Michelin Tires Approved For Replacement in Firestone Recall
18 August 2000
Michelin's 10,000 Dealerships Ready to Help ConsumersGREENVILLE, S.C. - Michelin North America, Inc.'s 10,000-strong dealership network throughout the United States has been formally approved by Bridgestone/ Firestone, Inc. to provide Michelin tires to consumers affected by the Firestone recall. Now consumers may purchase Michelin tires from any authorized Michelin tire retailer and Bridgestone/Firestone will reimburse up to $100 per tire, including mounting and balancing charges and taxes. "We understand the consumer need and are doing everything we can to provide relief to Firestone customers affected by the recall," said Jim Micali, president and chairman Michelin North America. "Since the beginning of the Firestone recall, we have worked closely with Ford to provide tires to consumers, increased our production by 250 percent to meet the demand and thoroughly educated our dealer network on how to assist those affected by the recall." Consumers who wish to replace their recalled Firestone tires with Michelin tires can find out which tire best fits their needs and vehicle by consulting an authorized dealer, the company's Web site (http://www.michelin.com ) or its consumer hotline toll-free at (888)-MICHELIN. Consumers can also use these resources to find out about the Firestone reimbursement process. Michelin is dedicated to helping consumers and since the Firestone recall, has taken the following specific steps to assist in the situation: * Worked with Ford Motor Co. to identify specific Michelin tires that are authorized by Ford as replacements for the recalled Firestone tires; * Immediately boosted production by 250 percent in tire sizes that could replace the Firestone tires. Michelin plants are working around the clock to keep the tires coming; * Communicated extensively with its dealer network to alert them to acceptable replacements for consumers who wished to have an alternate choice; * Expanded the hours of its consumer relations team to accommodate consumer calls; * Posted information on the company's Web site so customers using the Internet would have instant access to tire replacement information. The Michelin site also contains easy access to information on the Michelin dealer network, a tire selection guide, consumer hotline and a wealth of other tire-related information. Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 26,500 and operates 21 plants in 19 locations.