SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. MARCH 16, 2007 – Late yesterday Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. LLC filed suit in U.S. District Court in relation to a situation that occurred at the company’s January 2007 Scottsdale event. A consignor, apparently unhappy with the $300,000 sale price of his vehicle, placed chains and locks on the vehicle after it crossed the auction block and was sold, while it sat in the area where featured auction cars were displayed. He posted multiple notices on the vehicle claiming that the sale was void due to claimed “auction irregularities,” and published other false and defamatory statements about Barrett-Jackson in view […]
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. MARCH 16, 2007 – Late yesterday Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. LLC filed suit in U.S. District Court in relation to a situation that occurred at the company’s January 2007 Scottsdale event.
A consignor, apparently unhappy with the $300,000 sale price of his vehicle, placed chains and locks on the vehicle after it crossed the auction block and was sold, while it sat in the area where featured auction cars were displayed. He posted multiple notices on the vehicle claiming that the sale was void due to claimed “auction irregularities,” and published other false and defamatory statements about Barrett-Jackson in view of the company’s customers and the thousands of patrons attending the event. Barrett-Jackson’s internal legal and security teams, and the Scottsdale Police Department, responded to the incident and documented the damage.
An ongoing internet smear campaign has stemmed from this seller dispute, with numerous defamatory rumors and untrue statements being published to websites and online chat rooms viewed by the company’s core customer base. In particular, an untrue, derogatory and defamatory “article” referring to the above incident has made its way onto more than 20 automotive-related online “blogs” and discussion boards frequented by thousands of classic car enthusiasts around the world.
Barrett-Jackson filed its lawsuit in order to protect its 36-year reputation and business interests by seeking to correct the untrue information that has been published, and by filing suit against the responsible party on six separate counts, including defamation and breach of contract.
Barrett-Jackson constantly strives to maintain the utmost ethical standards in all the company’s operations and activities. The company recognizes that not every customer will be happy with the result of every auction sale, and the Barrett-Jackson team values thoughtful, well-informed feedback.
However, Barrett-Jackson takes the company’s business reputation very seriously, and will do whatever is necessary to defend against unfounded claims. Copies of the lawsuit can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the U.S. District Court in Phoenix or at www.azd.uscourts.gov.
*About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company: * Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com.
