the Mind Museum with 30 underprivileged children from Angono, Rizal.