Colorado's Share of Ford Settlement Is $300K
Dec 20, 2002 | Denver Business Journal Colorado will receive $300,000 from the Ford Motor Company as part of a nationwide settlement involving the Firestone tire recall. Nationally, Ford is settling a 50-state agreement for $51.5 million.The states' attorneys general alleged that Ford continued to use Bridgestone/Firestone tires "even after the company knew the tires had an unacceptably high failure rate and that using the tires made Ford's sport utility vehicles (SUVs) more likely to roll over," according to a statement from Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar, who said that Ford has paid out more than $2 billion in tire replacement costs.
As part of the settlement, Ford will pay $30 million for a national public service consumer education campaign on SUV safety and $21.5 million to the states for consumer protection and education programs, of which Colorado's share is $300,000.
Colorado's money will pay for attorney fees and costs and consumer protection and education.
A year ago, the states settled a similar $51.5 million settlement with Bridgestone/Firestone.
"This case is about fair advertising and consumer safety. Ford recognizes the value of consumer education and has accepted the responsibility of raising consumer awareness about SUV safety. This settlement will provide excellent protections for consumers purchasing and driving SUVs in Colorado and across the country," Salazar said in a statement.