Mitsubishi has taken its own dealer to court, filing a lawsuit against a dealership for allegedly redirecting customers’ cars to Volkswagen service centers and violating the brand’s trademark and branding rules. The dealer, Mitsubishi Power Equipment, was accused of committing the offenses on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2019.
According to the lawsuit, Mitsubishi customers would visit the dealership for maintenance or repairs, only to be told that their vehicles would be serviced at a nearby Volkswagen service center. This allegedly occurred even when the cars were still under warranty and Mitsubishi had authorized repairs.
The brand claims that Mitsubishi Power Equipment also violated its trademark and branding rules by using unofficial logos and documentation on the company’s vehicles, which damaged Mitsubishi’s reputation and created confusion among customers.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent Mitsubishi Power Equipment from continuing its alleged illegal activities, as well as damages for any harm caused to the Mitsubishi brand. It also demands that the dealership remove any unauthorized branding and documentation from the affected vehicles.
Mitsubishi has strict guidelines in place for its dealerships, requiring them to service and repair its vehicles at approved facilities. By redirecting cars to Volkswagen service centers, the dealer allegedly jeopardized the integrity of Mitsubishi’s brand and warranty.
The suit is a significant blow to the dealer, as it could face fines, damages, and reputational harm as a result. Mitsubishi Power Equipment has not yet commented on the lawsuit, and it is unclear how the matter will be resolved.
The dispute highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of brand standards and warranty obligations. By taking legal action against its own dealer, Mitsubishi is sending a strong message to its network about the importance of compliance with company policies and protocols.
In addition, the suit underscores the consequences of violating these rules, including damage to a brand’s reputation and potential harm to customers. The outcome of the lawsuit may serve as a warning to other dealerships about the importance of adhering to brand guidelines and warranty obligations to maintain trust and loyalty with customers.