Ford Ditches Firestone Tires, Turns to Michelin for Explorer Models

Strategic Insights -

Ford Motor Co. has decided to equip the majority of its new Explorer sport utility vehicles with Michelin tires, marking a significant shift away from Firestone tires following a massive recall. The recall, which was issued on August 9, has prompted Ford to seek alternative suppliers, including Michelin. This move ends a decade-long partnership between Firestone and Ford, which has been in place for over a century. The decision also comes as the government investigates 101 deaths linked to Firestone tires mounted on Ford Explorers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ford plans to equip the bulk of its new Explorer SUVs with Michelin tires, abandoning its decade-long partnership with Firestone.
  • The decision is a response to the massive recall of Firestone tires issued on August 9.
  • The recall has led to an investigation into 101 deaths allegedly linked to Firestone tires mounted on Ford Explorers.
  • Ford is also negotiating with other tire makers to supply tires for the 2002 Explorer, which is expected to be available early next year.
  • Ford plans to allow dealers and consumers to choose which brand of tires they want on the Explorer and other vehicles.
  • Jacques Nasser, Ford's CEO, has stated that the company plans to offer a similar choice on other vehicles in the future.
  • The partnership between Firestone and Ford has been in place for over a century and has ended due to Ford's decision to switch to Michelin.
  • Lynn Mann, a Michelin spokeswoman, declined comment on the automaker's plans.
  • Ford officials have not given Firestone any indication of what percentage of tires will be supplied or what number of tires to produce.

Statistics:

  • 101 deaths are allegedly linked to Firestone tires mounted on Ford Explorers.
  • The Firestone recall was issued on August 9.
  • Firestone serves as the biggest customer of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.
  • The Explorer SUV is expected to be available with Michelin tires early next year.
  • Ford's partnership with Firestone has been in place for over a century.

Sources:

  • The Wall Street Journal, no date given
  • Unnamed source familiar with the situation, cited by the Wall Street Journal
  • Lynn Mann, Michelin spokeswoman
  • Jacques Nasser, Ford CEO
  • Unnamed Firestone spokeswoman