STATE : American Suzuki OKs Warning Ads

American Suzuki Motor Corp. said today that it has agreed to put safety warnings in advertising for its four-wheel-drive Samurai to settle a dispute with the attorneys general of California and six other states.

The company announced in Brea that the messages--which warn against abrupt maneuvers in the so-called “sport utility vehicles”--are to be included in all ads and promotional material.

The dispute with the top law enforcement officials of California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas and Washington stems from a controversy that erupted in June over Consumers Union’s allegation that the sporty cars were unusually likely to roll over. Suzuki has heatedly disputed the allegation.

The company also agreed to reimburse the states $200,000 for legal costs.