Mothra Vs. Godzilla: Read The Letter From Bridgestone/Firestone To Ford That Officialy Ends Relationship.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn.--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," said John T. Lampe, chairman, CEO 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 headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., attended by Carlos Mazzorin, Ford Group Vice President of Global Purchasing, and in a letter sent to Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser.
    "Our analysis suggests that there is a significant safety concern with a substantial segment of Ford Explorers. We have told Ford of our concerns. They have steadfastly refused to acknowledge those concerns. 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. Ford simply is not willing to do that," Lampe said. "We believe they are attempting to divert 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 the terms of its existing agreements but will enter into no new tire sales agreements in the Americas with Ford beginning today. A copy of the letter sent from Lampe to Nasser is included below.

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   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