Firestone will no longer be the sole supplier of tires for the redesigned 2002 Ford Explorer. Ford Motor Co. has chosen Michelin as another supplier of tires, according to a well-placed Ford source.

Ford confirmed that it will dual source but would not specify the second tire maker. The company did not disclose what percentage of tires Michelin will provide.

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Firestone will manufacture a revised 16-inch tire designed to accommodate the new independent rear suspension on the 2002 Explorer, said Mike Vaughn, Ford spokesman.

Firestone is recalling 6.5 million 15-inch tires. The Ford Explorer uses the recalled tire.

Automotive News is published each Monday in Detroit by Crain Communications Inc., a privately-held company that publishes 30 consumer, business and trade publications.

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