USA: Hyundai dealers sue brand for faking EV sales numbers

Hyundai has since opened its own investigation and released a statement.

According to a media report, a group of Hyundai dealers have sued the carmaker for faking its EV sales figures in the USA. The lawsuit filed in Chicago Federal Court alleges the carmaker inflated sales numbers for electric vehicles and also punished franchises that did not participate.

The lawsuit by Napleton Aurora Imports in Illinois and affiliated franchises stated that Hyundai Motor America (HMA) pressurised dealers to misuse inventory codes to exaggerate their sales numbers. It went on to state that dealers misusing the codes would be rewarded by Hyundai with wholesale & retail discounts, as well as other incentives. Hyundai has since opened its own investigation and released a statement saying it doesn't condone falsifying sales data.

The lawsuit even cited statements made by the Hyundai district sales manager, who over a phone call reportedly stated, "We gotta hit a number for the press and for the Koreans." Dealers also stated that they had been denied benefits from Hyundai, asking the court to award them an unspecified amount for damages caused due to lost sales, revenue and profits.

Source: Reuters