Autoblog

Followup: Auctioneer Kruse ordered to pay bank $1.3M, has jet repo'd

Michael Harley — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Earnings/Financials

The walls are closing in on Dean Kruse, head of the Indiana-based Kruse International auction house. In September, a slew of lawsuits were filed against the company. Further opening the wound, a county court in Indiana has now ordered Kruse to pay more than $1.3 million to a bank in Warsaw -- just one of several debtors seeking money from the company -- for an overdue loan originally in the amount of $4.5 million. Two foreclosure lawsuits in DeKalb County, Indiana, are pending. One is for $6.5 million in unpaid loans. The other is for a loan in default for $7.8 million. Adding to his growing headache, and slowing down his travel, GE's financial arm has asked a federal court to repossess Kruse's million-dollar Cessna corporate jet.

While Kruse isn't talking to the media about his current events, he told The Journal Gazette last month that the recession has been hard on his sales. Compounding his troubles and drying up his cash flow, his longtime business practice of releasing cars to good customers before payment has come back to bite him. Understandably, he told the Gazette that he has since suspended that practice.

[Source: The Journal Gazette]

Followup: Auctioneer Kruse ordered to pay bank $1.3M, has jet repo'd originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Court rejects rejected F1 team

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal

Hell hath no fury like a racing team scorned. Among the dozen teams that lodged bids this year to join the F1 grid for 2010 was N.Technology. The racing outfit is known to some European fans as the squad that fielded race-prepped Alfas in various touring car series (pictured above), but its bid was ultimately rejected by the FIA in favor of Campos, Manor and USF1, Lotus joining the roster in BMW's stead after N.Technology had withdrawn its bid.

Citing irregularities in the selection process, N.Technology and its parent company MSC Organization Ltd. (itself an organizing body responsible for the International Formula Master feeder series) sued the FIA in French courts. According to the plaintiffs, the FIA only selected teams that were willing to use the Cosworth engine package which the governing body commissioned. N.Technology wasn't interested, while the teams that were selected all agreed to use Cosworth power.

Unfortunately for N.Technology and MSC, the French courts didn't see things their way, and rejected the rejected entry's claims. Some people just can't win.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty]

REPORT: Court rejects rejected F1 team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Total Croc: Porsche suing popular shoe company over naming rights?

Michael Harley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Porsche, Humor

Porsche AG is known for vigorously defending its intellectual property. It's understandable, as the company has spent more than half a century building its performance-oriented automotive brand around design patents, logos, and the company's familiar vehicle nomenclature. Crocs, Inc., on the other hand, is a shoe manufacturer credited with introducing the world to low-cost injection-molded foam footwear. Crocs does not build cars... um, thankfully.

What Crocs did do was name its popular sandal the "Cayman" (pictured at right). Of course, this set off all the alarms at Porsche as that name is already trademark registered by the automaker for its two-seat sports coupe. What followed next was expected... in mid-May, Crocs received a letter from Porsche notifying them of the alleged trademark infringement. At the end of July, Porsche filed a notice of injunction in German courts against the European use of the Cayman name by Crocs.

While we realize that few of our readers would ever confuse a pair of Crocs' Cayman with the Porsche Cayman, one has to wonder if Porsche is taking this a bit too far. Rumor has it that the Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean are monitoring the situation and already working on their own legal defense... Hat tip to Freddy for the lead!

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman

[Source: Deadline Watch]

Total Croc: Porsche suing popular shoe company over naming rights? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hertz files defamation suit against analyst who says company could go bankrupt

Michael Harley — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Founded in 1918 with a fleet of just twelve Ford Model Ts, Hertz Global Holdings Inc. has grown into the world's largest rental car company with nearly 8,000 offices worldwide. According to to Reuters, on Friday, the company filed a lawsuit against Audit Integrity Inc. and its chief executive, Jack Zwingli, after its analysts published a report earlier this month indicating Hertz would be among nearly two dozen large companies "most likely to declare bankruptcy" during the next year.

