DETROIT (May 21, 2001)–Ford Motor Co. is doing its best to downplay a New York Times article which stated it may demand that Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. expand its tire recall.
“Our only comment at this time is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues its investigation into Wilderness and ATX tires, and Ford is continuing to cooperate with the investigation,” a Ford spokesman said.
The May 18 Times article quoted three sources close to Ford as saying the company had found safety problems with Firestone tires other than the 6.5 million ATX and Wilderness tires included in the recall announced last August. BFS countered with a statement that it was “extremely concerned” about the report.
“Our tires are safe,” the Nashville-based tire maker said. “Our review of the data does not support the allegations raised today by FordàIt is difficult to understand why that company would choose to go to the media and not review their data and analysis first with Firestone.”