US Supreme Court justices signaled they may divide

US Supreme Court justices signaled they may divide US Supreme Court justices signaled they may divide, perhaps evenly, in a case involving Mazda Motor Corp. that could open automakers to more consumer lawsuits over vehicle safety.

Hearing arguments yesterday in Washington, several justices hinted they would let accident victims sue even when automakers meet minimum federal standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A minimum by definition gives manufacturers options,’’ Justice Sonia Sotomayor said.

Others, including Chief Justice John Roberts, suggested they would vote to deportation limit lawsuits and reinforce a 2000 decision that shielded carmakers from some claims.