Ford Motor Company yesterday recalled up to 13 million Firestone tyres, prompting an outbreak of corporate warfare between the car-maker and tyre manufacturer whose partnership dates back to the days of the Model T Ford.

Firestone accused the Detroit automobile-maker of questioning the safety of its tyres to make it a scapegoat for fatal crashes involving the popular Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Ford has blamed defective Firestone tyres for 174 deaths and 700 injuries in roll-over crashes involving the Explorer.

The acrimonious split re-ignites a national controversy over tyre and vehicle safety in the US following the recall of 6.5 million Firestone tyres last August, which left both firms struggling to hold consumer confidence.

Firestone president John Lampe formally ended the 96year relationship in a blunt letter to Ford chief executive Mr Jacques Nasser. In it he accused Ford staff of ignoring "significant safety issues" with a substantial segment of Ford Explorers. "We believe you are attempting to divert scrutiny of your vehicle by casting doubt on the quality of Firestone tires," wrote Mr Lampe. "These tires are safe."

Mr Nasser yesterday gave a briefing in Washington on the company's replacement plan to Congressional leaders.

The recall comes ahead of the summer driving season when heat tends to exacerbate tread separation problems. Consumer groups have blamed the tyres rather than the vehicles for the roll-over accidents.

Nevertheless, General Motors which constantly reviews the safety of the tyres it buys said it had detected no problems with Firestone and planned to continue buying its tyres. Nissan said it would continue to buy Firestone.