Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.’s net fell...

Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.’s net fell 27% to $30 million for the first quarter, compared to the year-ago quarter. Sales totaled $976 million, up 15% from a year ago. The Chicago company said its automotive service and car rental operations reported higher earnings than in the previous year. However, profits were lower from North American tire operations due to increased raw material costs.