Mendez was driving a minivan with six passengers when a rear tire made by Cooper Tire lost its tread. Mendez lost control and rolled the minivan. Four passengers were killed. Mendez and two others survived. Examination of the tire showed that a nail had punctured it. The survivors sued Cooper for product defect. A jury awarded over $11 million in damages; the appeals court affirmed. Cooper appealed.

1. The Texas high court held that the expert testimony relied upon by the plaintiffs to establish their case was not reliable. Why did the court not order a new trial?
2. The jury believed the expert testimony presented for plaintiffs. Why did their judgment not stand?