Peterson v. Ford Motor Credit Co.

ANDREASEN, Justice.

In this appeal, we must determine whether the lessor of a motor vehicle may be an owner liable for damages under Iowa Code section 321.493 (1985). The district court held that Ford Motor Credit Company (Ford Credit) was not an owner, and granted Ford Credit’s motion for summary judgment. Because we believe the lessor of a motor vehicle may be an owner liable for damages, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand this matter for further proceedings.

Jay Schoning rented a new 1985 Ford Bronco II from Arrow Ford, Incorporated (Arrow Ford), in April 1985. The lease included…