ALLRED & ALLRED, PC
7030 Fain Park Drive, Suite 9Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Telephone: 334-396-9200
Fax: 334-396-9977
News
1/14/2008 - Defense Verdict In Auto Manufacturer Breach of Warranty Case
This cases was tried non-jury in Montgomery County on January 14, 2008, resulting in a defense verdict. The firm represented the defendant, Volkswagen of America, Inc.
The plaintiff claimed that his engine had quickly overheated, without warning, as a result of a manufacturing defect and the engine was destroyed. The plaintiff testified that the warning lights on the dash never illuminated before the engine became so hot that the cylinders melted and seized.
An inspection revealed that an aftermarket belt had been recently installed on the vehicle and, in the process, a coolant hose had been compromised allowing the coolant to gradually escape, causing the overheat condition. There was also testimony that the vehicle was equipped with redundant warning systems, all of which would activate if the vehicle became overheated. The Court also heard evidence that the instrument panel was powered by a common electrical source such that, if one component was not working, none of them would. As the plaintiff testified that his speedometer was working, it was thereby established that his warning lights would have illuminated.