Firestone Tire and Rubber’s profit rose 70%...

Firestone Tire and Rubber’s profit rose 70% to $46 million in the third quarter. The Akron, Ohio-based company credited improved results in most of its business units. In addition, the profit figure includes a $10-million special tax credit. Higher plant operating rates and reductions in overhead were the main reasons for improvements in its North American tire operations, the company said, while in its European tire operations, lower raw material costs and higher foreign currency exchange rates contributed to higher profit. Revenue climbed 13% to $1.03 billion.