Hyundai is facing a lawsuit alleging it pressured dealers into inputting false information to create the appearance of inflated electric vehicle sales, reports Reuters.
The lawsuit was filed against Hyundai Motor America Corp in a Chicago federal court by a group of Hyundai dealers, and claims that dealers were urged to misuse inventory codes intended for loaner vehicles in an effort to alter their sales numbers.
According to the suit, dealers who agreed to comply were met with wholesale and retail price discounts and extra inventory of popular Hyundai models, leading to fewer dealerships having EV options.
Those who declined to follow Hyundai’s instruction for inventory codes are claiming they were denied these offers, resulting in lost sales, revenue, and profit, and are now asking the court to award compensation.
In a statement from Hyundai yesterday, the automaker said it does not condone altering sales information, and that it has launched an investigation into the matter.