NHTSA not opening a probe into Cooper tires at this time

FINDLAY, Ohio (Sept.25)—Thomas A. Dattilo, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. chairman, CEO and president, in a written statement issued yesterday said the company is not under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for alleged tread separation problems. ``I spoke on the telephone late Friday afternoon (Sept. 22) with Dr. Sue Bailey, head of NHTSA, and she confirmed that at this time, the information that NHTSA has received and is continuing to analyze does not warrant the opening of an investigation into Cooper Tire,´´ Dattilo said. "The New York Times" reported Sept. 22 that accident reports and court records showed that early tread separation in Cooper Tires was ruled the cause of at least 35 deaths over the last six years. ``We (NHTSA) have gotten information on everyone and that includes Cooper,´´ the tire maker quoted NHTSA director Sue Bailey as saying. ``But at this time, there´s been no decision to open an investigation.´´ The federal regulatory agency confirmed there will not be an investigation at this time, but said its process includes the continuous collection and analysis of information in the matter.