Ford Seeks to Settle Suits Linked to Tire Recall

Ford Motor Co. said its lawyers are in talks to settle about 200 personal injury claims brought on behalf of people hurt or killed when Explorer sport-utility vehicles rolled over after tire-tread failures. “We are trying to settle these as quickly as possible, seeing as the tire has been identified as defective,” said Susan Krusel, a company spokeswoman. Hundreds of suits were filed after Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. on Aug. 9 recalled ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires that have been blamed for contributing to the rollovers. Federal safety officials link the recalled tires to 148 traffic deaths. Bridgestone hasn’t been involved in the settlement talks that are being held around the country, lawyers said. A Ford attorney said company representatives will meet with plaintiffs, who are also suing Bridgestone/Firestone, even if the Japanese tire maker’s attorneys aren’t present. Shares of Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford closed off 44 cents at $23.56 on the NYSE.