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Statement by Christine Karbowiak VP, Public Affairs Bridgestone/Firestone August 2, 2000

3 August 2000

Statement by Christine Karbowiak VP, Public Affairs Bridgestone/Firestone August 2, 2000

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Properly inflated and maintained Firestone ATX, ATX II 
and Wilderness AT tires are among the safest tires on the road today.

    However, we understand that our customers are concerned by what they are
hearing and reading in news reports regarding the safety of these tires.
Therefore, we encourage any owner of these tires to schedule an appointment
with their nearest company-owned Firestone Tire and Service Center for a free
inspection of the tire.  We will inspect the tire for damage or excessive wear
and ensure the tires are inflated to the level specified by the vehicle's
manufacturer.  If there is a problem, we will remedy the situation to the
customer's satisfaction.

    In addition, Bridgestone/Firestone asks all drivers, regardless of their
vehicle model or tire make, to be as conscientious about the maintenance of
their tires as any other part of their vehicle.

    --  Always keep the vehicle manufacturer's recommended air pressure
        in all your tires.  Driving on too little air pressure can cause
        the tread of any radial tire to separate.

    --  Walk around your car to look for cuts, cracks, splits or bruises
        in the tread and sidewall areas as well as spotty wear in the
        tread.  Bumps or bulges may indicate a separation within the
        tire.  As always, have your tire inspected by a qualified tire
        service person.

    --  All tires should be rotated to minimize uneven or irregular wear.
        This should be done every 5,000 miles or at the vehicle
        manufacturer's recommended mileage.

    The safety and comfort of our customers is our top priority.  Therefore,
we welcome the preliminary evaluation by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration of these tires.  We are confident that NHTSA will confirm what
we have always known:  the public can be reassured that these are safe, high
quality tires that have provided billions of miles of reliable service.