Tire Action Group: Ford/Firestone

Attorneys of Record for
Tires

Taras Kick
The Kick Law Firm
660 South Figeroa Street
Suite 1800
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-624-1588
217-624-1589 fax
taras@kicklawfirm.com
kicklawfirm.com

C. Tab Turner
Turner & Associates, PA
4705 Somers Avenue, Suite 100
North Little Rock, AR 72116
501-791-2277
501-791-1251 fax
tab@tturner.com
tturner.com

F O R D E X P L O R E R S
& F I R E S T O N E T I R E S

FORD AUTHORIZES DEALERS TO USE
NON-FIRESTONE REPLACEMENTS

AUG 11 -- Ford Motor Company today quietly authorized its dealers to replace 15" Firestone ATX and Wilderness AT tires with tires made by other manufacturers. In the communication to its dealers obtained by Safetyforum.com, Ford indicates that vehicle owners will not be charged. Ford's instructions to its dealers do not include the larger 16" Firestone ATX and Wilderness tires, nor does it include Wilderness tires made in Firestone facilities other than Decatur. Tires made in Decatur are stamped "DOT VDHL".

Ford has told its dealers not to demonstrate or sell vehicles until the Firestone tires have been replaced. For a full story about Ford's action today, see blueovalnews.com.

On Thursday, Safetyforum.com wrote Ford urging that the company designate specific safe alternatives to the recalled Firestone tires. Safetyforum.com has posted sample letters and forms on its website to assist consumers when tire retailers and Ford dealers refuse to immediately replace the recalled tires.

Alternatives that Ford recommended as replacements for the Firestone 16 inch tires overseas include:

Goodyear Wranger RTS P255/70R16 A/T

Bridgestone Dueller P25570R16 A/T

Dunlop Grand Trek 255/70R16

During their press conference Tuesday, a Firestone executive parried questions about the cost of the recall, by saying "the cost is unimportant. The safety of our customers is what's important." He said that Firestone would use tires made by other manufacturers if demand for replacement tires makes that necessary. Safetyforum.com is calling on Ford and Firestone to immediately provide safe and appropriate alternative replacements.

(08/11/00)