Tesla Motors Inc. filed a federal lawsuit against German parts supplier Hoerbiger Automotive Comfort Systems for misrepresenting its ability to make the Model X's "falcon wing" doors. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California.
Auto News reported that the lawsuit alleges Hoerbiger of being unable to produce the falcon door, which it claimed it can deliver. The German hydraulic system producer won the bid to make the vertically sliding door for Tesla's Model x in February 2014. According to Tesla, the doors overheated and there were oil leaks. The doors also sagged lower than Tesla's particular standard and it "did not open with the speed and symmetry" that Tesla asked for.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the trouble with Hoerbiger's doors caused delays for the release of Tesla's Model X, since the car maker needs to look for another supplier. The lawsuit also aims to stop the German parts supplier from asking additional payments from Tesla after cutting ties in May 2015. The falcon wing doors have a base price of $81,000.
"We were forced to file this lawsuit after Hoerbiger decided to ignore their contracts with us and instead demanded a large sum of money to which they are not entitled," said a spokeswoman for Tesla. "We will vigorously prosecute this case."
Jalopnik wrote that Tesla already paid Hoerbiger $3 million. Through the lawsuit, Tesla asks the court to determine whether there was a breach of contract. Tesla also demands Hoerbiger to pay punitive damages, which could reach up to millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, Hoerbiger is allegedly asking to be part of the Model X production throughout the car's lifetime. It also has other unreasonable demands against the car maker. The suit also states that the German parts supplier demanded that Tesla owes damages "that are specifically barred by the parties' agreement."
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