Class Action Against Automakers Certified in California State Court

On May 18, 2009, Judge Richard Kramer of the California Superior Court in San Francisco certified a class of California residents who purchased new motor vehicles from January 1, 2001 through April 30, 2003. Plaintiffs allege that the defendant auto manufacturers conspired in violation of California law to maintain high prices by preventing lower priced new cars from Canada from being sold the United States. Separately, a federal court in Maine is considering a motion to approve a $35 million nationwide settlement by Toyota of similar allegations. Trial in the California case is expected in the fall of 2010. Zelle Hofmann Partner Craig Corbitt was appointed by Judge Kramer as Liaison Counsel for the California class plaintiffs.