Understandably miffed, Hertz has submitted legal papers accusing Audit Integrity of defamation and being trade libel for publishing a false statement of fact. According to Hertz officials, the defendants had "no factual basis" for the report and said that the conclusions about its financial health were "baseless." The report was released on September 16 and Zwingli was interviewed about it on CNBC television that same day.

Not only is Hertz is seeking monetary and punitive damages in the lawsuit, but they are asking for an official retraction. Audit Integrity is holding its ground. "We firmly stand behind our methodology and findings, and will vigorously defend ourselves against this unwarranted litigation," countered Zwingli in a statement. Nevertheless, Hertz shares were up in today's market trading.

[Source: Reuters UK | Image: Tim Boyle/Getty]

REPORT: Hertz files defamation suit against analyst who says company could go bankrupt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer

Michael Harley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, BMW, Celebrities, Canada

And you thought the story couldn't get more bizarre. Well, it turns out Ryan Jenkins, the now-deceased Canadian Realtor-turned-reality-TV-contestant-turned-accused-murderer may have allegedly tossed more than Jasmine Fiore in the dumpster. According to BMW, Jenkins hadn't made a payment on his leased 3 Series since March, and his account is now seriously past due.

BMW is going after Ryan Jenkins for about $11,553 (US dollars) in outstanding payments on his '07 BMW 335xi sedan (his monthly lease payments were $844, proving he was about as successful in automobile purchasing negotiations as he was with relationships). While the vehicle in question has been returned to the automaker and since sold, the outstanding amount (plus interest) still needs to be collected. Regardless of BMW's next move, the line of creditors to this train wreck's estate is likely very long.

[Source: Yahoo News Canada, photo by Gary Lester]

REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all

Chris Shunk — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler

When Chrysler sought bankruptcy protection on April 30, the Obama administration insisted that one of the conditions of its Chapter 11 filing were that all product lawsuits against the Pentastar were the responsibility of "Old Carco LLC." In other words, anyone in litigation with Chrysler as a result of injuries that may have been caused as a result of faulty product would never be paid. The move was obviously unpopular with anyone seeking to sue Chrysler, and it wasn't exactly a public relations boon, either. Some groups were even looking to have product liability disclaimers added to all used Chrysler vehicles on dealer lots.

After taking a closer look at the viability of the new Chrysler Group, the reinvigorated automaker has decided to once again accept legal responsibility for vehicles purchased prior to June, 2009. Chrysler states in a press release (available after the jump) that it is taking a similar stance to how General Motors handled their lawsuits. If that is indeed the case, Chrysler would only take responsibility for future liability claims for cars and trucks assembled prior to bankruptcy - all cases that were in the courts prior to bankruptcy would still be the responsibility of Old Carco. The press release is rather vague and a bit confusing, but you can check it out after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all

Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Max Mosley, Sebastien Bourdais settle individual lawsuits

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal

Those who bemoan modern Formula One settling its rivalries in the courtroom instead of on the race track have another set of examples to bring up at the pub as news emerges of the settlement of two lawsuits related to the top-tier racing series have emerged over the course of the weekend.

In one case, Scuderia Toro Rosso and its dejected driver Sebastien Bourdais reportedly settled a dispute of the premature termination of the contract between the two parties. When the team fired Bourdais in favor of Jamie Alguersuari, Bourdais proclaimed that he was looking into legal recourse against the team. Reports now indicate that the two parties settled out of court, with STR reportedly paying Bourdais salary plus damages in the amount of $2.1 million. Speculation is rising that the French driver will return to racing in the U.S., where he racked up an unprecedented four consecutive Champ Car titles before his ill-fated move to Formula One.

Meanwhile, departing FIA president Max Mosley has reportedly settled his case against German newspaper Bild over the publication of his sordid sex scandal for which he sued the publisher for $2.35 million. According to reports, Mosley and Bild settled for $290,000 which will be distributed to two charities, as well as the publication of an interview to clear the record. The settlement follows the $100,000 in damages and $760,000 in legal fees awarded last year to Mosley from the News of the World, the British tabloid which originally broke the story.

