Suzuki defends Samurai

Press, 4 June 1988, Page 10

Suzuki defends Samurai

NZPA-Reuter New York American Suzuki Motor Corp strongly defended its Samurai four-wheel-drive vehicle despite a report citing it for a dangerous tendency to overturn in accident - avoidance manoeuvres.

“We have absolute confidence that we are selling a safe and stable vehicle,” said Doug Mazza, general manager of American Suzuki’s auto division. His remark came hours after after “Consumer Reports” magazine said it had given the Samurai its first "not acceptable” rat-

ing in a decade. Consumers Union, the non-profit testing organisation that publishes the magazine, said Suzuki should recall the Samurais and give refunds to 150,000 owners in the United States. "Consumer Reports” last gave the unacceptable rating to the Dodge Omni/ Plymouth Horizon 10 years ago for failing the emergency avoidance handling test, Consumers Union said. In its rebuttal of the magazine's finding, the California-based American Motor Corp said the

Samurai had been "thoroughly tested for safety, including stability and handling, prior to its introduction into the United States.”

In its July issue, “Consumer Reports” says that the vehicle is defective because it combines a high centre of gravity with a small wheelbase and light weight, making it unstable.

In road tests, the Samurai 1988 vehicle toppled while going through an emergency handling test on a dry, level course at 64km/h, Consumers Union said.