Tire distributor implicated in investigation.

A **second Goodyear entity** was indicted on Wednesday, May 14, in **Besançon**, as part of an investigation where the tire giant is suspected of having concealed the defects of certain models fitted with trucks, originating from **fatal accidents**.

**SAS Goodyear France**, a tire distributor in **France**, was indicted for **“Deceptive commercial practice,”** **“Misleading on the substantial quality of goods,”** and for **“Involuntary manslaughter,”** said the Besançon prosecutor’s office in a press release. It was also placed under the status of **assisted witness** for two other **“Involuntary homicides”** and for **“Unintentional injuries.”**

Deposits are liable to a fine that can rise **“Up to 10% of turnover”** of the company, the Besançon prosecutor, **Etienne Manteaux**, said last April.

**“Goodyear France will bring its full cooperation within the framework of this instruction,”** assured a multinational spokesperson.

Three Fatal Collision Files

On Tuesday, the **investigating judge** had already proceeded to indicate the **SAS Goodyear Operations**, the entity suspected of having produced the tires, for all the chiefs. **“The two companies dispute the facts alleged against them. Judicial information continues,”** wrote in the press release **Margaret Parietti**, the acting Republic Prosecutor of Besançon.

The survey relates to three **fatal collision files** involving heavy goods vehicles equipped with **Goodyear tires** in the **Somme, Doubs, and Yvelines** from 2014 to 2016, which left four dead in total.

According to the investigations, several accidents have been caused by the **tire break-up** of trucks, namely the **Goodyear Marathon LHS II** or **Marathon LHS II+ tires**, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

The American giant is criticized for being aware of a **manufacturing defect** in these models but failing to warn its customers. From 2013, Goodyear set up **“Voluntary exchange programs”** which allowed the company to recover around **50%** of the incriminated equipment.