Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber News
  • European Rubber Journal
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • Current Issue
  • BEST PLACES TO WORK
  • News
    • HUMANITARIAN
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
    • OBITUARIES
    • OPINION
    • MID YEAR REPORT
    • SERVICE ZONE
  • ADAS
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Custom
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
  • Resources
    • Events
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
    • SHOP FLOOR
    • AWARDS
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Best Places to Work
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
October 23, 2001 02:00 AM

Firestone recalls prompt tighter controls by auto makers

Richard Truett, Crain News Service
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    DETROIT (Oct. 23, 2001) — After the Ford-Firestone mess, several auto makers say they are paying closer attention to the warranty and claims data from tire makers to spot troubles early.

    “We are looking to identify issues as soon as possible. We are constantly looking at the process,” said Chrysler group spokeswoman Angela Ford.

    For most auto makers, the tires are one of the few parts that are warranted separately. But auto makers have greater access to that information. General Motors is establishing procedures that will funnel tire performance data and all other warranty claims from around the world into a central location.

    “Work is under way to bring not just tires but all warranty claims together,” said GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan.

    In April, John Lampe, CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., outlined several ways the company would improve quality and monitor warranty claims. He said Bridgestone/Firestone would create a global information network among its plants and customers to exchange information to be used in an early warning system.

    Global standards

    He said the tire maker also would establish global manufacturing standards in all of its plants to produce tires with consistent quality. Jill Bratina spokeswoman for Bridgestone/ Firestone, said those plans are being used.

    Ford, as a part of its early warning system to catch tire defects, is collecting and analyzing claims data from tire makers, said Jason Vines, vice president of corporate communications.

    Mr. Vines said Ford will continue to test tires on vehicles to the point of failure, the same as GM. But Ford's procurement of tires has not changed, he said.

    “We put out performance specifications, not design specifications,” he said. “We are not getting in the business of designing tires.”

    Firestone tires, mostly the Wilderness AT designed to Ford's specifications and installed on the Ford Explorer, are blamed for 271 deaths, most of which occurred in rollover accidents after a blowout.

    Ford is spending $2.1 billion after taxes this year replacing 13 million Firestone tires and has paid out hundreds of millions to settle lawsuits.

    In recent months, Ford has moved to settle the hundreds of outstanding lawsuits and get the episode behind it.

    Michelin North America Inc. has made no changes to the way it collects or examines warranty data or handles claims as a result of the Ford-Firestone mess.

    Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. also has made no changes and continues to use Bridgestone and Firestone tires, said spokesman John Hanson.

    “The tires we get from Bridgestone/Firestone are very different (from the same brand used on other vehicles), even when you are talking about the Wilderness AT,” he said.

    “We have not had any major claims, and we've been very happy with the tires we have been receiving.”

    Rules expected in June

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is completing stricter testing procedures and is expected to have the rules in place by June.

    A detailed reporting system designed to quickly spot potential defects requires auto makers and tire manufacturers to track defects and claims worldwide and report regularly to NHTSA.

    The Rubber Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing North American tire makers, is developing a reporting format that all its member companies will use.

    Richard Truett writes for Automotive News, a sister publication of Tire Business.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Goodyear to trim jobs amid 'uncertain' economic outlook
    2
    Goodyear to upgrade Cooper plant in China
    3
    Executives on the move: Hankook promotes key U.S. positions
    4
    Our View: Early look at tire industry in 2023
    5
    Yokohama secures OE fitments on 2023 Prius models
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    Reader Services
    • Staff
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • BEST PLACES TO WORK
    • News
      • HUMANITARIAN
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
      • OBITUARIES
      • OPINION
      • MID YEAR REPORT
      • SERVICE ZONE
    • ADAS
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Custom
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • Resources
      • Events
        • ASK THE EXPERT
        • LIVESTREAMS
        • WEBINARS
        • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
        • RUBBER NEWS EVENTS
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
      • SHOP FLOOR
        • BALANCING
        • DEMOUNTING
        • SAFETY
        • TIRE REPAIR
        • TPMS
        • TRAINING
        • VEHICLE LIFTING
        • WHEEL TORQUE
      • AWARDS
        • Best Places to Work
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION