Services > Industries > Automotive

Reinvent, rebuild, revitalize. These are the automotive industry’s 21st century challenges in the wake of the transformational economy of 2008. Our attorneys can use the institutional knowledge they have gained serving auto industry clients to help them tackle new legal issues as they work to build a modern, competitive industry on a century-old foundation.

Our services to the auto industry are wide-ranging and include significant representation of auto manufacturers and automakers’ financing companies. We have developed particular strengths in counseling auto manufacturers on transportation regulatory matters, handling their labor and employment issues, and defending them in class actions and in products liability and warranty litigation. We also represent the companies that supply the auto industry with essential components, such as seat belts and brake pads, in products liability litigation.

We have successfully defended auto manufacturers and suppliers in class actions, attorney general investigations, multidistrict litigation and other complex litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. We serve as national class action and products liability counsel for Chrysler Group LLC and Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA, and we are regional products liability and warranty counsel for Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Our experience in representing lenders to motor vehicle dealers covers replevin actions and self-help repossessions, as well as Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Thompson Coburn is one of four counsel nationally for Chrysler Financial for dealer trouble and insolvency matters. Several of our attorneys have supervised and conducted the repossession and foreclosure of vehicles from single-location dealers and multiple-location megadealers.

We also have deep experience in the acquisition, leasing and finance of large fleets of vehicles. We represent major transportation companies, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental, in connection with the purchase, sale, financing, lease and rental of vehicles worldwide. We also handle intellectual property issues, including trademark registrations, on a global basis for these companies.  

Partners

Ankney, Gordon L.

Bay, William R.

Buckley Jr., Francis X.

Cox, Daniel C.

Dick, David A.

Garlock, Steven E.

Haferkamp, R.

Higgins, Stephen B.

Minogue, Thomas J.

Mueller, Richard A.

Murphy, James J.

Reitz, Kurt E.

Rogers, John W.

Wisniewski, Kathy A.

Wuller, Roman P.

• Alamo Rent A Car
• American Honda Co., Inc.
• American Suzuki Motor Corp.
• Chrysler Group LLC
• Continental General Tire, Inc.
• Daimler Buses North America Inc.
• Daimler Chrysler Corporation
• DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC
• Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
• Ford Motor Credit Company
• Hino Motors Sales USA Inc.
• Honda North America, Inc.
• Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA
• MAN Engines & Components, Inc.
• Mayflower Transit
• Michelin North America, Inc.
• National Car Rental
• TK Holdings, Inc.
• TSE Brakes, Inc.
• United Van Lines
• Volkswagen of America, Inc.
• Wells Fargo Auto Finance

• DaimlerChrylser Corporation v. Inman 
  District court held that the named plaintiffs lacked standing to pursue claims based on unmanifested seat belt defect, and class action was dismissed.
• White v. DaimlerChrysler Motors Corp.
  Appeals court affirmed dismissal of class action based on alleged defects in exhaust manifolds due to failure to adequately plead a material omission and damages.
• Served as trial counsel for DaimlerChrysler Corp. in a case where class certification was denied, and subsequently affirmed on appeal, for claims based on alleged defects in seat belt buckles.
• Successfully represented Chrysler LLC (f/k/a DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Chrysler Corporation) in multiple class actions throughout the country involving the Truth in Lending Act and state consumer fraud laws. In each of the cases decided to date, we have been ultimately successful in protecting Chrysler from any liability for claims involving alleged wrongdoing under retail installment contracts.
• Perkins v. DaimlerChrysler Corp.
  Appeals court affirmed involuntary dismissal of consumer fraud class action and held vehicle manufacturer has no affirmative duty to inform consumers that a product may malfunction after expiration of the warranty period.
• Bardin v. DaimlerChrysler Corp.
  Appeals court affirmed dismissal of class action and held use of inferior quality components is not “unfair” under California consumer protection laws even if product manufacturer fails to disclose inferior quality.
• Achieved a Seventh Circuit victory in Ridge Chrysler Jeep, LLC, dba Marquette Chrysler Jeep et al. v. DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC. Appeals court held in favor of DaimlerChrysler in Chicago case where borrower alleged retaliatory termination of its financing and claimed $350 million in damages.
• Served as lead counsel to Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company in connection with its institutional private placement of $2.75 billion of medium term notes. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan were the lead underwriters in connection with the offering.