Class Action Judgment Against Auto Dealership Reversed In Part And Affirmed In Part.

This class action was brought by consumers who purchased automobiles. It was tried by the court, and judgment was entered in favor of defendant automobile dealership. The trial court awarded $1,503,084.50 to defendant in attorney fees and costs. The appellate court reversed portions of the judgment and affirmed other portions. The reversed portions included a finding that defendant’s backdating second or subsequent vehicle sales contracts to the original sale date violates the Automobile Sales Finance Act [Civil Code section 2981, et seq.], the Consumer Legal Remedies Act [Civil Code section 1750, et seq.] and the Unfair Competition Law [Business and Professions Code section 17200, et seq.]. The matter was remanded for further proceedings. The appellate court did not address the fees/costs award because the situation will likely change on remand. (Raceway Ford Cases (Cal. App. Fourth Dist., Div. 2; September 16, 2014) 229 Cal.App.4th 1119, [177 Cal.Rptr.3d 616].)