GM, Ford Move to Boost Air-Bag Switches

The nation’s two largest domestic auto makers said Thursday they will assume the liability for dealerships that get sued for installing on-off switches for air bags.

Consumers afraid that an air bag might kill or injure them have gotten government permission to get the switches installed in their vehicles, only to find most dealers will not install them, fearing courts might hold them liable for deaths or injuries in accidents.

In a letter to dealers, General Motors Corp. said it will assume liability for GM dealers who get sued for installing a retrofitted GM cutoff switch in a vehicle. The company also will assume responsibility for any lawsuits alleging that the switch was faulty, that customers were inadequately warned about switch use or that installation information provided by GM was insufficient.

“It is intended to help customers get the switches installed,” said Kyle Johnson, a spokesman for GM.

Ford Motor Co.’s assurances were not as extensive, but the company sent dealers a letter last week making it clear the switches are covered under Ford’s indemnification agreement with dealers on automotive parts.