Chrysler next in line to defend safety issue

Now that GM has jumped out of the frying pan, it's Chrysler's turn to take some heat for the safety of its products. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 74 passengers have been ejected, 25 resulting in deaths, from Chrysler minivans because of a faulty latch on the rear hatch. Like GM before, Chrysler publicly says its products are safe and won't recall them. Behind closed doors, however, some are arguing for a voluntary recall that will result in PR brownie points. Meantime, reports claim that Chrysler's '96 minivans failed crash tests, forcing the company to push back the launch date. Chrysler President Robert A. Lutz says the minivans are on schedule for dealer delivery in the spring and adjustments have been made.