Ford to Seek to Compel 3G Telematics Dispute to Arbitratio, Says Filing

Ford anticipates filing dual motions to compel arbitration and to dismiss when it answers plaintiff Michael Scriber’s putative 3G telematics class action April 24, said the automaker’s filing Monday (docket 3:22-cv-01716) in U.S. District Court for Southern California in San Diego. Scriber alleges the internet-enabled features, such as roadside emergency assistance, on his 2020 Ford Fusion Energi were rendered inoperable after AT&T’s 3G phaseout in 2022 (see 2211070032). Ford’s warranty manual makes no mention that Ford installed an inferior 3G modem in the vehicle, he alleges. Ford is analyzing “the impact of two arbitration agreements” related to Scriber’s class action, it told the court. Scriber’s class action is one of about a half dozen nationally that allege some of the major automakers did nothing to upgrade their vehicles’ telematics equipment despite having advance knowledge of AT&T’s 3G shutdown. BMW of North America was the first defendant automaker to answer any of the complaints, and did so by filing a motion to compel plaintiff Peter Grayson’s dispute to arbitration (see 2301310001).