Bridgestone/Firestone denies news report that it has extended recall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 16)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. is denying a report from Reuters that it has agreed to add the 1.4 million tires singled out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Sept. 1 to its existing recall of 6.5 million tires. The story quoted New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer as saying the tire maker agreed to the expanded recall as part of a settlement agreement with 48 states and two territories. "As far as we know, we have not agreed to this expansion," said a Bridgestone/Firestone spokesman, although the company continues to offer free inspection and replacement to any owners of the NHTSA-identified tires who request them. The spokesman said he knew nothing of the multistate agreement or its provisions.