[Sources: F1-Live and GrandPrix.com | Image: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty]

Max Mosley, Sebastien Bourdais settle individual lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford Explorer suit draws to close; lawyers big winners, plaintiffs less so

Michael Harley — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Earnings/Financials

As another costly Ford Explorer rollover lawsuit finally bogs to a close, the attorneys have again emerged standing on top of the flotsam. This suit, filed in California on behalf of consumers in four states who leased or bought 1991 to 2001 Ford Explorers, alleged the rollover problems associated with their vehicles diminished resale values (the lawsuit excluded personal injuries or wrongful death claims). The final settlement, authorized by a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge, awarded each of the class members $500 discount coupons towards the purchase of a new Ford SUV, or $300 towards another Ford vehicle.

While the attorneys argued the lawsuit was valued at $500 million (assuming that nearly one million consumers would flock to dealerships and cash-in those nifty coupons for new Fords), the settlement is really only costing the automaker about $27 million. All told, the attorneys will pocket an impressive $25 million of the bounty, while another $950,000 is donated to the Automotive Safety Research Institute for "research into protecting passengers in rollover accidents." The balance (at most $846,500) will go to the 1,693 class members who applied for the $500 certificates before the April 2008 cutoff. In case you were wondering... as of this June, only 75 of the vouchers ($37,500 worth) had been redeemed.

[Source: The Associated Press (via Yahoo) | Image: Alex Wong/Getty]

REPORT: Ford Explorer suit draws to close; lawyers big winners, plaintiffs less so originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Martin Eberhard sues Elon Musk and Tesla for libel, slander and breach of contract

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

The only thing surprising about Martin Eberhard's latest move is that it took so long to happen. Eberhard was co-founder of Tesla Motors along with Mark Tarpenning, and he was ousted from the company in November 2007 by then-chairman Elon Musk. Musk has never been one to hide his feelings about other people (or much of anything) - and comments he has made about Eberhard and his role in the company have clearly not gone over well.

To nobody's surprise, Eberhard has filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court in San Mateo against Musk and Tesla Motors. In the suit, Eberhard accuses Musk of slander and libel, along with breaching the contracts that he and the company had with Eberhard. At 146 pages, we haven't yet had time to digest the entire complaint (though we do find it interesting that our coverage is mentioned in the lawsuit), but we have a sneaking suspicion this one is going to get ugly. You can read the filing in PDF form by clicking here.

ABG reached out to Tesla for comment, and spokeswoman Rachel Konrad provided the following statement:

"This lawsuit is a fictionalized, inaccurate account of Tesla's early years -- it's twisted and wrong, and we welcome the opportunity to set the record straight. Incidentally, Tesla will also be filing counterclaims and in the process present an accurate account of the company's history."

More as it happens...

[Source: San Mateo California Superior Court]

BREAKING: Martin Eberhard sues Elon Musk and Tesla for libel, slander and breach of contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge-Eat-Dodge: Dropped Chrysler dealer sues competitor that's staying open

Michael Harley — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Chrysler, Dodge, Earnings/Financials

Accusing a cross-town rival of influencing Chrysler to shut down its business so they could acquire the customers, Florida's Monarch Dodge has filed a civil suit against Massey-Yardley Dodge. The two Sunshine State dealerships will meet in court to determine whether Massey-Yardley Dodge contacted Monarch Dodge employees with job offers - before Chrysler LLC had announced its closure list. The suit alleges that Massey-Yardley and its "agents engaged in a campaign with agents of Chrysler LLC to acquire Monarch" while actively convincing the bankrupt automaker to close the Lauderdale Lakes dealership.

