The tone is constructive. We remain hopeful that the progress will lead us to reach agreements acceptable to all parties.

We are extremely pleased to announce that Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America have reached tentative agreements on three contracts covering 8,000 workers at nine facilities in eight states.

both sides are trying here to display their goodwill to reach agreements about the problems, and I'm hopeful that this effort will indeed be crowned with success.

We will inspect the tire for damage or excessive wear and ensure the tires are inflated to the level specified by the vehicle's manufacturer. If there is a problem, we will remedy the situation to the customer's satisfaction.

These things aren't indestructible. They are made out of rubber. Every passenger car sold in the United States is sold with a spare tire, and they're sold with a spare tire for a reason.

We take this matter very seriously and realize time is of the essence.