Ford Explorer may face federal investigation

Article Abstract:

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) likely will study whether the design of the Ford Explorer plays a role in rollover crashes involving Firestone tires. Rep WJ Billy Tauzin sent the agency a letter requesting that it investigate the Explorer. Also, Bridgestone/Firestone officials sent Congress and NHTSA test documents indicating that the Explorer is more likely than other sport-utility vehicles to oversteer when a tire fails, causing the driver to lose control.

Government regulation

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SUV makers confident of smooth selling ahead

Article Abstract:

Two luxury auto brands are developing two products that would test the opposite limits of the upscale sport-utility vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz will begin selling the $73,145 G500 in Dec 2001. The car is derived from the military-use G-wagen sold overseas. The company is planning to sell just 1,500 units yearly. Land Rover is launching the sub-$30,000 Freelander small SUV in Oct 2001. It hopes to double US sales to more than 50,000 a year after the launching.

Product development

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Tire dealers flooded with calls

Article Abstract:

Ford Motor Co on May 23, 2001 met with tiremakers to arrange a plan to provide replacements to consumers as truckowners swamped automobile dealers and tirestores with telephone calls. The automaker says it could take up to nine months to replace the 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires on its pickups and sport-utility vehicles. However, Ford expects that it will finish the replacements much sooner. Initially, 15-in tires will be more widely available.

Product standards, safety, & recalls

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