A Jackson County jury late Monday awarded $3.475 million, plus punitive damages of $15 million, to Jeremy Franklin Suzuki in a lawsuit against American Suzuki Motor Corp., holding the vehicle maker liable for negative publicity resulting from another dealership’s advertising campaign.The jury found American Suzuki liable for negligence and also liable for violating Missouri’s Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act, awarding damages of $3.475 million. The jury added punitive damages of $15 million to be paid to Jeremy Franklin Suzuki.

The jury began deliberations about 5 p.m. CDT on Monday following a two-week trial in Kansas City and reported its findings late in the evening.

The ad campaign by another Suzuki dealership resulted in consumers and attorneys general in Kansas and Missouri filing multiple lawsuits against that dealership, resulting in extensive negative publicity in the local, regional and national trade media. The jury ruled the fact that the ad campaign was run by a competing dealership owned by Jeremy Franklin’s brother caused consumer confusion and damaged Jeremy Franklin Suzuki’s business.

“We see this verdict as a vindication of our commitment to continue to serve our customers and our persistent efforts to grow our business despite all of the confusion,” said Jeremy Franklin, president of Jeremy Franklin Suzuki. “We look forward to moving on and rebuilding trust in the Suzuki brand name in Kansas City.”

Jeremy Franklin Suzuki was represented in the case by Steven W. White and Bryan White of White, Allinder, Graham, Buckley & Carr, LLC, Independence, Mo.; Steven B. Garner of Strong, Garner, Bauer, Springfield, Mo., and John L. Mullen of Franke Schultz & Mullen, Kansas City.

Case No. 0916-CV34354, Jackson County, Mo., Circuit Court, Division 7.

Jeremy Franklin Suzuki and Jeremy Franklin’s Used Car Network are award-winning, nationally ranked car dealerships dedicated to maintaining a solid commitment to customer satisfaction, offering the widest selection of vehicles and specializing in ease of purchase. The dealerships are members of the Better Business Bureau and are committed to the highest ethical standards for marketplace conduct. Both dealerships are located at 6300 E. 87th St. (87th Street & I-435), Kansas City, MO 64138. Find them on the Web at http://www.jeremyfranklin.com .

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