throbber
Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 1 of 32
`
`
`O'CONNOR LAW GROUP, P.C.
`Mark O'Connor, Esq. (SBN 157680)
`Larry S. Castruita, Esq. (SBN 279263)
`384 Forest Ave., Suite 17
`Laguna Beach, CA 92651
`Tel: (949) 494-9090 | Email: hello@teamolg.com
`WIRTZ LAW APC
`Richard M. Wirtz, Esq. (SBN 137812)
`4370 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 800
`San Diego, CA 92122
`Tel: (858) 259-5009 | Email: rwirtz@wirtzlaw.com
`REALLAW APC
`Michael J. Hassen, Esq. (SBN 124823)
`1981 N. Broadway, Suite 280
`Walnut Creek, CA 94596
`Tel: (956) 359-7500 | Email: mjhassen@reallaw.us
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiff:
`
`
`
`DANIEL AARON HOROWITZ
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`DANIEL AARON HOROWITZ,
`individually and on behalf of all others
`similarly situated,
`
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Case No.
`
`CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
`1. BREACH OF CONTRACT;
`2. VIOLATION OF THE UNFAIR
`COMPETITION LAW (California
`Business & Professions Code
`§17200);
`3. BREACH OF THE COVENANT OF
`GOOD FAITH AND FAIR
`DEALING
`4. VIOLATION OF THE
`CONSUMER LEGAL REMEDIES
`ACT (California Civil Code §1760, et
`seq.) (Injunctive Relief)
`
`
`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`
`TESLA MOTORS, INC., a Delaware
`Corporation,
`
`
`vs.
`
`Defendant.
`
`
`
`
`
`///
`///
`
`-0-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 2 of 32
`
`
`CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`Plaintiff DANIEL AARON HOROWITZ brings this Class Action Complaint and Demand
`for Jury Trial and alleges as follows against Defendant TESLA MOTORS, INC., a Delaware
`Corporation. Plaintiff, for this Complaint, alleges as follows upon personal knowledge as to
`himself and his own acts and experiences, and as to all other matters upon information and belief,
`including investigation conducted by his counsel.
`
`
`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`1.
`Plaintiff on behalf of himself and other similarly situated, hereby demands trial by
`jury in this action pursuant to Rule 38 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
`
`
`THE PARTIES
`2.
`Plaintiff DANIEL AARON HOROWITZ (hereinafter "[Mr.] Horowitz" or
`"Plaintiff") is an individual residing in Lafayette, County of Contra Costa, and State of California.
`3.
`Defendant TESLA MOTORS, INC. (hereinafter "Tesla" or "Defendant") is and at
`all relevant times was, a Delaware Corporation registered to do business in the State of California
`with its registered office in the City of Fremont, County of Alameda, and State of California.
`4.
`Additionally, TESLA engages in the marketing, supplying, distribution and retail
`sales of automobiles to the public at large through both its website a broad network of sales
`facilities across the United States.
`
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`5.
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction of this action pursuant to the Class Action
`Fairness Act of 2005 ("CAFA"), codified in pertinent part at 28 U.S.C. §1332(d)(2), which
`provides for original jurisdiction in the federal courts over any class action in which a member of
`the plaintiff class is a citizen of a State different from the State citizenship of any defendant, and
`the amount in controversy exceeds the sum of $5,000,000.00 exclusive of interests and costs. Here,
`there is an aggregate amount in controversy exceeding $5,000,000.00 exclusive of interest and
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-1-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 3 of 32
`
`
`costs and there is minimal diversity between Plaintiff and Defendant. Additionally, this Court also
`has supplemental jurisdiction over the set forth state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1367.
`6.
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over Tesla because Tesla conducts substantial
`business in this judicial district, thereby purposely and intentionally availing itself of the benefits
`and protections of this district when placing motor vehicles into the stream of commerce within
`California and the United States. Personal jurisdiction over Tesla is foreseeable, fair, and proper.
`7.
`Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1391. Tesla transacts
`substantial business in this district with regularity and it is subject to personal jurisdiction in this
`district. Additionally, Tesla advertises and markets its products in this district, and has received
`substantial revenue and profits from its sales and leasing of motor vehicles in this district. Thus, a
`substantial part of the events and/or omissions giving rise to the present claims occurred in within
`this district. Therefore, venue is proper.
