Bridgestone/Firestone to fight NHTSA

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 19)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. will use "every step available" to fight an anticipated call from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for an expanded voluntary recall of its Wilderness AT P-metric light truck tires. NHTSA indicated to Bridgestone/Firestone representatives in a meeting July 19 it would seek a wider recall of the Wilderness AT that the company recalled last year. Bridgestone/Firestone Chairman John Lampe said NHTSA´s request was "unfounded" based on its own research, and it would defend itself in the public forum, and in the courts, if necessary. Lampe reiterated the company´s contention that the Ford Explorer is inherently susceptible to rollovers in the event of tread separation, regardless of tire make.