August 11, 2000

Mr. Masatoshi Ono
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bridgestone/Firestone Incorporated
50 Century Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Dear Mr. Ono:

I am writing with regard to Firestone’s recent announcement that it will issue a recall applicable to 14.5 million tires (an estimated 6.5 million are believed still to be in use) it has produced since 1991. This is the second largest tire recall ever. The tires involved also are continuing to be investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their alleged role in vehicular accidents that have killed 46 people. Most of these tires were installed on vehicles assembled by the Ford Motor Company, primarily the Ford Explorer.

Due to the large number of tires that need to be replaced and insufficient inventories, Firestone has proposed a staggered recall that could take more than a year to complete. Because some consumers may have recently replaced their tires in anticipation of the recall and still others may not be willing to wait to replace their tires or may wish to replace them with tires produced by another manufacturer, I would like you to confirm my understanding that Firestone will reimburse these consumers for other brand name tires they may purchase (or have already purchased) to replace their recalled Firestone tires. Reimbursing affected consumers in this way would effectively deal with both Firestone’s inventory problem and the safety concerns of consumers.

It would be my expectation that information on this reimbursement option will be included in the letter Firestone will soon send owners of the recalled tires. I know that you and NHTSA will soon be discussing the contents of this letter, as well as the contents of the interim notice that will be sent to affected consumers in the 46 States and the District of Columbia that are not part of the initial stage of the recall. I trust that your letter to consumers will fully inform them of all methods that may be used to replace their recalled tires.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your cooperation. Please provide written confirmation of my understanding regarding reimbursement options no later than close of business on Wednesday, August 16, 2000.

Sincerely,

JOHN D. DINGELL
RANKING MEMBER

cc:
The Honorable Tom Bliley, Chairman
Committee on Commerce

Dr. Susan Bailey, Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration