Continental Tire Recalls 160,000 Tires on 39,000 Lincoln Navigators

Strategic Insights -

Following the catastrophic Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. recall of 6.5 million tires, Continental General Tire Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of 160,000 16-inch tires on 39,000 Ford Motor Co.-made Lincoln Navigators. The recall is not linked to any deaths, injuries, or serious accidents, but rather to heat stress causing irregular tread wear. The problem was detected in Saudi Arabia and affected ContiTrac AS (P245/75R16) tires sold as original equipment or replacements on 1998 and 1999 Lincoln Navigators.

Key Takeaways:

  • The recall involves 160,000 tires on 39,000 Ford Motor Co.-made Lincoln Navigators.
  • The recall is not connected to any deaths, injuries, or serious accidents.
  • Continental General Tire Inc. is currently overnight shipping replacement tires to Lincoln dealers.
  • The recall is a result of the tire company's efforts to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain confidence in the market.
  • The incident illustrates the cautionary measures taken by auto and tire manufacturers in the wake of the Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. recall.
  • Ford Motors Co. has commended Continental's speedy response and action, saying they "did everything that's expected of a supplier."
  • The recall is an example of how seriously Ford is taking its promise to inform the world about any potential issues with its vehicles and suppliers.
  • The recall affects ContiTrac AS (P245/75R16) tires sold as original equipment or replacements on 1998 and 1999 Lincoln Navigators.
  • The problem was detected in Saudi Arabia and was not previously known to U.S. consumers.
  • U.S. consumers might not have heard about the problem six months ago, but are now being informed about the thoroughness of the industry in addressing safety concerns.

Statistics:

  • 160,000 tires are being recalled.
  • 39,000 Ford Motor Co.-made Lincoln Navigators are affected by the recall.
  • 6.5 million tires were recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. in August.
  • 103 deaths in the United States and 47 in Venezuela have been linked to the Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. recall.
  • Continental General Tire Inc. is shipping replacement tires to dealers overnight.

Sources:

  • http://www.freep.com (c) 2000, Detroit Free Press.
  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.