DAIMLERCHRYSLER STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SAFETY ACTIVISTS CALL FOR A RECALL OF MINIVANS

DaimlerChrysler is outraged to hear that safety activists would twist preliminary, unsubstantiated test data to create a false impression about the safety of its minivans. The information being promoted has no relationship to real world experience. There are well-documented problems with the dummy used in the test and any attempt to turn a dummy problem into an airbag problem is untrue and irresponsible.

Chrysler minivans were the first in the market with passenger air bags, winning numerous national safety awards from consumer groups recognizing its commitment to safety. To date, NHTSA estimates that almost 4,000 lives have been saved by air bags --- many in Chrysler minivans.

It is unfortunate that Chrysler's leadership in this field, combined with the popularity and affordability of Chrysler's minivans would be used by plaintiffs attorneys to turn a profit. The truth is that a properly restrained child has never been killed by an air bag system in any Chrysler minivan.