Ford/ Firestone

The Ford Explorer has quickly become the famous sport utility vehicle (SUV) in America since 1990. Ford also tried to improve their technology by co-operating with Firestone Company in the tire production. And “As suppliers get larger and larger and take on more and more responsibility, their role in public issues that involve vehicle recalls, vehicle safety and so forth, will likely increase” (Connelly, 2001). However, during the late 1980s into the 1990s, Ford Explorers equipped with Firestone tires were linked to nearly 150 deaths and more than 500 injuries in the United States alone. This ethical issue originates in systemic, corporate and individual situations. Some questionable ethics are provided. What the government has done to pay attention to the traffic accident, the rate of dead person or to deal with petition satisfactorily. What these companies have done to prevent these accidents and illustrate their responsibility. And with manager of these companies, what they did to improve their technology. This ethical case impacted to the companies’ responsibilities in contract, due care and social cost.

Each company has their own responsibilities with customers and society. The manufacturers’ responsibility belongs to Ford and Firestone.

In Ford case, firstly, Ford has the direct responsibility with customers (buyers) according to the contract. According to the contract, Ford informed the customers some problems of Explorer. To increase the Explorer’s stability (designed with the high off ground), Ford engineers recommended buyers to keep the tire inflated to a pressure of 26 psi while the standard of pressure tires is from 30 to 35 psi for 15-inch tires. This information helps customers to prevent the high roller rates and decrease the traffic accident. However, Ford focuses on the buying process more than the responsibility after purchasing. The examination process and maintenance which is the reason of high accidents and injuries were not ensured....