Big Win for Dealers in Ford Model e Protest

Last week, Ford Motor Company tried to short circuit the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board hearing process in the Ford dealer group protest challenging the Ford Model e Program for the allocation of electric vehicles.   Ford filed a motion in Sangamon County Circuit Court for a Temporary Restraining Order and a Preliminary injunction seeking to (1) block the deposition of Ford President and CEO, Jim Farley, (2) to postpone the Motor Vehicle Review Board hearing from May 17, 2023 to some time in September, and (3) to sever the group protest involving 27 Ford dealers into 27 separate protests.  Although the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act and the Administrative Review Law provide that judicial review in Circuit Court is available only after the Motor Vehicle Review Board issues a final administrative decision, Ford filed its TRO motion before the Motor Vehicle Review Board hearings had even begun.  

Earlier today, a Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge issued an order denying Ford Motor Company’s Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction motion, which will permit the Motor Vehicle Review Board hearing process to proceed to completion.  At this time, we do not know whether Ford will appeal the denial of its motion.  Once the Motor Vehicle Review Board hearing is completed and the Motor Vehicle Review Board renders a decision, the losing party will have the opportunity to appeal the Board’s final decision as provided under the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act.   

Although this protest is specific to Ford dealers, certainly the ultimate decision could have implications for all our members and their franchises. 

As always, we  appreciate your support of our IADA efforts through your membership and participation in our Association programs.  Your partnership allows us to be your primary advocate!