Word: michelin
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Dates: during 2000-2000
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After realizing how much was riding on its tires, Ford has decided to let the next group of Explorer-buying customers choose their brand. And one of the choices will definitely be Michelin...
...free performance of Goodyear's tires has been the company's main defense against Bridgestone/Firestone's persistent contentions that Ford-ordered underinflation was at the base of tread-separation problems. It's also talking to Continental General Tire, a German firm. But according to the Journal, the France-based Michelin company will be a main supplier...
Significantly, Firestone isn't likely to lose its contracts with major carmakers, although Ford has decided to split its business for the 2002 Explorer among Firestone, Goodyear and Michelin. In fact, GM and Nissan have come to the defense of Firestone, pledging to keep it as a crucial supplier. But officials at Toyota, at least privately, have expressed some reservations...
...recall came just as Firestone's North American business, which accounts for 40% of Bridgestone's total revenue, was hitting on all cylinders. In the past few years, it has caught up with rival Michelin to become the No. 2 tire supplier in the U.S., behind Goodyear, with some 22% of the estimated $22.5 billion total market, according to Tire Business, a trade newspaper. It won back bragging rights as the key tire sponsor for Indy 500 racing...
...alienate such a valuable customer, says the lower level of air pressure Ford recommended for the tires--26 PSI, compared with Firestone's suggested 30 PSI--may have contributed to the trouble. Ford has decided to end its exclusive contract with Firestone and use an additional tire supplier, Michelin, for the 2002 Explorer models due out next year. "This has been an extremely difficult and disappointing time in our relationship," Nasser said. "We're going to evaluate it a day at a time...