False representations on the power of engines

Completed file:

On September 12th 2002, Mr. Dominic Desbiens filed a motion for authorization to institute a class action against Hyundai Motor America. Mr. Michel Tardif also filed a similar motion. The two motions were joined together and are jointly led by the firms TRUDEL JOHNSTON & LESPÉRANCE and BELLEAU LAPOINTE.

The Applicants allege that the Respondent intentionally exaggerated the horsepower of virtually every vehicle it sold in Canada from 1992 to 2002. The Applicants sought compensation and punitive damages.

On April 15th 2004, Judge Luc Lefebvre of the Superior Court authorized the institution of the class action and described the group covered as follows:

All consumers who, since 1992 or earlier if it is a 1992 model, have purchased or made a long-term rental in Quebec of one or more vehicles of the Hyundai brand and the power of which were represented by Hyundai to be greater than the actual power of such vehicle(s).

The parties agreed to a settlement whereby class members were able to claim an amount which varied according to the degree to which the horsepower had been exaggerated. The claim period is now over.

06/11