Industry Underdog Nitto Tire Becomes First Japanese Automotive Company To Reach 2.5 Million Facebook Fans, Celebrates With New Campaign And Launch Of Times Square Billboard

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Dec 18, 2012, 01:43 ET

CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nitto Tire, a leading producer of high performance tires, today announced yet another social media milestone: garnering 2.5 million fans on Facebook. This establishes Nitto as the #1 Japanese automotive brand on the popular social networking site, surpassing Honda, Lexus and Toyota. The feat also lands Nitto as the second largest Japanese company on Facebook, only second to Sony.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121218/LA31670)

Nitto just reached its two-million mark on Facebook this past October, gaining 500,000 fans in just two months. To date, Nitto has almost tripled its Facebook fan base in less than a year, having garnered its first million fans in December 2011. This unparalleled achievement confirms Nitto's tremendous popularity among enthusiasts, as well as the company's commitment to utilizing Facebook as a fan engagement tool. Additionally, Nitto secured five 2012 Impact Awards, claiming the most nods for digital marketing, more than any other organization in the entire program. These recent achievements further fortify Nitto's reign as a leading social media presence in the automotive and tire industries.

"We are so thrilled to close out this year on a high note, having reached yet another social media milestone," said Tomo Mizutani, president of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. "Our fans are what solidifies our leadership in the digital space and they are largely the reason of what fuels our passion and drives us to innovate. We couldn't have reached this achievement without them and are so thankful to have such a great community of loyal supporters."

Nitto continues to engage with its fans through the use of compelling content and unique promotions. The company just concluded a five-month comprehensive campaign with award-winning DJ and producer Steve Aoki, which included a private drift event, a sold-out concert at the Shrine Expo in Los Angeles, and various social media promotions with the DJ.

Its current social media and marketing campaign, "Our Ears, Your Underdog Story," celebrates the humble beginnings and successes of Nitto's loyal fans. The program encompasses an integrated Facebook contest where fans are encouraged to share their underdog stories for a chance to win several prizes including an iPad mini or Kindle Fire HD. The campaign also includes a prominent billboard in Times Square and a short comic book on Nitto's background, which was released yesterday.

For more information on "Our Ears, Your Underdog Story," visit Nitto's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NittoTire/app_95936962634.

Check out Nitto Tire on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NittoTire
Follow Nitto Tire on Twitter: @NittoTire

About Nitto Tire
Nitto Tire (www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in both Japan and the United States – Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. For more information about Nitto or its products, visit the company's web site or contact the company directly. Nitto is a registered trademark of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., located at 5665 Plaza Drive, Ste. 250, Cypress, Calif., 90630.

Media Contacts:
Irving Der / Carol Lee
Rogers & Cowan
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SOURCE Nitto Tire