Category Archives: litigation

Hyundai, Kia Fined Record Amount for Fuel Economy Cheating

The Korean scofflaws Hyundai and Kia will pay a record $100 million penalty for selling vehicles that emit more greenhouse gases because of false fuel economy ratings. Continue reading

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Millikin Out as GM General Counsel in Ignition Switch Snafu

In a terse statement, General Motors says that General Counsel Michael Millikin “informed the company of his decision to retire in early 2015.” Millikin was taken to task for his role in covering up – he claims he didn’t know – the deadly ignition switch debacle at the second Senate hearing on the sordid safety defect matter. Continue reading

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GM Sued for $10 billion over Defective Ignition Switches

The complaints seek money for violations of state consumer protection laws, breach of implied warranties, fraud by concealment, unjust enrichment and violation of the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. A similar attempt to sue Ford over the loss of value on Explorer models because of defective Firestone ATX tires failed. Continue reading

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GM Ignition Switch Death Toll Rises to 27

In the latest posting on the GM Ignition Switch Claims website, 27 deaths are now listed as eligible for compensation as long as the recipient forfeits the right to further litigation. Continue reading

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More, Still More, GM Recalls Including Ignition Switches

Call it a black weekend for GM CEO Mary Barra and the employees and dealers of GM as the latest round of recalls were revealed in NHTSA filings, including more ignition switch safety defects Continue reading

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GM Woes Continue with New Recalls and Legal Actions

Troubles for GM and its shareholders continue because of new legal and product quality developments. Late last Friday a U.S. Judge in New York ruled that plaintiffs could request documents related to accidents, injuries and lost vehicle value associated with … Continue reading

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Tony Stewart Driver Death Case to go to a Grand Jury

NASCAR, with the growing list of NFL female abuse (Ray Rice) and child abuse (Adrian Stewart, no relation to Tony) cases as a backdrop, said, “We are aware of the completed investigation and the announced next steps. Continue reading

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Legal Woes at Porsche Continue

The so-called Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart will try two former executive board members of Porsche Automobil Holding SE in the aborted takeover caper where Porsche attempted to win control of the Volkswagen Group. Continue reading

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Chinese Junk – Two Dead from Ace Beanbag Chairs

Two American children are dead from suffocating in beanbag chairs from Ace Bayou Corp., of New Orleans, La. As a result, about 2.2 million beanbag chairs are now recalled in the U.S. It appears that the zippers on the Chinese-made beanbag chairs can be opened and children can then crawl inside, are trapped and suffocate or choke on the beanbag chair’s foam beads. Continue reading

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Court of Appeals Rules against Hedge Funds in Porsche Caper

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart has won another legal round in a fight with U.S. hedge funds over Porsche’s aborted attempt to take over Volkswagen, which resulted in exact opposite effect of VW Group swallowing Porsche whole. Continue reading

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Hyundai Fined $17.35 Million in Genesis Recall Delay

The Korean scofflaw will also accept additional NHTSA oversight requirements as outlined in a Consent Order because of the manufacturer failing to report a safety defect affecting 2009-2012 Hyundai Genesis vehicles. The Genesis safety defect causes corrosion in brake system components, leading to reduced braking effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading

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More GM Recalls Including Ignition Switches, Airbags, Brakes

The recall crisis at GM continued today with the announcement of six more serious safety defects covering a quarter of a million vehicles. This follows the revelation this week that almost 190,000 GM vehicles will have to be parked outside because they can self-immolate. The catch here is that redesigned power window switches that can prevent fires will not be available until October. Continue reading

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More GM Recalls on 717,950 Newer Vehicles

GM has today recalled almost three quarters of a million late-model vehicles for various safety defects. If there is any good news in the latest safety defects, it is they do not involve deadly ignition switches. Instead, seats, turn signals, and power steering, suspension failures leading to steering loss, and defective airbags are the latest safety defects. Continue reading

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BMW Caught in Takata Airbag Recall as 574,000 Bimmers Affected in an Expanded Campaign

BMW of North America is recalling 574,000 3-series  cars with Takata airbags. Affected are model-year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and … Continue reading

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Delphi Ducks Senate Bullet over GM Ignition Tragedy. Part Number Red Herring as Industry doesn’t Always Change Them

Normally, suppliers are resentful over the credit original equipment automakers take for all the work they do. Not in the case of the deadly GM ignition switch, where Delphi – the supplier of the switch – was finally called upon to testify in front of the Senate last week. Continue reading

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