NEW YORK (AP) — A civil trial has begun in New York to test the boundaries of hundreds of claims remaining against General Motors over faulty ignition switches.

A section of a car rested in a Manhattan federal courtroom in front of prospective jurors who filled out questionnaires as jury selection began Monday. The trial focused on an Oklahoma crash that injured a driver.

It's the first of six trials scheduled over the next year to narrow legal issues in lawsuits affecting over 1,000 people.

The trials begin with the claims of Robert Scheuer, of Tulsa. His lawyer says a defective ignition switch prevented air bags from deploying when his car smashed into trees.

General Motors spokesman Jim Cain says air bags operated properly given the nature of the crash.