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The Firestone Tire Controversy
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. |
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Issuess
The case is structured to achieve the following teaching objectives:
- Was it ethical on the part of Ford and Firestone to cover the problems in the Firestone tires?
- What was the quality of information provided to the public by both the companies?
- The role of NHTSA in the entire controversy.
| Contents |
| Introduction |
| The Controversy |
| Firestone's Response to the Crisis |
| Ford's Response |
| The Controversy Deepens |
| The Trial Begins |
| The Future of Firestone and Ford |
| Exhibits |
Keywords
Firestone tire company, NHTSA, NUTS,Automobile Industry,Ethics in Business,Jack Trout,injury,death,Ford Ranger ,B-series,Kaizaki,Nasser,South Texas,6.5 mn 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