By Jonathan Stempel
Jan 29 (Reuters) – The parent of automaker Dodge on Thursday defeated a consumer fraud and false advertising lawsuit brought by owners of 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcats, who said their “limited edition” SUVs lost value when more were made two years later.
Hellcat owners in the proposed class action said they paid premium prices as high as $114,225 based on promises by Fiat Chrysler, a unit of Stellantis, that it would end production after making 3,000 of the vehicles for 2021.
They said they felt “shock and anger” when Dodge revived Hellcat production for 2023, reducing the exclusivity and resale value of their SUVs.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall in Wilmington, Delaware, however, found no proof that Fiat Chrysler intended to renege on its promises, or that its statements amounted to an express warranty.
She also said the automaker didn’t violate state consumer fraud laws “where the alleged ‘misrepresentation’ pertained to intended future conduct and was true when made.”
The plaintiffs accused Fiat Chrysler of violating laws of California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Fiat Chrysler’s lawyers did not immediately respond to similar requests.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
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