California sues car makers

• US State takes six manufacturers to court
• State says car makers responsible for emissions
• Global warming costing California 'millions'

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The State of California is suing six of the largest car markers in America for allegedly contributing to global warming.

California claims that vehicle emissions are costing the state millions of dollars, causing harm to California's environment, farming and public health. It is holding Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler and Nissan responsible.

The state's attorney general Bill Lockyer said: 'The impacts are costing millions of dollars. It is time to hold these companies responsible for their contribution to the crisis.'

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, on behalf of the car makers, dismissed the claim as a nuisance suit.

It said: 'This opens the door to lawsuits targeting any activity that uses fossil fuel for energy.'