Michelin, Honda settle lawsuits on run-flat tyres

ERJ staff report (TB)

Greenbelt, Maryland -- Michelin North America Inc. and American Honda Motor Co. Inc. have settled a class-action lawsuit involving Michelin´s Pax run-flat tyre/wheel system.

Michelin and Honda filed a motion on 29 Dec. in US District Court in Greenbelt requesting permission to file papers by 7th Jan. in support of preliminary approval of a settlement. A hearing regarding the settlement is scheduled for 14th Jan.

The companies have been embroiled in an ongoing court battle involving Pax tyres that were original equipment on 2005-07 Honda Odyssey Touring edition and 2006-07 Acura RL vehicle models. Lawsuits filed against the companies alleged they failed to disclose that "neither they nor any third parties maintained sufficient repair or replacement facilities" to meet consumers´ needs for the tyres, that the costs of repairing and replacing the tyres is unreasonable and the tyres are "defective and susceptible to premature wear."

The litigation sought injunctive relief, damages and restitution on behalf of a projected class including owners of Honda and Acura vehicle models that came equipped with Pax tyres.

Peter Herzog III, the attorney handling the case for Michelin, said he was "not at liberty" to discuss the lawsuit. Representatives from both companies could not be reached for comment at press time.

The lawsuits, initially filed in Arizona, Illinois, Florida and New York, were consolidated on 15th Feb. in the District of Maryland. Two additional actions were filed in the Central District of California, which the court said it would treat as a potential tag-along action.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Website of US District Court of Maryland