A newsletter roundup of recent news stories including GM's recent recall of 4.3 million vehicles worldwide, updates about the Aliso Canyon Gas Leak, and Tesla's efforts to improve the safety of its Autopilot technology

1. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 9/21/16
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Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
1. G.M. Spots a Safety Issue and This Time Moves Quickly to Respond; GM Referral Program Spurs Recall
Adapted from N.Y. Times, 9/10/16, and Wall Street Journal, 9/10/16
General Motors (GM) has recalled almost 4.3 million vehicles worldwide—including 3.6 million in the
U.S.—due to a safety problem that can cause airbag and seatbelt failure. The automaker said that,
under certain conditions, a sensing diagnostic module can improperly activate a test that prevents the
deployment of certain safety devices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said
the problem has been linked to at least one death and three injuries. The fix involves a quick software
modification. Customers do not have to wait for a recall notice before bringing their vehicle to the
dealership.
2. Plaintiffs’ bar sees promise in talcum powder litigation
Adapted from L.A. Daily Journal, 9/14/16
High-profile attorneys nationwide may now be searching for talcum powder cases, according to a
report by the L.A. Daily Journal. Two such cases have already yielded plaintiff verdicts for $55 million
and $72 million against consumer products manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. Thousands of court filings
around the country allege talcum powder can cause ovarian cancer if used for years for feminine
hygiene purposes. The filings allege the companies knew of these health risks for decades but buried
the scientific research and did not inform consumers. A 1982 epidemiological study showed a 92%
increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who used genital talc.
3. Companies may face more liability in asbestos cases
Adapted from L.A. Daily Journal, 9/8/16
The California Supreme Court has taken under submission two consolidated cases about whether
employers owe a duty of care to employees’ family members who allegedly suffered harm due to
workplace asbestos carried home by employees. Defendants have argued that imposing a duty of care
over second- and third-hand exposure would place an undue burden on employers and the court
system. The L.A. Daily Journal predicted the Court would find employers owed a duty of care.
4. Gas firm will pay $4 million over Aliso Canyon leak
Adapted from L.A. Times, 9/14/16
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has agreed to pay $4 million to resolve criminal charges
related to the massive gas leak at its Aliso Canyon natural gas storage field near Porter Ranch. The utility
is still facing civil actions from regulators and nearby residents over the months-long incident. Some
residents had been calling for SoCalGas to permanently close the Alisa Canyon Storage facility, but gas
company officials have repeatedly said that it will remain open.

2. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 9/21/16
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
5. Tesla’s cars to rely more on radar
Adapted from L.A. Times, 9/12/16
On Sept. 11, Telsa CEO Elon Musk announced changes intended to improve the safety of Tesla’s
Autopilot technology. The technology will now primarily rely on radar, not just cameras. The changes
follow a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S vehicle that was on Autopilot when it apparently failed
to differentiate between a white tractor-trailer and the bright sky. The safety improvements will be
uploaded automatically to the vehicles.
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