BFS seeks dismissal of Steeltex class action suit

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 3)—Bridgestone/Firestone has filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to have a national class action lawsuit against it involving Firestone Steeltex tires dismissed. A hearing is set for Jan. 6, according to the plantiffs attorneys. Pasadena, Calif.-based Lisoni & Lisoni filed suit against BFS Aug. 13, charging that the Steeltex tire series is defective and prone to tread separations that allegedly have resulted in thousands of accidents causing deaths, injuries and property damage. Specifically, BFS and parent Bridgestone Corp. are charged with fraudulent concealment, deceptive practices, violation of unfair practices act, strict liability, negligence and breach of warranty.BFS´s motion to dismiss will be heard at 10 a.m. on the 6 th by Judge Chrisina A. Snyder in the U.S. District Court, Central District, Western Division, according to Lisoni & Lisoni. The plaintiffs´ attorneys also have petitioned the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to request it reopen an investigation of the Steeltex tire series, which it suspended on April 9, 2002