Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., which has announced the recall of millions of tires allegedly linked to traffic accidents that resulted in 62 deaths, said Thursday it will continue to repay customers who replace recalled tires at stores other than its authorized retailers.
The company, a U.S. unit of Bridgestone Corp. of Japan, had earlier said its voluntary tire recall reimbursement program would expire Wednesday. It has now been extended indefinitely, the firm said.
Under the program, customers may replace the recalled tires with those of competitors at any tire retailer and be eligible for reimbursement of up to $100 per tire, including handling charges and taxes. Customers then need to take their old tires to Firestone stores.
"We made this decision because we want to do everything we can to satisfy our customers," said John Lampe, executive vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone.