BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE CEO PROVIDES
UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION
NASHVILLE, Aug. 23, 2000
– In an advertisement
published today in newspapers around the country, Bridgestone/Firestone,
Inc. CEO Masatoshi Ono provided an update on the company's investigation
into the cause or causes of the reported incidents with the
recalled tires.
"We are working around the clock,
utilizing all of our resources to determine the cause of these
failures," Ono said. "It may take time to scientifically
determine the cause of the problem. Tires are highly complex
engineered products. A typical tire can have more than 26 components,
14 different rubber compounds, and require 29 separate steps
to manufacture. In addition, there are many other forces that
affect tire performance such as weather, temperature, vehicle
loads, driving styles, vehicle dynamics, inflation pressure
and road conditions."
In addition to assuring customers that
the company's "highest priority is to complete the recall
process as quickly as possible," Ono explained the steps
being taken to accelerate the recall. The company has:
- Increased worldwide production of
replacement tires.
- Begun air freighting replacement tires
made at Bridgestone Corporation manufacturing plants in Japan.
The first shipment of new replacement tires left earlier today
on a Thai Airways flight from Japan and at least 10 more flights
are planned before Monday. These shipments will continue
nearly every day as long as needed to assist consumers involved
with the recall.
- Asked other tire manufacturers to
increase their supplies of replacement tires.
- Extended the reimbursement policy
for tires involved in the recall. Consumers who choose to
purchase competitors' tires from any other tire retailer (other
than Firestone Tire and Service Centers and authorized Bridgestone/Firestone
dealers) can be reimbursed for up to $100 per tire, including
mounting and balancing charges and taxes. Customers can continue
to have their tires exchanged at Firestone Tire and Service
Centers, participating Bridgestone/Firestone retailers or
at participating Ford dealers at no charge (and without upfront
payment).
On August 9, Bridgestone/Firestone issued
a voluntary safety recall of all Firestone P235/75R15 Radial
ATX and Radial ATX II tires made in North America, and P235/75R15
Wilderness AT tires made at the Decatur, Ill., plant.
