BUSINESS BRIEF

Ford wins retrial, 
escapes $2B judgment

9/11/2013

CLEVELAND — Ford Motor Co. did not breach pricing contracts with commercial truck dealers, a Cleveland jury found in the retrial of a case that previously resulted in a $2 billion judgment against the automaker.

The plaintiffs claimed Ford offered secret discounts to some dealers, though it was obligated by sales and services agreements to publish all prices. Dealers said those excluded from discounts wound up paying more for vehicles, hurting their profits.

Ford denied committing any breaches or overcharging dealers, contending a program that offered discounts to some was not barred by the contract. The jury agreed with Ford.