Friday, March 29, 2024

End of the road

Firestone was right to break off unproductive relationship

Firestone’s decision to end its partnership with Ford Motor Co. was the best choice for the tire company.

Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. announced Tuesday it would stop selling tires to Ford Motor Co.

Ford has also announced intentions to replace up to 13 million Firestone tires in an effort to improve public relations since the massive tire recall last summer.

Bridgestone/Firestone executives have admitted problems with its Wilderness AT tires, which used to be standard packaging on the Ford Explorer, but also attribute the sport utility vehicle’s problems to Ford’s design.

General Motors still uses Firestone tires on 14 models, and has found no problems.

John Lampe, Bridgestone/Firestone chief executive and president, said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday that Ford Explorers with replaced tires in Venezuela continue to roll over.

While both companies clearly have problems, Firestone made a wise decision by splitting with Ford.

Firestone has made attempts to improve its product by recalling the ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT model tires. Ford, on the other hand, admits no defect in its own product.

Firestone’s problem with shredding tires may have been its fault. Still, Firestone claims Ford recommended a lower inflation level than the manufacturer suggested.

Also, many owners of SUVs may not realize the low load limit most of their vehicles have.

It’s no secret SUVs are top-heavy and tend to roll over, something Ford will not admit. Interestingly, Ford has increased the wheelbase on its new Explorers by two inches.

A partnership between two major manufacturers such as Ford and Firestone is a situation that short-changes the consumer.

It took 174 deaths and 700 injuries for Firestone to recall its product. Rollovers seem to be ignored by auto manufacturers altogether.

When these two companies united, a partnership was created in which both players tried to hold out as long as possible before any action was taken.

Consumers should take this evidence as an indication these vehicles may not be as safe as they seem.

That, coupled with their terrible gas mileage, makes it hard to believe SUVs continue to be so incredibly popular.

Despite this breakup and accusations flying back and forth, both companies will survive. Public relations campaigns and advertising will save both companies, so they can continue to cover up their faults.

Firestone’s refusal to sell tires to Ford is a statement on its behalf that it is upset with Ford and wishes to wash its hands of Ford’s problems.

From now on, every time Ford screws up, Firestone tires will come up and the fact that Firestone made the break from Ford and not the other way around.

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