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DaimlerChrysler Comments on Geier v American Honda Decision

23 May 2000

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Following the news of the Supreme Court's ruling on
Monday, Ken Gluckman, Assistant General Counsel, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 
issued this statement:

    "We are pleased with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the law.  More
importantly however, we believe that this interpretation supports the best
public policy for automotive safety.

    "Had the decision gone the other way, it would have had a chilling effect
on innovation.  Automakers have a disincentive to innovate if they are
uncertain as to what standard applies.

    "All citizens, including corporate citizens like DaimlerChrysler, want
predictability and fairness in the law.  This decision elevates the careful,
objective and scientific policy-setting mechanisms, which the Congress has
entrusted to the NHTSA, over inconsistent, often emotional decisions by juries
in 50 different states."