Emails from a court case show that General Motors Co. ordered 500,000 replacement ignition switches almost two months before telling government safety regulators that the switches would be recalled.

The emails released by Texas attorney Robert Hilliard show that GM placed an urgent order for switches from Delphi Corp. on Dec. 18 for a safety issue. The cars weren’t recalled until Feb. 7.

The order wasn’t mentioned when GM CEO Mary Barra testified before Congress.

Hilliard says that at least 85 injuries and one life could have been saved if GM had warned customers in December.

The switches can slip out of the run position and cause cars to unexpectedly stall.

GM says it is normal procedure to order parts before a recall.

(AP)