Bridgestone to Collaborate with Cambridge University and Durham University as Title Sponsor of the World Solar Challenge 2023

Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tyre and rubber company, announced its continued title sponsorship of the World Solar Challenge 2023, a competition for teams to design, build, and race solar-powered vehicles in the world’s foremost solar technology and advanced engineering challenge.

As part of the sponsorship, Bridgestone is also supporting university teams across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), which in the UK  is two teams – Cambridge University and Durham University.  Teams will compete in the World Solar Challenge showcasing their cutting-edge designs and engineering solutions. The competition serves as a platform to inspire future generations of engineers and promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

"We are proud to support the World Solar Challenge, and to be a part of the effort to drive innovation and sustainability in the transportation sector," said Andrea Manenti, Vice President, Bridgestone North. "Through our sponsorship and support of two incredible teams – Cambridge University Eco Racing and Durham University Solar Car, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of engineers and leaders, who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility."

Bridgestone's involvement in the World Solar Challenge reflects the company's dedication to creating a more sustainable future, and its commitment to supporting the development of new technologies that will help to reduce its carbon footprint. For the competition, it will equip both the teams from Cambridge University and Durham University with Bridgestone tyres that make use of pioneering technologies capable of enhancing the performance of their solar powered vehicle. 

An example is the ENLITEN tyre technology platform, Bridgestone’s innovative approach to tyre development. The combination of multiple cutting-edge technologies provides maximum safety and outstanding tyre performance for drivers, while improving the sustainability characteristics of the tyre. Additionally, ENLITEN makes the Bridgestone tyre portfolio more adaptable to the latest mobility evolution, making all Bridgestone tyres fully EV-ready.

Ginny Lawrence, Chief Operations Officer from Cambridge University Eco Racing stated, "At Cambridge University Eco Racing, we are honoured to be working with Bridgestone this race season. The team is driving towards a sustainable future with a firm grip on performance and innovation thanks to their help. We rely immensely on the help of our sponsors and are proud to showcase Bridgestone tyres throughout our development and racing."

Anith Sathananthan, Team Principal from Durham University Solar Car remarked, "We are excited to partner with Bridgestone for the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Their tyres and support will help our new solar car to compete on the world stage while promoting what is possible in a sustainable future." 

Prof. David Sims-Williams from Durham University's Department of Engineering further added: "We are very pleased to be partnering with Bridgestone as we work to enable vehicles of the future to go further with less energy."

“Our continued support of the World Solar Challenge amplifies three of our core promises in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, delivering value to society, our customers and future generations in Energy, Ecology, and Efficiency. All three of these focus areas are directly linked to our environmental targets – to achieve carbon neutrality and work with 100% sustainable materials by 2050, as well as advance sustainable tyre technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations.” said Koji Takagi, Management Board Member and Chief Sustainability Officer, Bridgestone EMIA

The World Solar Challenge 2023 will take place in October and will bring together teams from around the world to compete in a race of over 3000 km across the heart of Australia, showcasing their engineering skills and commitment to sustainability.

Media information:

For more information about this press release, or if you have any more questions, please call Ben Smallman at Ben Smallman PR on 07833 463195 or email ben@bensmallmanpr.com or helen.roe@bridgestone.eu

About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa

Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions.

Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMIA employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries across the region.

Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMIA, please visit www.bridgestone-emia.com and press.bridgestone-emia.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.