Salahi PC has filed a class action in San Francisco Superior Court against Swickard Management Company, Swickard Shared Services, LLC, and 17 Swickard-owned dealerships in California, including Audi Palo Alto, Audi of Oakland, Lexus of Fremont, Mercedes-Benz of Marin, Land Rover San Francisco, and Swickard Toyota 101.
The complaint alleges that Swickard does not honor the advertised prices for its vehicles once customers show up at the dealership. According to the complaint, the dealerships often mark up the vehicle’s price by several thousand dollars after a customer expresses interest in a car. They also require every buyer to pay for a “max shield” add-on, often over $1,500, while labeling it “recommended” on the paperwork. Swickard also quotes hundreds of dollars in “license and fees” that exceed what the DMV actually charges. When the real government fee comes in lower, the complaint alleges, the difference is moved into the price of the car rather than refunded.
The suit brings claims under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, the Unfair Competition Law, and the False Advertising Law, and seeks restitution for California buyers and an injunction requiring Swickard to honor its advertised prices.
“This lawsuit sends an important message to car dealerships across the state of California: if you post advertisements claiming to sell cars for a specific price, the law requires you to honor those advertised prices,” said Nicole Cabañez, an associate at Salahi PC representing the plaintiff in the lawsuit.
The case is Ahmed v. Swickard Management Company, et al., San Francisco Superior Court. Swickard customers who believe they were overcharged can learn more and request an evaluation by clicking here.