In Latin America, Bridgestone said low-end imports have had a big impact resulting in revenue decreases of 35 percent in Argentina and 17 percent in Brazil compared to last year. The company plans to utilize its Firestone brand and fixed-cost reductions to turn the year around. The Europe business "sustained underperformance," according to the company. After declines in the market last year, Bridgestone downsized some production amid weak demand, streamlined its wholesale operations and promoted operational improvements in the retail said.