FAQ

What is a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a lawsuit filed or defended by an individual or small group on behalf of a large group who have a similar legal claim.  Class action lawsuits provide a more efficient method to recover monetary damages because they allow people to join together as a group in a single lawsuit against one or more defendants.

What are these lawsuits about?

The separate lawsuits claim that the Defendants in each lawsuit conspired to fix, maintain, and artificially raise the price of component parts at issue in each lawsuit. The lawsuits claim that, as a result of the relevant Defendants’ conduct, Dealers paid more than they should have for the parts at issue in that lawsuit and paid more for the new vehicles in which those parts are contained. These cases are proceeding as class actions for monetary recovery for Dealers in the District of Columbia and one or more of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (the “Included States”). The lawsuits also seek nationwide injunctive relief.

The Settling Defendants and their relevant affiliates deny these claims and have asserted various defenses. The Court has not yet decided who is right.

Who are the Settling Defendants?

The Settling Defendants are: DENSO, Furukawa, LEONI, MELCO, NSK, Omron, Schaeffler, Sumitomo, Sumitomo Riko, and Valeo. There are other Defendants who have not settled. This is the second group of Settlements preliminarily approved by the Court in the actions brought by the Dealership Plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and other Dealers. The cases continue against the other Defendants who have not settled (“Non-Settling Defendants”).

Who is included in these settlements?

Generally, your dealership may be included in one or more of the Settlement Classes if, at any time since 1998, you bought a qualifying new vehicle or replacement part in the U.S.

What do the settlements provide?

The settlement funds for Dealers involved total nearly $125 million.

How much money can my dealership get?

Your dealership’s share (if any) of the Settlement Funds will be determined based upon the Plans of Allocation, which have been devised under the supervision of a special allocation consultant and which have been, or will be, approved by the Court. At this time it is unknown how much money each Settlement Class Member who purchased new affected vehicles or any of the affected component parts in the Included States will receive. It is expected that each Settlement Class Member who purchased new affected vehicles or any of the affected component parts in the Included States and who files a valid Proof of Claim will receive a minimum payment of $350.00 under these Settlements.

What if my dealership already filed a claim in the first round of settlements?

If your dealership filed a valid Proof of Claim in the first round of settlements in this litigation, you may rely on that Proof of Claim and do nothing further to participate in the current settlements.

Who is Refund Advocacy?

Refund Advocacy is a leading third-party class action settlement claims recovery firm.  You can learn more about us by clicking on the ‘About’ tab.

What are some of the services that Refund Advocacy provides?

Refund Advocacy prepares and submits our clients’ claims to participate in the recoveries provided by settlement or other resolutions of class actions. Our team also assists in helping you provide any necessary supporting documentation, resolve claims questions from the Claims Administrator, and then reviews the recovery amount to assure the correct compensation has been received.  We’ll handle the ins and outs of this process and keep you updated along the way.

Is Refund Advocacy affiliated with Class Counsel or the Claims Administrator?

No. Refund Advocacy is a private class action settlement claims recovery firm.

Does Refund Advocacy provide legal services or advice?

No. Refund Advocacy is not your attorney, does not practice law, and does not provide you with legal representation or advice.  If you want legal advice or legal services, you should contact class counsel or an attorney of your choosing.

Do I need to hire Refund Advocacy to receive a recovery from a class action settlement?

No, you do not have to hire Refund Advocacy or any other third-party claim-filing firm to obtain a recovery. You can prepare and file your own settlement claim.

What is Refund Advocacy’s compensation?

As detailed in our Authorization Agreement, our fees are an agreed-upon contingent commission which we will only be paid if you receive a recovery. There are no up-front fees or other costs.