Firestone replaces nearly 1 million tires; millions more to go

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (CNN) -- Firestone executives announced Saturday they expect to pass the 1 million mark in replaced tires this weekend as dealers struggle to meet consumer demand after a massive tire recall.

The company has also broadened its public relations effort with a television ad that promises a commitment to public safety.

The company is also gearing up for a visit Monday from congressional aides, who are preparing for Capitol Hill hearings in September that will examine the recall of about 6.5 million Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT models on the road. Ford trucks and sport utility vehicles, especially the Explorer, are among the chief users of the tires.

The recall came after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating reports of 62 fatal accidents connected to the 15-inch tires.

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Facing increasing pressure from some advocacy groups and lawyers to broaden the recall, Firestone also said it will hire a tire expect to conduct an independent analysis of the types of tires involved in the fatal accidents.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding that so many of our Firestone customers have shown during this major undertaking," said John Lampe, executive vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. "We're doing everything in our power to replace all recalled tires as quickly as possible."

Plants in Japan shipping tires

Officials said the "conservative estimate" of replacing at least 1 million tires by this weekend comes after reaching 850,000 this past Wednesday. Bridgestone/Firestone manufacturing plants in the United States have increased tire production by 7,000 tires daily to meet the replacement demand.

Firestone executives said that manufacturing plants in Japan are shipping by air thousands of replacement tires as well, and Firestone is also using competitors' tires as replacements.

Lampe addresses consumers in a new television commercial slated to air during the NEC World Series of Golf, which will likely draw a large audience because of Tiger Woods' participation.

"At Firestone, your safety is our highest priority," Lampe says in the script, going on to describe the company's recall effort. "We are maximizing production, airlifting tires from Japan and working with other tire-makers to increase total production. Let me assure you that we are committed to your safety and to resolving this issue."

Critics, however, maintain that Firestone officials knew about defects in the 15-inch tires long before they notified customers in the United States, and they also charge that a greater number of tires than the ones covered by the voluntary recall pose a risk to drivers.

A class-action lawsuit filed in Florida seeks to broaden the recall effort. The Center for Auto Safety in Washington has also filed a lawsuit seeking to do the same, calling on Firestone and Ford to turn over internal documents related to the recall.

Congressional investigators will head to Firestone headquarters in wake of recall
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Ford defends tire recall
August 24, 2000
Ford, Firestone to testify
August 24, 2000
Florida drivers may drop class action lawsuit
August 18, 2000
Higher death toll from accidents involving Firestone tires, NHTSA says
August 15, 2000
Florida drivers want Firestone to replace tires immediately
August 14, 2000

Center for Auto Safety
Bridgestone/Firestone
Ford Motor Company
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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