Honda settles U.S. suit over hybrid gas mileage

Honda Motor Company agreed to settle a class-action suit by hybrid owners in the United States over the Japanese carmaker’s alleged overstatement of gas mileage. The settlement was approved by a California state judge in San Diego. Honda agreed to give US$100 to $200 in cash to approximately 200,000 individual owners. The total value of the settlement is around US$170 million. Owners of Civic hybrid models manufactured between 2003 and 2009 claimed that contrary to Honda’s advertisements, the cars did not get as much as 50 miles per gallon in fuel economy. ”Honda is pleased with the court’s approval of this settlement as a fair resolution for our customers that demonstrates our desire to preserve our good relationship with Civic Hybrid owners who chose to participate in this class action,” said American Honda Motor Co., the U.S. subsidiary of the Japanese carmaker. (March 17, 2012)