# CV 098090, Powerhouse Motorsports Group, Inc. v. Yamaha Motor Corp., filed 3/6/09

Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Dennis D. Law & Collette A. Hillier

Result: $2,159,110.00                                            Dept. P-2, Hon. Martin J. Tangeman

Plaintiff closed its motorcycle dealership and attempted to sell its franchise to a major motorsports company that owned multiple California locations and a competitive race team.  The potential buyer planned to reopen Plaintiff’s location, retain Plaintiff’s employees and expand the dealership.  Plaintiff alleged Defendant franchisor consented to the sale, but in fact was working behind the scenes to prevent the sale.  Defendants contended they had the right to terminate the dealership under California Vehicle Code section 3060, which sets out conditions which must be met before a franchisor may terminate a franchise.  Plaintiff claimed damages of lost lease income on their building, loss of the sale consideration, as well as debt incurred.  Jury awarded $1,336,080 including $200,000 punitive damages.  Post-trial the court ordered pre-judgment interest totaling $289,679 and attorneys’ fees of $533,351.  Defendant’s motions for new trial and judgment notwithstanding the verdict were both denied.

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