DETROIT, US: Automaker General Motors Corp (GM) has extended the compensation program deadline for the ignition switch affected, being administered by Kenneth Feinberg, by one month.
It was reported in August that since February, GM recalled 2.6 million vehicles over problems with the ignition switch, and has since recalled millions more with other possible defects. GM reportedly had knowledge of the serious defect as early as 2001. The switch issue is said to have caused 30 deaths.
The claim period for the families affected by the issue was to run from August 1 through December 31. With the extension, it will now run up to January 31, 2015.
In a statement, the company said, “We agreed with Ken Feinberg’s recommendation to extend the compensation program deadline. Our goal with the program has been to reach every eligible person impacted.”