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Statement by Ford VP of Safety and Environmental Engineering

25 August 2000

Statement by Helen Petrauskas, Ford Vice President of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Regarding Calls for Expansion of Firestone Recall

    DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 24 The following is a statement by
Helen Petrauskas, Ford Motor Company Vice President of Safety and
Environmental Engineering, regarding calls for expansion of the Firestone
recall:

    "There are some groups who say that Firestone's tire recall should be
expanded.  They offer small bits of information but lack the complete picture.
    "These kinds of suggestions will make the situation worse.
    "The data we have (and that we have shared with the government and the
media) clearly show which Firestone tires are good and which are not.  A
broader recall is wrong.
    "It's wrong because many good tires will be diverted and used to replace
good tires -- and people who have tires which should be replaced will have to
stand in line and wait.  This prolongs the replacement process and keeps
people who are at risk with bad tires at risk longer.
    "That kind of approach, which is not based on good information, will cause
more harm with no added benefit.  This is wrong and not responsible."