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Article

27 Aug 2015

Author:
Reuters

USA: Consumers sue 10 carmakers over risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in keyless ignition cars

"World's biggest car makers sued over 'deadly' keyless ignitions", 27 Aug 2015

Ten of the world’s biggest carmakers were sued on Wednesday by American consumers who claim they concealed the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in more than five million vehicles equipped with keyless ignitions, leading to 13 deaths…[C]arbon monoxide is emitted when drivers leave their vehicles running after taking their electronic key fobs with them, under the mistaken belief that the engines will shut off. The 28 named plaintiffs said this can injure or have “deadly” results for people who inhale the colourless and odourless gas…The lawsuit is the latest seeking to hold the automotive industry liable for defects that could make driving unsafe…[The lawsuit] claimed that the 10 carmakers have long known about the risks of keyless ignitions…yet deceived drivers by marketing their vehicles as safe…[T]he carmakers could have averted the 13 deaths, and many more injuries, by installing an inexpensive feature to automatically turn off unattended engines…[Refers to Acura, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor (part of Hyundai Kia Motor), Lexus (part of Toyota), Mercedes Benz (part of Daimler), Mini (part of BMW), Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen]