The plaintiffs in a class action against Ford Motor Company sought court approval of a settlement agreement concerning allegedly defective Powershift Dual-Clutch Transmissions in Ford Focus and Fiesta vehicles.
The settlement, reached after mediation, provided varied compensation to class members on a claims-made basis, including cash payments for multiple repairs or alternative benefits like partial refunds for persistently troubled vehicles.
The court approved the settlement, finding it fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class, noting its advantages over individual litigation.
The court also approved class counsel fees (a combination of defendant contribution and a percentage of claims) and honoraria for representative plaintiffs, while denying late opt-out requests.
