Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Ends Ford Tire Business in the Americas.Business Editors/Automotive Writers NASHVILLE Nashville, city (1990 pop. 487,969), state capital, coextensive with Davidson co., central Tenn., on the Cumberland River, in a fertile farm area; inc. as a city 1806, merged with Davidson co. 1963. , Tenn.--(AutomotiveWire)--May 21, 2001 Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. today announced it is terminating its almost 100-year business relationship of supplying tires to the Ford Motor Company. "Business relationships, like personal ones, are built upon trust and mutual respect. We have come to the conclusion that we can no longer supply tires to Ford since the basic foundation of our relationship has been seriously eroded e·rode v. e·rod·ed, e·rod·ing, e·rodes v.tr. 1. To wear (something) away by or as if by abrasion: Waves eroded the shore. 2. To eat into; corrode. ," said John T. Lampe, chairman, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. and president of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. "This is not a decision we make lightly after almost 100 years of history. But, we must look to the future and the best interests of our company, our employees and our other customers." Lampe informed Ford of the decision during an early morning meeting at Firestone fire·stone n. 1. A flint or pyrite used to strike a fire. 2. A fire-resistant stone, such as certain sandstones. Noun 1. headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., attended by Carlos Carlos, prince of the Asturias Carlos, 1545–68, prince of the Asturias, son of Philip II of Spain and Maria of Portugal. Don Carlos, who seems to have been mentally unbalanced and subject to fits of homicidal mania, was imprisoned by his father in Mazzorin, Ford Group Vice President of Global Purchasing, and in a letter sent to Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser Jacques Nasser (born December 27, 1947[1] in Amyoun, Lebanon;[2] Arabic جاك نصر ) nicknamed "Jac The Knife" because of his penchant for cost-cutting, is a business executive, most known for his infamous tenure as CEO of Ford . "Our analysis suggests that there is a significant safety concern with a substantial segment of Ford Explorers
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990. . We have told Ford of our concerns. They have steadfastly refused to acknowledge those concerns. We have always said that in order to insure Insure can mean:
v. di·vert·ed, di·vert·ing, di·verts v.tr. 1. To turn aside from a course or direction: Traffic was diverted around the scene of the accident. 2. scrutiny of their vehicle by casting doubt on the quality of Firestone tires. The tires are safe, and as we have said before, when we have a problem, we will acknowledge that problem and fix it. We expect Ford to do the same." Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. will honor As a verb, to accept a bill of exchange, or to pay a note, check, or accepted bill, at maturity. To pay or to accept and pay, or, where a credit so engages, to purchase or discount a draft complying with the terms of the draft. the terms of its existing agreements but will enter into no new tire sales agreements in the Americas A·mer·i·cas , the See America. with Ford beginning today. A copy of the letter sent from Lampe to Nasser is included below. ------ BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC. 50 Century Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37214 Phone: 615-872-1900 Fax: 615-872-1802 John T. Lampe CHAIRMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT May 21, 2001 Mr. Jacques Nasser Chief Executive Office Ford Motor Company Dearborn, Michigan Via Fax Dear Mr. Nasser: Today, I am informing you that Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is ending its tire supply relationship with the Ford Motor Company. While we will honor our existing contractual obligations to you, we will not enter into any new tire sales agreements in the Americas with Ford beginning today. Business relationships, like personal ones, are built upon trust and mutual respect. We have come to the conclusion that we can no longer supply tires to Ford since the basic foundation of our relationship has been seriously eroded. This is not a decision we make lightly after almost 100 years of history. But we must look to the future and the best interests of our company, our employees and our other customers. Our analysis suggests that there are significant safety issues with a substantial segment of Ford Explorers. We have made your staff aware of our concerns. They have steadfastly refused to acknowledge those issues. We have always said that in order to insure the safety of the driving public, it is crucial that there be a true sharing of information concerning the vehicle as well as the tires. You simply are not willing to do that. We believe you are attempting to divert scrutiny of your vehicle by casting doubt on the quality of Firestone tires. These tires are safe, and as we have said before, when we have a problem, we will acknowledge that problem and fix it. We expect you to do the same. I wish you and the Ford Motor Company continued success and regret that we cannot continue our relationship going forward. Sincerely, /s/ John T. Lampe |
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