Statement of Christine Karbowiak Regarding Attorney Generals Statement: No Expansion of Tire Recall NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 16, 2000) – Today, the Attorneys General in New York and Connecticut issued press releases stating that Bridgestone/Firestone has agreed to expand its recall efforts concerning the P235/75R15 Radial ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires produced at the Decatur facility. Those releases are inaccurate. In early September, as part of a customer satisfaction program, we agreed to replace any tires included in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) September 1 advisory, if a customer is concerned about them. If a consumer prefers to replace those tires with a competitor’s tires, Bridgestone/Firestone will reimburse the consumer up to $140 per tire. This action was not an expansion of the voluntary recall. The company continues to believe that the recall population is proper. All of the details concerning the voluntary recall and the customer satisfaction program are listed on our website (www.firestone.com). Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm’s press release is generally accurate, although we do take exception with two areas. We do not agree with her urging of consumers to replace those tires.  Additionally, the tires must be mounted in order for the consumer to be eligible for the customer satisfaction program. Her release follows for your use and review. ###   Michigan Attorney General Granholm Issues Consumer Alert – Regarding Options for Replacing Firestone Tires Source: PRMS - PR Newswire Oct 16, 2000 14:58 LANSING, Mich., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney General Jennifer M. Granholm, along with the Attorneys General from 48 other states and territories in the Bridgestone/Firestone multi-state working group, today alerted consumers with certain Firestone tires that they have replacement options of which they may not be aware. On September 1, 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer advisory which recommended replacement of a number of Firestone tires which were not included in company's voluntary tire recall. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. will replace all tires listed on the NHTSA consumer advisory free of charge if the tires are taken to an authorized Bridgestone/Firestone  dealer. Tires will be replaced regardless of use and condition and can even be replaced if not currently being used on a vehicle. If a consumer prefers to replace consumer advisory tires with a competitor's tires, Bridgestone/Firestone will reimburse the consumer up to $140.00 per tire for any tire purchased to replace a tire listed on NHTSA's September 1, 2000, Consumer Advisory. Granholm said: "I want to urge all consumers to replace any consumer advisory tires as soon as possible. You can either get free replacements at a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer or obtain reimbursement up to $140.00 per tire if you go to a competitor to have your tires replaced. Your safety and your peace of mind are paramount." If customers choose the replacement option at a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer, tire replacement should be absolutely free to the consumer.  Consumers will not be charged for mounting, balancing, valve stem, sales tax or disposal fees for replacement tires. If a customer previously had a road hazard warranty or insurance, Bridgestone/Firestone will replace that warranty free of charge when the replacement tire is installed.  Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. will replace consumer advisory tires for either individuals or companies, but will select the brand and type of tires used as a replacement. Authorized Bridgestone/Firestone dealers can be located by visiting the store locator section of the Bridgestone/Firestone web page at : http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/. Should consumers choose the $140.00 reimbursement option, the reimbursement includes mounting, balancing, valve stem, sales tax and tire disposal fees. Consumers can elect the reimbursement option regardless of the use or condition of the tires. If a consumer previously had a road hazard warranty, Bridgestone/Firestone will pay to replace the warranty on the new tires. In order to be eligible for the reimbursement program, consumers must return NHTSA's Consumer Advisory tires to an authorized Bridgestone/Firestone retailer where appropriate forms to apply for reimbursement will be provided. A consumer will also need an original receipt for the replacement tires to attach to the reimbursement form. It will likely take 4-6 weeks for a consumer to receive the reimbursement from Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. In addition, consumers do not have to waive any of their legal rights to take advantage of the Bridgestone/Firestone tire replacement program. At the request of the Attorneys General, Bridgestone/Firestone has removed any such language from its reimbursement forms. Further, Bridgestone/Firestone has agreed not to enforce any agreements consumers may have signed releasing  them from their legal rights on the recall or advisory forms previously signed by consumers. Tires voluntarily recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone are also subject to free replacement by a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer or reimbursement of up to $100.00 dollars when a competitor's tires are purchased. More information about identifying recalled and advisory tires, and Bridgestone/Firestone's explanation of the process is available at http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/. # # #