Firestone

A Leading Legacy

When we created the Airide™ air spring in 1938, we didn’t just introduce a new product to the market. We revolutionized mobility. With an anti-vibration solution capable of enhancing how vehicles ride, we opened the door to a higher quality of driving—on and off the road. 

Our History

For over 80 years, we’ve been pioneering smarter ways to move the world forward. From passenger and commercial vehicles to heavy-duty trucks, off-highway equipment and now, electric vehicles, we’ve continued to evolve our noise/vibration/harshness reduction solutions so that they remain just as relevant as they were from the start. 

Timeline

  • The first pneumatic suspension device (air spring) is patented in 1938.
  • Airide air springs are trademarked in 1939.

  • After several years of intensive product development, the air-sprung bus goes into production in the early 50s.
  • In the 60s, the first completely sealed air spring with a crimped plate is developed.
  • The cure-in end closure, which permanently cures the end enclosure for an air-tight seal, is also developed.
  • Production begins on rail car air springs for trains.

  • Production begins on heavy-duty truck cab and seat springs.
  • Operations go international with the opening of a sales office in London, UK, and a manufacturing plant in São Paulo, Brazil.

  • Plastic pistons, which reduce overall vehicle weight, are developed and are an industry first.
  • Ride-Rite™ is acquired, expanding our air spring portfolio.
  • Firestone joins the Bridgestone family of companies.
  • The ultrasonic internal height sensor is patented.
  • The air spring for front air suspension is developed.
  • Manufacturing plants open in Williamsburg, KY,  and Dyersburg, TN.

  • The first injection-molded piston launches.
  • Automotive air helper product line expands with Coil-Rite™ air helper springs.

  • Firestone introduces revolutionary air damping technology.
  • The manufacturing plant in Wolsztyn, Poland, opens and produces its first part.
  • Beijing Firestone Air Spring, LLC starts assembly in China.
  • The London sales office moves to Arnhem, The Netherlands, and is expanded to include a technical center.

  • World headquarters moves from Indianapolis, IN, to Nashville, TN.
  • The first-ever fully integrated, intelligent air spring sensor is unveiled.
  • Williamsburg plant expands to increase capacity for electric vehicle (EV) air springs.
  • Firestone Airide rises to become the leading brand in EV suspension technology.

Sustainability

Our Technical Centers across the globe apply the best research, development and testing methods to innovate air spring technology for the future—and sustainability lies at the core of it all. As we move ahead with greener practices, investments and initiatives, Firestone Airide is firmly rooted in the eight components that make up the greater Bridegstone Americas' E8 Commitment: ENERGY, ECOLOGY, EFFICIENCY, EXTENSION, ECONOMY, EMOTION, EASE and EMPOWERMENT. Learn more about Bridgestone America's commitment to a sustainable future.

Quality

At Firestone, cutting corners isn’t in our vocabulary. We hold ourselves to the highest industry standards and customer specifications. That means investing in continuous collaboration among our international R&D facilities, leading associations and partnering universities to deliver products that are smarter, more efficient and stand the test of time.

Global Footprint

Firestone Airide has become a trusted name in air suspension markets worldwide. With facilities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, we have the unique ability to manufacture, modify and distribute products in all four hemispheres, further powering the global economy as an integral member of the Bridgestone family.

1 Product Found

1 Product Found