Pub. 1 2012 Issue 1

Sum mer Issue 2012 25 Further, the York court found: “Significantly, in dealing with petitioner the DMV refused to specify what information it wanted, suggesting that the DMV either wished to test the strength of section 320 or did not know what it was looking for.” (Id. at 318.) If you have any questions about the York case or DMV investigations in general, you can contact Callahan Thompson Sherman & Caudill LLP attorney Rick Ritchie at 619-232-5700 or by email at Rritchie@ctsclaw.com . Dealership Awarded $1.5 Million Against Plaintiffs in Class Action Defense Victory R ecently, a Southern California dealer was awarded $1.47 million in attorney’s fees plus legal costs in a class action lawsuit. It is believed to be the first time an auto dealership in California has been awarded attorney’s fees for prevailing in a class action lawsuit. Twelve of the 19 plaintiffs will be responsible for paying the fee award. The lawsuit was filed in 2004 and was split into three classes: a back- dating class, a smog fee class and a tire fee class. The remedy sought was rescission which could have resulted in $30 million in liabilities to the dealership. Because the court ruled in favor of the dealership for all three classes, it was able to utilize a provision in the Automobile Sales Finance Act to recoup eight years’worth of attorney’s fees. For more information about this case, please contact Kellie Christianson, Callahan Thompson Sherman & Caudill LLP, (949) 261-2872 SPRING 2012  19 EXPERIENCE... Over 25 years of trusted insurance solutions. DETAILED ANALYTICS... Methodical approach to the bottom line. TOTAL CLARITY... Employee benefits made easy. WELLNESS... Progressive programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles. INNOVATIONS... Business solution to reduce healthcare cost. RESULTS... Proven track record time and time again. 23716 Birtcher Drive Lake Forest, CA 92630 888-661-0700 www.penben.com PenBen is Southern California’s Premier Benefit Broker Collaborative Armando Buitrago   abuitrago@penben.com Ron Joy   rjoy@penben.com Alison McCallum   amccallum@penben.com Mark Pattinson  mpattinson@penben.com Eric Trost  etrost@penben.com AutoConnections 2012 Conference & Expo Sept FNCFS t Aria Resort & Casino, Las V gas Connecting your dealership with the right technologies, strategies, and leaders to create powerful new outcomes. Register Today 908-601-6475 www.AutoCon2012.com Powerhouse Key ote Speakers Plus 70 Workshops, Panel Discussions & Hands-on Labs Free admission to the Automotive Website Awards Ceremony on Sept 5th PCGConsulting T e c h n o l o g y s S e a r c h M a r k e t i n g s D e s i g n s S o c i a l M e d i a t Dealer Principals re eive Complimentary Registration t Expanded Expo Hall: Receive $10,000 Dollars in Vendor Vouchers MORE REASONS TO ATTEND THIS FALL