FIRST TRIAL OVER GM IGNITION SWITCH IS DISMISSED

The first federal trial over General Motors Co.’ s massive ignition switch recall came to an early end on Friday as the parties said the case had been dismissed, in the wake of allegations that the plaintiff had given misleading testimony. According to a filing in Manhattan federal court, the plaintiff Robert Scheuer agreed to voluntarily dismiss his claims against the automaker with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. Scheuer agreed to take no payment from GM for his claims. The abrupt dismissal of Scheuer’s trial, which began on Jan. 12, is unlikely to affect other switch lawsuits. On Thursday, U. S. District Judge Jesse Furman, who oversees nationwide litigation over the defect, had urged GM and Scheuer to consider ending the trial, and for the automaker to focus on preparations for a second “bellwether” trial set for March. An ignition switch defect on Ions, Chevrolet Cobalts and other GM vehicles could cause engines to stall and prevent airbags from deploying in crashes. The problem has since been linked to nearly 400 injuries and deaths.