`8.
`All acts of corporate employees as alleged were authorized or ratified by an officer,
`director, or managing agent of the corporate employer.
`
`
`COMMON FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
`9.
`Tesla is manufacturer and direct to consumer retail seller of electric vehicles
`throughout the country. Tesla is "vertically integrated"; meaning it, unlike traditional
`manufacturers of motor vehicles does not sell through separate entities (dealerships) but rather acts
`as its own distributor and retail sales arm. It has only 4 base model vehicles; the S, 3, X and Y.
`Each has various options or configurations of features such as interior colors, trim and so forth.
`10.
`Tesla, by virtue of being "vertically integrated" knows exactly how many vehicles
`are being ordered by consumers and the exact composition of each individual vehicle as ordered
`by each consumer. Thus, Tesla can plan its manufacturing, the features of each individual vehicle
`and when and if certain features or "options" will be available to each individual who orders their
`car. In this way Tesla will always know and be capable to inform consumers when any particular
`feature, option or characteristic of one of its 4 base models (The S, 3, X and Y) will either be
`discontinued or not available.
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-2-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 4 of 32
`
`
`11.
`In order to purchase one of its vehicles, a consumer must visit Tesla's website to
`begin their order of a desired vehicle.
`12.
`On the website a customer will select the model (e.g., Model S, Model 3, Model X,
`Model Y) and will select various options including items such as the base vehicle (typically
`delineated by the size of the battery and range capability) exterior color, wheels, interior décor,
`number of seats, Autopilot, Self-Driving Capability, and charging options.
`13.
`Once the order is complete, and a customer has paid an order fee of one hundred
`dollars ($100.00), Tesla will send a Motor Vehicle Order Agreement ("MVOA") which states that
`the order was "placed electronically with accepted terms" and contains a total price not including
`taxes and governmental fees.
`14.
`Consumers reasonably rely on the stated price in Tesla's online order form and that
`the terms of the agreement, specifically the features ordered for the vehicle and the price, will not
`change.
`15.
`Despite promising to sell cars to consumers at certain prices Tesla has rather
`engaged in the practice of unilaterally sending modified Motor Vehicle Order Agreement contracts
`to customers, such as Plaintiff, who have already entered into a contract with Tesla for a model of
`vehicle with certain features and options. These "modified" orders, which appear and are sent to
`consumers fully executed, contain different terms, most notably increased prices for the same base
`model vehicle (or a lesser base model) and increased process for the same features (such as auto
`pilot). Tesla engaged in exactly this conduct with Plaintiff Horowitz and, further, informed
`Plaintiff that the changes were necessary because the model he ordered was no longer available;
`in essence Tesla stated as a fact that the vehicle the customer ordered was no longer available even
`though Tesla knew, when Horowitz ordered the vehicle, what options were available. However,
`the truth is that Tesla changed nothing other than the price, increasing it unilaterally and
`fraudulently. And Tesla strong-armed consumers into changing their orders by simply telling them
`the originally ordered vehicle would not be available or would not be produced. In essence, Tesla
`determined a way to force consumers to alter their orders on the pretext of non-available options
`and enforce a price increase on other features that remained the same (such as the base vehicle or
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-3-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 5 of 32
`
`
`auto pilot). Tesla simply refused to actually manufacture the vehicle the consumer ordered, and
`for which Tesla took the order, in order to increase the price on already ordered vehicles.
`16.
`Plaintiff, and other similarly situated persons, do not sign, click, or execute in
`anyway the modified contracts. Tesla merely enforces the new terms on its existing customers with
`existing contracts.
`17.
`Not only do the new contracts contain configurations not agreed to by the customer,
`but they also contain a higher price.
`18.
`Tesla gave only two options: pay the higher price for a different model or cancel
`the contract.
`19.
`Tesla knows and understands that it lacks any real competition and that its
`customers lack any alternatives to complete their vehicle orders in hopes that consumers will give
`in to the changed configurations and price increases.
`20.
`Plaintiff and all classes set forth herein now seek to enforce their contracts with
`Tesla for the originally agreed-upon configuration and price.
`
`
`ALLEGATIONS SPECIFIC TO PLAINTIFF
`21.
`Plaintiff brings this action individually for himself and on behalf of all persons who
`entered into a contract for the purchase of a Tesla Vehicle where the Tesla unliterally changed
`their configurations and increased the purchase price after the execution of the contract.
`On or around October 7, 2020, Plaintiff entered into a binding contract with
`22.
`Defendant whereby Defendant provided a "Motor Vehicle Order Agreement" ("MVOA") (the
`"October Agreement") with "electronically accepted terms" setting forth the price for the purchase
`of a 2020 model year Tesla Model X (hereinafter "[the] vehicle"). Tesla assigned an order number
`"RN113924080" to the contract. Said contract is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
`23.
`The delivery date was to be December 28, 2020, which coincided with the
`expiration of Plaintiff's previous lease of a different Tesla vehicle.
`24.
`The particular configuration of the vehicle on the October contract contained,
`among other things, a selection of a "Model X Long Range Plus", Midnight Silver Metallic
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-4-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 6 of 32
`
`
`Exterior color, 20" Silver Wheels, All Black premium Interior with Figured Ash Wood Décor, Six
`Seat Interior, Auto Pilot, Full Self Driving Capability, and Pay-as-you-go Supercharging.
`25.
`The total price of the vehicle selected by Plaintiff was $97,290.00.
`26.
`As of the date of the October Agreement, there was no Vehicle Identification
`Number ("VIN") attached to the Vehicle.
`27.
`The first page of the October Agreement sets forth an order fee of $100.00 which
`was paid by Plaintiff on that date.
`28.
`Plaintiff's contract contains the words "Order Placed with electronically accepted
`terms."
`29.
`Beginning in or about December of 2020 Plaintiff made multiple documented
`attempts to contact Tesla to inquire about the delivery of his new vehicle as he was receiving
`emails from Tesla regarding the expiration of his previous lease on December 28, 2020. These
`attempts were ignored by Tesla.
`30.
`Disregarding all communications from Plaintiff, Tesla sent Plaintiff notice that his
`lease would "mature"1 on December 28, 2020; a fact already known to Plaintiff having pointed
`this out to Tesla. Tesla then gave Plaintiff only one viable option; to extend the lease. But Tesla
`demanded a lease payment that was the same as the original lease despite the fact that Plaintiff
`was, at that point, then leasing a vehicle with over 37,000 miles. Essentially Tesla demanded a
`"New" vehicle lease amount for a used vehicle having failed to provide the new vehicle Plaintiff
`ordered. With no other options and no one from Tesla contacting Plaintiff regarding his new
`vehicle, Plaintiff was forced to pay to extend his existing lease.
`31.
`On February 23, 2021, Plaintiff sent a letter detailing the issues set forth herein to
`Tesla's General Counsel. Tesla ignored this communication.
`32.
`On May 19, Plaintiff sent a follow up letter to Tesla's General Counsel detailing the
`issues set forth herein, with a request to preserve certain evidence.
`///
`///
`
`
`1 Tesla uses the word "mature" in the place of "expire" when referring to the end date of its leases.
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-5-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 7 of 32
`
`
`33.
`On May 24, 2021, Tesla unilaterally sent Plaintiff a new MVOA with the exact
`same order number RN113924080 for a Model X Tesla which was different in configuration
`specifically the difference in configuration was:
`a. Instead of a Model X Long Range Plus, the vehicle was changed to a lesser
`Model X Long Range2;
`b. The price of the base vehicle - the Model X Long Range (not Plus) was
`increased $10,000.00 from $79,990.00 to $89,990.00, even though the vehicle
`was a lesser model base vehicle because it had a decreased range capability;
`c. Instead of 20" Silver Wheels, they were now 20" Cyberstream Wheels;
`d. Instead of a Figured Ash Decor, it was now an Ebony Decor;
`e. It added a Yoke Steering Wheel;
`f. The price of the Full Self-Driving Capability was increased from $8,000.00 to
`$10,000.00; and,
`g. The "Order Fee" of $100.00 did not appear on the May 14, 2021, MVOA.
`34.
`The total price now demanded by Tesla was $109,190.00, an increase of $11,900.00
`for a vehicle with lesser range and capability and a few changes in color.
`35.
`Plaintiff did not and does not accept the changed configuration and demands for
`Tesla to honor its agreed upon price of $97,290.00.
`
`
`CLASS ALLEGATIONS
`Nationwide Class
`36.
`Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of himself and on behalf of the Class
`Members of the Nationwide Class. Plaintiff is informed and believes that all members of the
`Nationwide Class entered into a MVOA with Tesla for a specific configuration and price of a new
`vehicle and that each received a unilateral second contract with a higher price and possible changes
`to their selected configurations.
`
`
`2 According to Car and Driver the Tesla Model S "Long Range" has a range capability of 373-miles while the "Long
`Range Plus" has a 390-mile range capability. Therefore, Tesla both increased the price by $10,000.00 and decreased
`the range capability to a lesser model.
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-6-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 8 of 32
`
`
`37.
`Plaintiff brings this lawsuit as a class action on behalf of himself and similarly
`situated individuals pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
`38.
`Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated
`members of a proposed Nationwide Class, defined as follows:
`All individuals in the United States Who Entered into a Motor
`Vehicle Order Agreement (either a sale or a lease) and Later
`Received a New Agreement Containing a Higher Price and/or
`different configuration of options for essentially the same or
`lesser vehicle or for an altered vehicle configurations when the
`original configuration was available.
`
`
`
`California Subclass
`39.
`Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of himself and on behalf of the Class
`Members of the California Subclass. Plaintiff is informed and believes that all members of the
`California Subclass are California residents who entered into a MVOA with Tesla for a specific
`configuration and price of a new eclectic vehicle and that each received a unilateral second contract
`with a higher price and possible changes to their selected configurations.
`40.
`Plaintiff brings this lawsuit as a class action on behalf of himself and similarly
`situated individuals pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
`41.
`Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated
`members of a proposed California Subclass, defined as follows:
`All individuals in the California Who Entered into a Motor
`Vehicle Order Agreement (either a sale or a lease) and Later
`Received a New Agreement Containing a Higher Price and/or
`different configuration of options for essentially the same or
`lesser vehicle or for an altered vehicle configurations when the
`original configuration was available.
`
`///
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-7-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 9 of 32
`
`
`42.
`Excluded from both the Nationwide Class and the California Subclass are: 1) Tesla,
`any affiliated parent or sister company, any entity or division in which Tesla has a controlling
`interest, its legal representatives, officers, directors, assigns, and successors; 2) the Judge to whom
`this case is assigned and the Judge's staff; 3) governmental entities; and, 4) claims for personal
`injuries resulting from the facts alleged herein. Plaintiffs reserve the right to amend the class
`definitions if discovery and further investigation reveal that the Class should be expanded, divided
`into subclass, or modified in any other way.
`43.
`Plaintiff reserves the right to amend the classes, and to add subclasses, if discovery
`and further investigation reveals such action is warranted.
`Numerosity: Although the exact number of the Nationwide Class and the
`44.
`California Subclass Members is uncertain and can only be ascertained through appropriate
`discovery, Plaintiff believes and, on that basis, alleges that thousands of members of both classes
`have been entered into a MVOA only to later receive a new unilateral MVOA with altered terms
`and price, so the number of the Nationwide Class and the California Subclass Members is great
`enough that joinder is impracticable. The disposition of the claims of these class members in a
`single action will provide substantial benefits to all parties and to the Court. The class members
`are readily identifiable from information and records in Tesla's possession, custody, or control.
`
`
`TESLA'S ARBITRATION PROVISION
`45.
`All relevant MVOA's of each Class Member contains an arbitration provision that
`is unenforceable as its only provision to opt-out creates a contractual impossibility.
`46.
`The arbitration provision states:
`You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days after signing this
`Agreement by sending a letter to: Tesla, Inc.; P.O. Box 15430;
`Fremont, CA 94539-7970, stating your name, Vehicle Identification
`Number, and intent to opt out of the arbitration provision.
