Tire recall nearly complete; supplies secure for final replacements

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 28)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. has replaced an estimated 5.5 million of the 6.5 million P-metric light truck tires it recalled earlier this year, and has built up sufficient supply to satisfy the needs of any remaining recall customers, according to Bridgestone/Firestone Chairman and CEO John T. Lampe. The recall covers P235/75R15 Radial ATX, ATX II and certain P235/75R15 Wilderness AT tires. "We have more than an adequate supply of Firestone and Bridgestone replacement tires," Lampe said in a prepared statement. "There are some independent dealers, predominately in smaller markets, that don´t have the physical capacity to install replacement tires as rapidly as we would prefer. In those areas we are working with our dealer network to accommodate those customers." Except for some smaller markets mainly in the Midwest and upper Northeast, Lampe said, waiting lists for Firestone replacement tires have been eliminated. Bridgestone/Firestone parent Bridgestone Corp. earlier said it is taking $450 million in extraordinary charges this year to cover the costs of the recall.