Tens of thousands of Arizonans who bought General Motors vehicles with ignition problems could share in a $6.3-million restitution fund set up by the automaker to settle a state consumer fraud lawsuit.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Wednesday announced the proposed settlement of the lawsuit launched in 2014, which alleged that "GM concealed defects, engaged in false advertising and created a corporate culture that devalued vehicle safety."
While GM agrees to pay compensation, the firm does not admit fault in the settlement deal that still needs a judge's approval.
The plan would benefit about 33,000 Arizonans who purchased GM vehicles purchased between July 2009 and July 2014 that were recalled in calendar year 2014.
The number of Tucsonans who stand to benefit was not immediately available.
The settlement plan specifically mentions the following GM models: Impala; Camaro; Lambda SUV, Delta SUV and Cadillac CTS/SRX.
Those who purchased affected vehicles had to still own them in 2014 when the recalls were announced in order to qualify for compensation, a state news release.
The recalls followed reports that faulty ignition switches could cause vehicles to turn off while they were being driven, the news release said.
The amount of restitution paid to each vehicle owner would depend on the total number of claims submitted and the specific types of defects involved, it said.
Affected motorists will be contacted by mail and email if the plan passes, and would have to sign a release protecting the company from further legal claims.
