Firestone at a glance
Harvey Firestone founded his tyre company in Akron, Ohio, in 1900. He struck up an early friendship with Henry Ford, and Firestone tyres became standard equipment on Ford cars. In 1911 Ray Harroun won the very first Indianapolis 500 on Firestone tyres. Racing remained part of the brand's identity for decades, and Firestone is still linked to the IndyCar series today.
In 1988 Firestone was bought by Japan's Bridgestone. Today Firestone is the group's second core brand, with its American arm based in Nashville. Firestone tyres sold in Europe are made in Bridgestone factories. Firestone sits in the mid-range price bracket, below Bridgestone. These tyres suit drivers who want a tyre from a major manufacturer but don't need a premium price tag. In Europe the brand is also a common sight on vans.
Firestone's core summer range in Europe is Roadhawk, currently the Roadhawk 2. Firestone winter tyres carry the Winterhawk name, such as the Winterhawk 4. These are Central European winter tyres. For year-round driving, Firestone offers the Multiseason 2. Vans get their own Vanhawk and Vanhawk Multiseason ranges, and SUVs the Destination range. Tractor and agricultural machinery tyres are also sold under the Firestone name.