Bridgestone/Firestone Takes
Steps To
Boost Production Of Replacement Tires
And Provide Consumers With Information On Recall
Company orders doubling of tire
production, increases imports and expands hotline hours
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2000
– Bridgestone/Firestone has ordered
dramatic increases in production and imports to meet the demands
of a tire recall announced Wednesday and has intensified its
efforts to respond faster to consumer inquiries about the recall.
On Wednesday, Bridgestone/Firestone announced
a voluntary recall of all Firestone Radial ATX and Radial
ATX II tires in size P235/75R15 produced in North America, including
Mexico, and Wilderness AT tires in size P235/75R15 produced
at the Decatur, Ill., plant. The recall includes original equipment
and replacement tires of that size, regardless of the vehicle’s
manufacturer.
“We are making every effort to provide
not only information but action,” said Gary Crigger, executive
vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone. “Our domestic
production and our imports have been ramped up as quickly as
possible to produce the replacement tires we need, and we expect
to double tire production in about a week. We are also continuing
the process of locating other potential sources of replacements.”
“We are determined to provide the
public with the answers they need to understand this situation,
how it applies to them and what actions they need to take,”
Crigger said. “We understand consumers’ need for accurate
information and we are working hard to make it available.”
Crigger said the company has ordered
its plants to double their capacity to produce replacement tires
of this size and will also increase production and imports from
its global production network.
The company also published a list of
answers to frequently asked questions to address the concerns
most often expressed by consumers. The questions and answers
are posted on the web site.
The recalled tires are most commonly
used on sport utility vehicles and light trucks. A majority
of the tires in use are on Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
is currently conducting a preliminary evaluation of the tires
in response to questions relating to failures of these tires.
The company chose to voluntarily recall the tires even though
the evaluation is not yet complete.
Crigger reiterated Bridgestone/Firestone’s
commitment to the safety and confidence of its customers. “We
intend to replace these tires, no matter how old or no matter
where they were purchased.”
“We want to assure our longstanding
customers and business partners that this action is motivated
by our commitment to safety and customer confidence, not by
lawsuits or government mandates,” Crigger said. “This
is a difficult time for consumers, for those who might have
experienced losses in any accidents involving these tires, and
to our many loyal and dedicated employees. We ask for the patience
of all as we work to address every concern.”
Nashville, Tenn., based Bridgestone/Firestone,
Inc., is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of
Japan, the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturer.
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., develops, manufactures and markets
Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and private brand tires. The
company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials,
synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles.
