Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer, is celebrating its largest-ever commercial fleet win, having secured a five-year £85m deal with FirstGroup.
Says FirstGroup Group Procurement Manager Glen Lovett: “Having first begun working together with a fleet agreement in Leicester in 2004, we have seen significant achievements and built up a solid working relationship over many years.”
The contract sees Bridgestone supplying tyres for First’s 60,000 coaches and buses in the UK, USA and Canada. The deal covers all the UK and 80% of the North American fleet. The fleet will predominantly use UAP-001 tyres, with different tread patterns unique to each market.
Bridgestone Commercial Sales Director Greg Ward says: “This is a hugely significant announcement and a partnership we’re extremely proud of. We needed to demonstrate our value and ability to deliver on a global level to stave off stiff competition from a rival premium tyre manufacturer.”
Adds Mr Lovett: “Many organisations – while global in nature – retain a regionalised market focus but Bridgestone were able to engage with FirstGroup on a global basis, enabling us to leverage our size and scale. This agreement will provide the flexibility that we need to manage a huge fleet of vehicles on both sides of the Atlantic, including our local buses, coach services, and school transportation.”
