
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 4, 1995                   TAG: 9510040098
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

OPPOSITION FORMS TO MINIVAN SETTLEMENT

A proposed class-action lawsuit settlement involving Chrysler Corp. minivan latches is drawing opposition from an auto safety advocacy group that claims it might preclude owners from getting a refund or replacement vehicle.

``We believe the proposed settlement is inadequate considering the substantial claims against Chrysler,'' said Colette Matzzie, a lawyer with Public Citizen

Chrysler told the government's auto safety agency last spring it would repair or replace the latches in more than 4 million minivans sold from 1984 to 1995 because of fears the rear liftgates will pop open in crashes.

At least 35 people have died in accidents in which the liftgates popped open on the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration files.

A federal judge in San Francisco has scheduled a hearing on the proposed settlement for Nov. 3. Matzzie claimed the agreement does nothing for consumers, since Chrysler has already told NHTSA it will repair the latches. But under the proposal, she said, consumers give up the ability to sue Chrysler for the latch unless there is personal injury or death.

- Associated Press

by CNB