Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., which has announced a recall of millions of tires believed to have been responsible for 62 highway deaths, said Wednesday it has moved forward its deadline for the completion of the recall and is doubling its production of replacement tires.
The company, a U.S. unit of Bridgestone Corp., said it will complete the recall sometime next spring, instead of next summer as previously stated.
The announcement came amid a heightened outcry from U.S. consumer groups accusing the company of failing to take adequate measures to respond to reports that its tires were responsible for the accidents.
"We are doing everything we can to replace the recalled tires as fast as possible, and it's clear that we are making progress in our efforts to satisfy our customers and assure their safety," said Christine Karbowiak, vice president of public affairs at Bridgestone/Firestone.