NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 29, 2000) — 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 BFS Chairman and CEO John T. Lampe.
The recall covers P235/75R15 Radial ATX, ATXII and certain P235/75R15 Wilderness AT tires. ``We have more than an adequate supply of Firestone and Bridgestone replacement tires,´´ Mr. Lampe said in a prepared statement.``There are some independent dealershipsÃpredominately in smaller marketsÃthat don´t have the physical capacity to install replacement tires as rapidly as we would prefer,´´ he said. ``In those areas we are working with our dealer network to accommodate those customers.´´
Except for some smaller marketsÃmainly in the Midwest and upper NortheastÃwaiting lists for Firestone replacement tires have been eliminated, Mr. Lampe said.
BFS parent Bridgestone Corp. earlier said it is taking $450 million in extraordinary charges this year to cover the costs of the recall.