Michelin North America Inc.’s 10,000-strong dealership network throughout the United States has been formally approved by Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. to provide Michelin tires to consumers affected by the Firestone recall. Now consumers may purchase Michelin tires from any authorized Michelin tire retailer and Bridgestone/Firestone will reimburse up to $100 per tire, including mounting and balancing charges and taxes.
Consumers who wish to replace their recalled Firestone tires with Michelin tires can find out which tire best fits their needs and vehicle by consulting an authorized dealer, the company’s Web site (www.michelin.com) or its consumer hotline toll-free at (888)-MICHELIN. Consumers can also use these resources to find out about the Firestone reimbursement process.
Since the Firestone recall, Michelin has taken the following specific steps to assist in the situation:
-- Worked with Ford Motor Co. to identify specific Michelin tires that are authorized by Ford as replacements;
-- Immediately boosted production by 250 percent in the tire sizes that could be used as replacements;
-- Communicated extensively with its dealer network to alert them to acceptable replacements for consumers who wished to have an alternate choice;
-- Expanded the hours of its consumer relations team to accommodate phone calls;
-- Posted information on the company’s Web site so customers using the Internet would have instant access to tire replacement information.