US panel considering where to consolidate Toyota lawsuits claiming plummeting vehicle values
By Curt Anderson, APThursday, March 25, 2010
US panel to consider locale of Toyota lawsuits
SAN DIEGO — A panel of federal judges is being asked to consolidate in a single location dozens of lawsuits filed by Toyota owners who say their vehicles are worth less following safety recalls.
The seven-judge panel is meeting Thursday in San Diego. A decision is expected in about two weeks on where to send roughly 100 lawsuits filed nationwide.
Los Angeles federal court is considered the leading candidate because it is near Toyota’s U.S. headquarters. But 18 other jurisdictions have also been suggested.
The lawsuits claim Toyotas have lost value following sudden acceleration problems. They also contend the real cause is Toyota’s electronic throttle control, not floor mats or sticky accelerator pedals.
Toyota has declined comment before Thursday’s hearing.
