Darling's v. Ford Motor Co.

[¶ 1] Darling’s, an automobile dealer/franchisee, appeals from a summary judgment entered in the Superior Court (Penobscot County, Hjehn, J.) in favor of Ford Motor Co., an automobile manufacturer/franchisor. Darling’s complaint seeks to recoup warranty repair reimbursement claims that Ford had previously approved and paid, but charged back to Darling’s after conducting an audit. Darling’s also seeks to permanently enjoin Ford from such action in the future. Darling’s contends that the court erred when it construed 10 M.R.S.A. § 1176-A (Supp. 2002) as authorizing audits of warranty claims…