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CNN Saturday Morning News

Firestone CEO Blames Ford for Explorer Rollovers

Aired August 18, 2001 - 08:29   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: There has been a lot of finger pointing in the testimony at the Bridgestone/Firestone trial in McAllen, Texas. Firestone CEO blames Ford's design for the deadly rollover accidents involving Explorers with Firestone tires.

A Texas couple blames Firestone for an accident that left the wife paralyzed and is suing for $1 billion. We get more on the trial from CNN's Ed Lavandera.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Flanked by a small swarm of company officials, Bridgestone/Firestone president and CEO John Lampe quickly disappeared inside the McAllen, Texas Federal Court building. He spent five hours on the witness stand, vigorously defending the tire-making process at Firestone.

Lampe argues Firestone's Wilderness tires alone could not have caused the rollover accident that severely injured 40-year-old Marissa Rodriguez (ph).

Lampe told the jury he is, quote, "not looking to fight with Ford," but that to understand what happened you, quote, "have to look at what it is with the Ford Explorer that causes these accidents."

Firestone says General Motors and Toyota also use recalled Wilderness tires, and did not report major rollover problems.

The Rodriguez family wrapped up it's case with a five minute appearance by Marissa Rodriguez (ph) in front of the jury. With limited speech ability, Mrs. Rodriguez could only answer most questions with one word answers. Ford has already to agreed to pay the family $6 million.

LAVANDERA (on camera): The head of Bridgestone/Firestone says his company's net worth has dropped by $1 billion and that Firestone tire sales have plummeted 50 percent in the last year. This is just one case, but with a couple hundred more lawsuits still pending, both Firestone and Ford know the stakes are high. This one case could set a costly precedent.

Ed Lavandera, CNN, McAllen, Texas.

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