WASHINGTON (Oct. 4, 2001)—Research into alleged defects in the Ford Explorer are continuing, and will be released to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as soon as the data are ready, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. said.
The Nashville-based tire maker spoke in response to NHTSA statements that it could not proceed with a possible investigation of the Explorer unless it had more information from Bridgestone/Firestone.
In May, the tire maker submitted to the agency a study by Dennis Guenther, an engineering professor at Ohio State University, showing that the Explorer is prone to oversteer.
Mr. Guenther “continues to do research and testing, and his work is ongoing,” a BFS spokeswoman said. She could not say when new information would be ready.