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Testing soon revealed vulnerabilities regarding the Pinto's fuel tank, particularly its placement behind the rear axle, where it was susceptible to rupture in rear-end collisions. Despite early warnings and feasible corrective measures, Ford opted not to take action, believing the additional costs would outweigh the benefits.
Legal and Public Relations Reckoning
As accidents involving Pintos increased, lawsuits against Ford began to mount. A particularly notable case, Grimshaw vs. Ford Motor Company, emerged from a fatal accident that highlighted the Pinto's hazardous design. The jury awarded significant damages to the victims, a decision that put Ford's management's decisions under scrutiny.