11/28/2000

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. is nearing completion of its massive tire recall, with supply of replacement tires now outstripping demand and the company encouraging consumers who still have recalled tires to check in with dealers.

By Friday, the Nashville-based tire maker had replaced 5.3 million tires out of an estimated 6.5 million in use, spokesman James Loduca said Monday.

In August, the company recalled all P235/75R15 size Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires, which allegedly are linked to accidents resulting in 119 deaths and more than 500 injuries.

The company has accelerated tire production and airlifted tires from factories in Japan to accommodate the flood of motorists wanting to replace their tires quickly. After public outcry, the companies allowed competitors to provide replacement tires.

While officials at Bridgestone/Firestone initially estimated the recall would be completed by next summer, newly appointed Bridgestone/Firestone chief executive John Lampe said last month that the initiative would be completed by the end of November.

"We're on track to complete it far sooner than most analysts originally had projected," Mr. Loduca said Monday.

The recall came three months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened its investigation into reports of wrecks caused by tread separations in Firestone tires, many on Ford Explorers that rolled over.

Ford Motor Co. has denied Bridgestone/Firestone's claim that it shares responsibility for the wrecks because of the Explorer's tendency to roll, but Ford is helping pay for the recall.

The recall and accompanying negative publicity have led to sluggish sales of Explorers and Firestone tires.