Ford approaches Goodyear to supply 2002 Explorer

WASHINGTON (Sept. 7)—Ford Motor Co. has approached Goodyear to join Michelin North America Inc. as an alternative supplier of original equipment tires for the 2002 Ford Explorer. A Goodyear spokesman confirmed talks between Ford and Goodyear, "but nothing has been finalized," he said. Since the recall of 6.5 million Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires, most of which were OE on the Explorer, Ford has become increasingly dissatisfied with Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., according to Ford CEO Jacques Nasser. "Our relationship with Firestone, as with any other supplier that let us down, is on a day-to-day basis," Nasser said at a congressional hearing.