Regardless of the pending litigation, Monarch Dodge joins hundreds of other dealerships still coming to terms with their closures. Not only is Monarch the only new car dealer in the small city (employing 67 people), but it says it has consistently ranked as the ninth most profitable out of 26 dealers in South Florida. To bolster its cause, the 35-year-old dealership is rallying local support among the community and may even appeal to Congress. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: TCPalm]

Dodge-Eat-Dodge: Dropped Chrysler dealer sues competitor that's staying open originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's Rich: Geely reportedly denies copying Rolls-Royce

Michael Harley — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Rolls-Royce, UK, Shanghai Motor Show

Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

With gloved white fingers pointing in their direction, Geely Automobile is in full denial of British accusations. The independent Chinese automaker, which rolled out its luxurious GE model bearing more than slight resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Phantom at the Shanghai Motor Show, seems rather unconcerned. "As it were, they are actually different ... people may feel they are the same at the first glance, but the details are certainly different," Geely spokeswoman Zhang Xiaoshu told AFP.

Keep telling that to the good blokes at Rolls-Royce who are considering legal action against Geely. To most observers in the industry, the production-bound Chinese GE concept clearly borrows the Rolls signature grill, down-sloping rear deck, and the Flying Lady mascot. Unlike the Phantom, the Chinese variant is set to hit the market at a sliver of the cost of the exclusive Rolls. While imitation is often considered the most sincere form of flattery, the British evidently aren't cracking so much as a smile.

Gallery: Geely GE

[Source: Drive]

That's Rich: Geely reportedly denies copying Rolls-Royce originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

When the next step in the road to 35 mpg by 2020 CAFE standards was announced recently, those in the know made it clear that the Obama administration's upcoming goal of 27.3 mpg by 2011 would not be hard for automakers to meet. In fact, the 2007 average was already 31.3, so the 2011 goal would not require any change in product lineup (more difficult changes are scheduled to come into effect down the line). The 2011 standards were so light, in fact, that the Center for Biological Diversity took the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Department of Transportation to court last week, saying that the Obama administration's standards "ignore greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis, are illogical, illegal, and very disappointing from a president who has promised to make the United States a leader in the fight against global warming."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Center filed suit in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to push the 2011 standards to "the maximum feasible level, in light of current technology, economic impact, and the nation's need to conserve energy." Read the Center's press release after the jump.

[Source: Center for Biological Diversity, San Francisco Chronicle]

Continue reading Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards

Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: More banks suing even after repossessing vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Lifestyle, Carsumer Advocacy

Just because your car has been repossessed doesn't mean you don't still owe the bank money on it. If that vehicle gets sold at auction for less than the bank is owed on it, the difference is called the "deficiency." And as MSNBC informs, banks are increasingly suing to get that deficiency amount back, plus applicable attorney's fees.

With the increasing cost of vehicles, smaller down payments, and longer loan terms, it is easier than ever to get upside-down on your car loan. Furthermore, banks don't send a repossessed car to auction and work to get the highest price for it. They farm it out to third parties who need to move cars, not hold out for the absolute best deal. Take depressed auction prices into account as well, and it's not hard to end up with a deficiency in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Banks who win deficiency judgments can sometimes garnish wages and force the sale of property, but again, that's only in certain cases. The best ways to ward off a deficiency lawsuit are to get the shortest car loan term you can afford, which will help avoid getting upside-down in the first place. If you still can't manage, try and sell the car yourself, since you'll likely get a much better price than the bank will at auction (and you'll avoid a repo on your credit history). Failing that, bankruptcy should clear the debt as an unsecured loan.

[Source: MSNBC]

PSA: More banks suing even after repossessing vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maryland judge green-lights swastika car lawsuit

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

As a political statement against Maryland politician E. J. Pikpkin's run for national office, Charles Richter painted a swastika on his car next to the words "Vote Pipken" and parked it legally on a public street. The same day it was parked, a sheriff's deputy ticketed the car as abandoned. Two days later, the car was towed from the same spot. When Richter refused to pay the impound lot to get his car back, it was crushed. Richter has brought suit against the deputy, and a federal judge has just ruled that the lawsuit can go forward.

Richter, explaining another swastika-adorned vehicle that was also a protest against Pipken, wrote in one forum, "Painted on my Van was... The American Indian Peace sign which happens to be the Swastika printed back wards." The decorative swastika, also used by Native Americans, is literally thousands of years old, has positive meanings, and is still used in certain Eastern cultures. It is often depicted in mirror image to the Nazi swastika, but it can be drawn with its arms going either way, right or left. The Nazi swastika is only rendered one way, with its arms to the right. We don't know if the van swastika was different than the car swastika, but the one on the car matches the Nazi swastika, and, of course, the Native American swastika, as well.

