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


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