Shortly before trial was to start, Goodyear and Ford Motor Co. settled a lawsuit involving a 2001 accident that killed two U.S. Marines and injured 11.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and the companies did not admit any guilt. ``This was a business decision,'' a Goodyear spokesman said.
``We're obviously pleased to have reached a settlement in this case and are very hopeful that the families affected from this unfortunate accident can start to put their lives back together again,'' the spokesman told Tire Business.
He confirmed a report saying the case stemmed from an accident involving a Ford E-350 15-passenger van. The suit claimed the 1996 van rolled over after the tread came off the rear tire. Goodyear's Load Range E tire was on the vehicle, according to the report.
The jury trial was to start Oct. 5 in Los Angeles Superior Court.