Bridgestone's run-flat tyre available with 2007 Lexus hybrid

Nashville, Tennessee - Bridgestone's 18-inch Turanza ER33 RFT run-flat tyres will be available as optional equipment on the 2007 Lexus GS 450h hybrid model, the tyremaker announced.

The Japanese firm's US subsidiary, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNT), will be the sole supplier of the tyre range for the carmaker.

"Just as Lexus is advancing hybrid sedan technology, Bridgestone has been a pioneer in developing, producing and testing run-flat tyres for more than 20 years," BFNT's original equipment consumer tyres president Michael Martini said.

"Our Turanza ER33 RFT tyre on the Lexus GS 450h sedan represents an exciting convergence of these consumer-friendly and environmentally conscious technologies."

Bridgestone said the Turanza tyres allowed drivers to travel up to 50 miles (80.5 km) at 50 mph after loss of air, which eliminated the need for carrying a spare tyre, freeing up extra trunk space and reducing vehicle weight for better fuel efficiency.