Court Approves Ford Explorer Class Action Settlement - Deadline To File Claims Approaches

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 16 -- Judge David De Alba of the Superior Court of California, Sacramento County, ended seven years of litigation yesterday when he approved the Ford Explorer class action settlement and found that it was fair, reasonable, and adequate. This approval means that California, Illinois, Connecticut, and Texas consumers who bought, owned or leased 1991-2001 model year Ford Explorers can get benefits from the settlement. Consumers must act by April 29, 2008, to get benefits, which include discount certificates worth $500 toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford Explorer or $300 toward the purchase or lease of any other new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury.

To qualify for discount certificates, those included must fill out and submit a claim form by April 29, 2008. Claim forms are available at explorerclaims.com or by calling 1-866-833-7918.

The settlement includes all persons who fall within any of the following groups:

People and entities who bought, owned or leased new or used 1991-2001 model year Ford Explorers in California between 1990 and August 9, 2000, and who either (a) currently own or lease the vehicle(s) or (b) sold or whose lease for such vehicle(s) expired or otherwise terminated after August 9, 2000; and who resided in California on March 16, 2006.

All residents of Illinois on September 27, 2004, who purchased, owned or leased, at any time between 1990 and September 27, 2004, Ford Explorers, model years 1991 through 2001, that are or were equipped with Firestone ATX, ATX II, or Wilderness tires.

All persons who owned or leased 1991-2001 model year Explorers in Texas or Connecticut on August 9, 2000, and who were residents of Texas or Connecticut as of December 5, 2007.

More information is available at explorerclaims.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-866-833-7918.