Salvucci v. Volkswagen of America, Inc. d/b/a Audi of America, Inc.
Berger Montague served as co-lead counsel in litigation brought on behalf of a nationwide class under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. §56:8-1 et seq. The case involved 1997-1999 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with 1.8 liter turbocharged engines.
The Complaint alleged that that the defendant failed to disclose to consumers that its vehicles contained defectively designed timing belt tensioners, timing belts, and/or associated parts (the “timing belt tensioner system”). The Complaint also alleged that the defendant failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the appropriate service interval for replacement of the timing belt tensioner system.
In 2005, after extensive discovery was completed, including depositions of plaintiffs and corporate representatives and other knowledgeable personnel employed by the defendant, a settlement was reached for over $2 million. The settlement included reimbursement for past documented out of pocket losses, implementation of a revised maintenance program, and an extended warranty program.