The lawsuit verdict is evidently based on the weight of free speech and political objection. According to the judge, Richter has First Amendment rights during "an act of political protest." The deputy sheriff who ticketed the car, parked legally on public property, violated those rights. It could also be taken into account, however, that E. J. Pipken is Jewish, which would open the door to considerations of hate speech. We don't know if the judge had anything to say on that issue, but for now, the case can proceed.

[Source: Maryland Daily Record]

Maryland judge green-lights swastika car lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle

Michael Harley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Europe, Government/Legal, Crossover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

Take a close look at the image. A court in Italy has just ruled that the crossover pictured above, the five-seat CEO built by Shuanghuan Automobile of Shijiazhuang, China, is not a clone of the BMW X5. Um... yeah. The legal battles began when Shuanghuan introduced their "Noble" last year, a near-clone of the Smart fortwo. Mercedes-Benz wasn't impressed, and threatened a lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, BMW started losing sleep over the Chinese CEO, an obvious facsimile of their previous-generation X5 (E53). The Bavarian automaker took Shuanghuan to court in Munich this past summer and won their case, and when Martin Motors (the distributor of Shuanghuan Automobiles in Italy and central Europe) started selling the CEO in early 2007, BMW again took legal action, this time in the Italian judicial system.

Last week, the Germans met their defeat when the Italian courts rejected their claims. To date, Martin Motors has sold about 200 copies of the CEO and expects to sell about 1200 this year in their European markets. "We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5. We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling," said an obviously pleased spokesperson from Martin Motors. We have to wonder how quickly the Italians would change their tune if Shuanghuan began to knock-off the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reminds world that it didn't "willfully" violate wiper patent

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Ford

Click to enlarge

Engineer Bob Kearns had been granted a patent for a design of intermittent windshield wipers in 1967, two years before Ford introduced them in production. Unfortunately for Kearns, Ford had "developed" its own system rather than licensing Kearns' design. Needless to say, litigation ensued and it took until 1995 for the U.S. Supreme Court to finally rule against Ford and Chrysler and award Kearns $30 million. That story has now been turned into a major motion picture being released this week called Flash of Genius, and Ford wants you to know that the facts of the matter are much less dramatic than what the movie portrays.

While reminding people that the facts have been dramatized, Ford also mentions that a jury ruled it did not "willfully" infringe on Kearns' patent. That's not to say Ford and Chrysler didn't infringe - juries ruled that they did. It just wasn't "willful." Did Kearns ultimately win? That's hard to say considering how his life turned out, but he was vindicated. On the other hand, many owners of older English cars would argue that Joseph Lucas invented the intermittent windshield wiper, although again not willfully.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford reminds world that it didn't "willfully" violate wiper patent

Ford reminds world that it didn't "willfully" violate wiper patent originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ROUSH and Ford sued for making too many Blackjack Mustangs

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, ROUSH, Specialty

Click to enlarge

ROUSH announced the Stage3 Blackjack Mustang back in 2006, and in 2007 said it would make 100 of them. New Yorker Drew Conner bought Blackjack number two, spending almost $59,000 for his slice of limited edition Mustang pie. Only the glossy black 'Stang wasn't so limited after all: according to a lawsuit Connor filed in New York, Ford and ROUSH made another 100 Blackjacks in 2008.

Both Ford and ROUSH are named in the suit, and Connor has been joined by "at least 100" other Blackjack buyers. The plaintiffs' complaint is, of course, that the Blackjack's "value from scarcity and as collectors' items were and are dramatically less than the buyers had been led to believe their value would be."

