Robert E. Rhodes v. Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., and Johnson Controls, Inc., Formerly Globe-Union, Inc.

KRAVITCH, Circuit Judge:

In this Georgia diversity action plaintiff-appellant Rhodes seeks damages for personal injuries suffered in an explosion occurring when he struck a match and loosened the vent caps on an automobile battery manufactured and distributed by defendant-appellees. Rhodes appeals an order of the district court dismissing his claim on summary judgment. We reverse and remand.

The battery was manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc. (“Johnson”) for distribution by Interstate Battery System of America, Inc. (“Interstate”), which sold the product under its own name. The plastic top…