YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Ford Motor Company is now presenting its case in the multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by a former Austintown police officer.

Ross Linert is claiming a design defect in the gas tank of his Ford police cruiser caused the fire that left him severely burned after a rear end collision in 2007.

Ford contends there is no design by any manufacturer that eliminates all risk of fire in the type of collision Linert was involved in.

"There are more than 200 million registered vehicles on the road and everyone of those carries with it a risk of a fire if its struck in the rear at 116 mph by a Cadillac regardless of where the fuel tank is located," Ford attroney Jim Feeney said. 

Linert suffered severe burns over 30 percent of his body and was hospitalized for two months. He and his wife are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

A jury is hearing the case in Mahoning County Court.