Japanese Automaker and Consumer Advocate Magazine Ending 8-Year Battle

Putting an end to a bitter battle that has gone on for over eight years, American Suzuki Motor Corporation and the publisher of Consumer Reports (Consumers Union) came to a mutual agreement in regards to a 1988 test review that claimed the Japanese automakers Samurai SUV was prone to rollovers (see Mar 9, 2004: American Suzuki vs. Consumer Reports Libel Suit Takes Interesting Twist, for a historical account).

Suzuki will not receive payment for alleged damages under the settlement, according to a statement issued

After a bitter 8 year legal battle, American Suzuki Motor Corporation and the publisher of Consumer Reports have come to an agreement. (Photo: truckworld.com)

"The parties have acknowledged their mutual respect for each other in that Suzuki recognizes Consumers Unions stated commitment for objective and unbiased testing and reporting, and CU recognizes Suzukis stated commitment for designing, manufacturing and marketing

The Samurai, which was introduced in 1985, sold well over its first three years but according to American Suzuki, never recovered after the Consumer Reports article. (Photo: zukiworld.com)

Initially in the 1996 suit, American Suzuki sued for $60 million and punitive damages, under the suspicion that Consumers Union was doctoring the tests that achieved negative results. The news made headlines across North America, which the automaker claims resulted in a substantive reduction in Samurai SUV sales.

It is important to note that Consumer Reports has not run a retraction of its initial rollover claim, but nevertheless has stated

"Consumers Union admits the Samurai does not easily rollover. That was a huge, huge issue and you dont get that in court," stated American Suzuki spokesman Cam Smith Arnolds. (Photo: truckworld.com)

While both sides appear on the surface to be in agreement, theres definitely love lost. Suzuki continues to question the validity of Consumers Unions testing methods, while Consumers Union "stands by its test protocol and finding," according to the statement.

On the subject R. David Pittle, senior vice president for technical policy at Consumer Reports, stated "This is a settlement to feel very good about." He added, "We stand fully behind our published reports and testing of the Samurai."

Suzuki has its own take on the results of the settlement, with Cam Smith Arnolds,

With the costly legal battle finally over, both companies can put more funds into what each do best. (Photo: truckworld.com)

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