In the first half of 2010, Bridgestone realized a profit of 520 million U.S. dollars

According to data released recently by Bridgestone, in the first half of 2010, Bridgestone tires turned profitable. In view of the global auto market rebound, Bridgestone has recently raised its business expectations for the full year.

In the first half of 2010, Bridgestone's sales increased by 15% year-on-year to 1.39 trillion yen (about 16.2 billion U.S. dollars); profits reached 44.5 billion yen (about 5.2 billion U.S. dollars), compared to the same period in 2009. The loss reached 39.3 billion yen.

Bridgestone's improved operations are mainly attributed to the continuous increase in vehicle output of global auto makers, including Toyota, Honda, Ford, and General Motors. Bridgestone raised its 2010 profit forecast to 77 billion yen (about US$1.1 billion) from 77 billion yen in June.