Abstract

The case gives an overview of the controversy involving the US automobile giant, Ford and the Japanese tire manufacturer, Bridgestone/Firestone. By 2001, 174 people were killed in the accidents and crashes involving the Ford Explorer Sport Utility Vehicle which were equipped with Firestone tires. This led to the recall of tires by Firestone and it stopped supplying to Ford. Firestone alleged that the problem was with the Ford Explorer and not Firestone tires. Ford defended the safety of the Explorer saying its statistics has shown that it is safer than other Sport Utility Vehicles. Ford alleged that it was the defective tires that led to the accidents and recalled 13 million tires for replacement. Firestone insisted that the tires are safe and Ford is replacing them to divert attention away from safety problems with its Explorer. From the case students are expected to understand the ethical dimensions of the controversy. Both Ford and Firestone were aware of the problem in Firestone tires but did not take any action until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intervened.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Product safety
• Product liability.

Keywords

The Firestone Tire Controversy, US automobile giant, Japanese tire, Tire, manufacturer, Bridgestone, 2001, 174 people, accidents, crashes, Ford Explorer Sport Utility Vehicle, Firestone tires, 13 mn