Automotive Digest: Bridgestone-Firestone Admits It Made ‘Bad Tires;’ But Says It’s Only Part of Overall Safety Problem

Bridgestone-Firestone Admits It Made ‘Bad Tires;’ But Says It’s Only Part of Overall Safety Problem

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Source: : The Wall Street Journal, 09/13/00, Page A3

Situation

Firestone executive admits it made "bad tires" before Senate Commerce Committee hearing

Unique design specs of 235/75/R15 Wilderness AT tire + variations in manufacturing process at Decatur plant to blame

Somewhat Likely:

Not Very Likely/Not at All Likely:

Significant Points

Firestone narrows focus of its investigation; accepts responsibility, but not all blame

Examining potential design & manufacturing problems; processes & specifications

Shareholders are worried

NHTSA re-directs $1.8M to expedite probe investigation

Says

Firestone takes "full responsibility" for problems that led to the tire recall. But the tires are "only part of the overall safety problem." -- Says Firestone's John Lampe, referring to rollover characteristics of Ford's Explorer