Question
In 2000, various instances were reported in which Ford owners with Firestone tyres were experiencing tyre blowouts ultimately causing around 150 deaths and over 500 serious injuries. Most of the accidents involved Ford Explorers, which had a tendency to flip when their tyres blew out. Not all tyres were defective. Only the 15'' ATX, ATXII, and Wilderness AT model had proven to be defective. However, Firestone suffered significant damage to its brand name as a result of the defects. The defects were the source of the crisis, but Firestone essentially poured salt on its open wounds by managing the crisis poorly. Firestone and Ford both denied responsibility for the accidents.
Ford claimed that the accidents were caused by the defective tyres while Firestone claimed Ford was at fault for installing the tyres improperly. Analyze the crisis scenario and critically assess the six type's responses and argument on the most plausible responses?