ARC Flawed Airbag Inflator Cases Sent to Georgia Courtroom

Drivers’ lawsuits alleging their cars lost significant value because of flawed airbag inflators will proceed in an Atlanta federal court against manufacturer ARC Automotive Inc., General Motors LLC, and other automakers.

The proposed class actions raise common fact questions arising from the allegation that a defect can cause ARC airbag inflators to rupture on impact—dispersing shrapnel and injuring or killing vehicle occupants, the panel said.

Combining the proposed class actions before one judge will make the proceedings fairer and more efficient, the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation said Thursday.

Some 30 million cars in the US are equipped ...