But to make everything all better, the plaintiffs are asking for class action status, a jury trial, and... ahem... more than $12 million. That sounds like a lot, but say there were just 100 plaintiffs, that would be $120,000 per person, and would get them their money back plus a 100-percent premium for being misled... which might sound more reasonable. Or not. For the moment, both Ford and ROUSH have no comment on the litigation. Thanks for the tip, iOrange!

UPDATE: One point of clarification that's been bothering us is why Ford has been included in this lawsuit. All it did was build the Mustangs then sold them to ROUSH, which developed, manufactured and distributed the run of limited-edition Blackjack Mustangs.

[Source: Reuters]

ROUSH and Ford sued for making too many Blackjack Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Max Mosley launches more lawsuits against newspapers

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Government/Legal, UK

Unwilling to recognize when genug is enough, Max Mosley is forging ahead with more lawsuits. After being awarded a £60,000 judgment (plus an additional estimated £1 million in expenses) against News of the World, the tabloid that broke the story of the FIA president's alleged sexual activities, Mosley is now launching a second lawsuit against the publishers. Whereas the previous lawsuit was on the grounds of invasion of privacy, the second action is for libel.

In addition to the follow-up suit against News of the World, Mosley will also be pursuing compensatory damages from German newspaper Bild, which Mosley claims repeated the story unchecked. The suit against Bild petitions for one million euros, plus an addition half-million from its online edition. The prostitute, known only as Woman E, who originally claimed the episode had a Nazi theme, has since recanted and revised her statement to the exclusion of any such connection.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty]

Max Mosley launches more lawsuits against newspapers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former employee slaps Tesla with class action suit

Merritt Johnson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Their plate may be filled with churning out Tesla Roadsters and developing the Model S sedan, but Tesla Motors can't seem to get a break from the lawsuits. First there was the tiff with transmission supplier Magna, followed by potential development partner Fisker, and now Tesla is facing a ~~class action~~ (it's not a class action lawsuit until a judge deems it so) lawsuit from former Director of Public Relations, David Vespremi. Vespremi ~~ended up on the cutting room floor during the tornado that swept through the company ranks at the end of 2007~~ was let go prior to the layoffs in January of this year. Vespremi is trying to connect his firing to the layoffs, but according to Tesla's Darryl Siry, that's not the case -- his termination was a separate matter. The details of the lawsuit allege that Tesla Motors did not practice good faith or fair dealing, violated labor codes with unpaid wages and waiting periods, and utilized unfair business practices. The document also listed libel and slander due to the harsh words spoken from the mouths of executives to the media when referencing the former employees. Thanks for the tip Jan!

UPDATE: Darryl Siry of Tesla wanted to clear a few things up with the story. To begin with, a judge must certify a lawsuit as class action before it can be deemed as such. That hasn't happened yet. Additionally, the part of the lawsuit filed by David Vespremi that asks for class action status has nothing to do with libel, slander, or defamation. The only part of Vespremi's lawsuit that could be classified as "class" has to do with Tesla's arbitration and non-conciliation clause in his employment agreement.

[Source: San Mateo Court]

Former employee slaps Tesla with ~~class action~~ suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla files suit against Fisker Automotive

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green

As we recently reported, rumors have been swirling regarding Henrik Fisker's involvement with Tesla Motors and its upcoming electric sedan prototype known as the WhiteStar. As is often the case, there's apparently some truth to the scuttlebutt, as Tesla has filed a lawsuit claiming that Fisker Automotive is using stolen design ideas from Tesla sourced when Fisker Coachbuild was employed by the young EV automaker for the styling of its sedan.

According to Tesla chairman Elon Musk, "We could not use the Fisker styling. The styling was substandard compared to what he unveiled for his product. He gave us an inferior work product, and it's obvious why." In the process of working for Tesla, the lawsuit contends that Henrik Fisker and a few of his associates stole design ideas and confidential information related to the design of hybrid and electric cars. Fisker has since announced his upcoming Karma hybrid-electric sedan. Tesla seeks to have Fisker Automotive stop using any design ideas garnered from its relationship with Tesla, and any money paid to Fisker Coachbuild returned along with other unspecified damages.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: The New York Times]

Tesla files suit against Fisker Automotive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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