One Year Later, Firestone Recall Has Changed the Game
One year ago this week, Firestone began a voluntary recall of its Wilderness AT tires that grew into one of the largest automotive controversies in history – and changed the way consumer safety is treated by the auto industry.In a Los Angeles Times article, the changes already made are documented:
- tire pressure monitors will be required on new passenger vehicles in a few years,
LI>new rollover tests are being conducted,
LI>the 30-year-old crush resistance standard has been scrapped in favor of a more comprehensive one.
Another measurable effect of the Firestone recall is the $9 million in additional funding that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received in last year’s budget. The funding has gone into hiring 30 new employees, many of whom are involved in the agency’s defect investigation and research divisions.
The Times reported that the controversy has had a measured effect on the principle players, Ford Motor Co. and Bridgestone/Firestone. The two have gone through a nasty public divorce of sorts, fit for even the most torrid soap opera. The public relations war between the two culminated recently with Ford ending a 95-year preferred-supplier relationship with Firestone.
Bridgestone/Firestone has also closed the Decatur, Ill. plant where a healthy number of the embattled tires were made, suspended a manufacturing process utilizing over-aged rubber and named a new president with a technical, not business background, the Times stated.
Ford has overhauled how it monitors tire performance and now keeps a closer eye on its suppliers. The company now also warranties its tires on new vehicles – a step Genreal Motors took for itself several years ago.
Also coming down as a result of the Ford/Firestone debacle was TREAD – the federal Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation Act.
The legislation included the $9 million boost to the NHTSA budget, stiffer fines for companies who fail to promptly report potential defects, requirements for the use of pressure monitors by 2004 and stiffer standards for rollover testing, tire safety and child safety seats.
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