Letter Warns Companies About SUV Ads

Citing statistics that show sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are three times more likely than cars to roll over in a crash, the attorneys general of 40 U.S. states and territories have sent a letter warning automakers to shelve ads that may mislead consumers into believing SUVs handle like cars.

The letter warns SUV manufacturers that such ads could be considered unfair and deceptive. That could leave the companies more vulnerable to civil lawsuits, CBC News reports.

In their letter, the attorneys general note that some ads show SUVs doing high-speed maneuvers. Such ads blur the distinction between SUVs and cars, the letter charges.

Recently-released U.S. safety data shows that the number of deaths in SUV rollovers increased 9.8 percent last year.

-- Barry Hoffman

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