TIRE COMPANIES OFFER LIFETIME WARRANTIES
By Adnews Staff
Two tire companies will soon be rolling out tires in North America that have lifetime warranties - with some limits. The Japanese Bridgestone/Firestone company is bringing out a new version of its Turanza line next month, called the Turenza T. It comes with a guaranteed free replacement if the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch in the first three years. After three years Bridgestone will give a 50% discount on the price of replacement tires for as long as the original purchaser owns the car. Print advertising and point-of-sale materials for the tires was launched this week by Promanad Communications of Toronto. Bridgestone says that besides lasting a long time, the Turanza T gives a smoother ride than previous models and offers improved wet weather handling and winter traction. U.S.-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber is also offering the same deal with its new tire called the Infinitred. Goodyear officials were unavailable yesterday to say whether the Infinitred is coming to Canada with the same offer. U.S. television advertising for the Infinitred, from the Detroit office of J.Walter Thompson, will start airing March 14 during the men's National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament. The word "lifetime" runs in block capital letters at the top the screen, while small type at the bottom tells customers to see a Goodyear dealer to find out what the limits are on the deal.