Tokyo (February 10, 2016) - Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that it supplied seat pads for backseat passenger use for the Toyota Motor Corporation's new Prius hybrid vehicle, which was launched in Japan on December 12, 2015, and is slated for subsequent release in Europe and the United States. This marks the first time that Bridgestone seat pads will be used in the Prius series. By reducing seat pad thickness and optimizing the cell structure of urethane foam, these Bridgestone seat pads contribute to the fuel efficiency and ride comfort of the new Toyota Prius.

Bridgestone seat pad
(used for backseat passengers)

The 2016 Prius seeks to offer a fun driving experience, while also delivering ride comfort. Bridgestone worked to optimize the rigidity and damping properties of the cell structure of the seat pad, as well as their breathability. In doing so, Bridgestone secured the optimal level of support and vibration absorption, which allows the 2016 Prius to deliver a comfortable ride for backseat passengers. Additionally, the seat pads are lighter in weight, which contributes to fuel efficiency.

*1 Image of urethane foam's internal structure

As the world's leading tire and rubber company Bridgestone continues to apply advanced technical capabilities and materials to support the world's mobility needs.

Bridgestone Corporation issued this content on 10 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 February 2016 06:17:33 UTC

Original Document: http://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2016021002.html