Hyundai Wins Legal Challenge

A district court judge has decided in favor of Hyundai Construction Equipment in its case against an unauthorized dealer.

Judge Harry D. Leinenweber of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ruled that Chris Johnson Equipment Inc., of Macomb, Mich., illegally imported 29 Hyundai-branded wheel loaders and excavators and sold them primarily to U.S. customers.

The lawsuit, filed in June 2005, accused Johnson of violating federal fair competition and other laws by selling equipment that didn’t meet the standards of Hyundai’s authorized U.S. models. All of the products had altered serial numbers, none had warranty protection and some failed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations, according to a press release from Hyundai.

The ruling bars Johnson from importing, selling or marketing any Hyundai construction equipment unless it was purchased from an authorized, U.S.-based Hyundai dealer. The firm also was ordered to turn over all of the illegal equipment still in its possession and to cover Hyundai’s court costs.