Bridgestone/Firestone 'extremely concerned' over Ford allegations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 18)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. said it is "extremely concerned" by Ford Motor Co. statements in the "New York Times" that it had found further problems with Firestone tires. "Our tires are safe," the Nashville-based tire maker said regarding the "Times" article that appeared May 18. "Our review of the data does not support the allegations raised today by Ford." According to the "Times" article, three sources close to Ford said the auto maker's statisticians had uncovered safety problems with Firestone tires which weren't part of the 6.5 million-tire recall announced last August. Although these problems weren't as serious as those in the recalled tires, the sources said, they were great enough that Ford might demand a further recall from Bridgestone/Firestone. Ford would make its decision by the end of the month and possibly during this weekend, the article stated. Bridgestone/Firestone said the information on which Ford based its allegations was incomplete. "A decision to initiate a tire recall cannot be based on analysis of only one type of data," the tire maker said. "It must include a review of the sum total of the facts and be supported by all the evidence, including the nature and the severity of the claims. A thorough analysis of our data does not indicate the need for a larger recall."