The last Samurai, Suzuki's knockabout sport utility vehicle, rolled off the assembly line in 1995. The Japanese automaker retired the popular model after just seven years of production.
Suzuki lawyer George F. Ball blames the early demise on Consumer Reports magazine, which heavily publicized the SUV's rollover potential. "They wouldn't leave it alone," he said.
At least, that's the case that Ball will soon roll out before an Orange County, Calif., jury.
Alleging a type of defamation known as product disparagement, the automaker is seeking $60 million in damages from the magazine's corporate parent, Consumers Union (C.U.).
For the magazine and publications like it, the stakes may be much higher.
Details here from the National Law Journal.