`47.
`The MVOA's are a contract to order a vehicle. Thus, at the time the contracts are
`entered into and for a period more than thirty (30) days thereafter, Plaintiff and any Class Member
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-8-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 10 of 32
`
`
`could not have had possession of a VIN in order to satisfy the preceding condition. The arbitration
`provision is designed to frustrate any consumes ability to exercise the opt out provision. However,
`Plaintiff has sent a letter requesting to opt out of the arbitration provision without a VIN.
`Typicality: The claims of the representative Plaintiff are typical of the claims of
`48.
`the Class in that the representative Plaintiff, like all Class Members, entered into a binding
`agreement with Tesla for a specific configuration of vehicle at a specific Price only to have Tesla
`later unilaterally and without class members agreement altered the material terms of their
`agreement including the configuration of the vehicle and the price. In each case all Plaintiff and
`all class members deposited monetary funds in consideration of their binding agreements with
`Tesla. Some class members actually paid the higher price for a car they did not select, and others
`were prevented from purchasing the vehicles at the higher price and were not given refunds of
`their deposits. The representative Plaintiff, like all potential Class Members, has been damaged by
`Defendant's misconduct monetarily and that they did not receive the benefit of the contract entered
`into with Tesla. Furthermore, the factual bases of Defendant's misconduct are common to all
`potential Class Members and represent a common thread of fraudulent, deliberate, and negligent
`misconduct resulting in injury to all potential Class Members, including Plaintiff.
`49.
`No violations alleged in this complaint are contingent on any individualized
`interaction of any kind between potential Class Members and Tesla. Rather, all claims in this
`matter arise from the identical acts, omissions, concealments, and representations of Tesla.
`Existence and Predominance of Common Questions of Fact and Law: There
`50.
`are common questions of law and fact as to the potential Class Members that predominate over
`questions affecting only individual members, including, but not limited to:
`a. whether Tesla engaged in unlawful, unfair, or deceptive business practices in
`contracting for the sale or the sale of Class Vehicles to Plaintiff and other
`potential Class Members;
`b. whether Tesla made false misrepresentations or omitted and concealed material
`facts with respect to the Class Vehicles it sold to potential Class Members;
`///
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-9-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 11 of 32
`
`
`c. whether the Tesla's increase in price benefitted Tesla to the detriment of the
`Class Members;
`d. whether Tesla beached its initial contract with Class Members by unilaterally
`altering the material terms before performing on any obligations therein and
`without mutual agreement;
`e. whether Tesla violated California Business and Professions code Section
`17200, et seq. with respect to the California Subclass;
`f. whether Tesla's unlaw, unfair and/or deceptive practices harmed Plaintiff and
`potential Class Members; and,
`g. Whether Tesla violated California's Consumer's Legal Remedies Act with
`respect to the California Subclass.
`51.
`Plaintiff's claims are not only typical of all potential Nationwide and California
`Class Members, but they are also essentially identical.
`52.
`All of Plaintiff's claims and all potential Nationwide and California Class Members'
`claims are based on the exact same legal theories. Plaintiff's damages and payer for relief also
`mirror the damages suffered by all potential Nationwide and California Class Members - viz., an
`injunction for specific performance on the original contracts, and monetary damages in the form
`of a refund of deposits, and/or a refund of the difference of the original contracts and the
`unilaterally altered contracts. Further, Plaintiff has no interest antagonistic to, or in conflict with,
`those of the Class.
`Adequate Representation: Plaintiff is qualified to, and will, fairly and adequately
`53.
`protect the interests of each Class Member. Plaintiff has retained attorneys experienced in the
`prosecution of class actions and consumer claims similar to the present matter. Plaintiff intends to
`prosecute this action vigorously.
`Predominance and Superiority: Plaintiff and the potential Class Members have
`54.
`all suffered and will continue to suffer harm. A class action is superior to other available methods
`for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy. Absent a class action, most potential Class
`Members would find the cost of litigating their claims prohibitively high and would therefore have
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-10-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 12 of 32
`
`
`no effective remedy at law. Because of the relatively small size of the individual potential Class
`Members' claims, it is likely that only a few potential Class Members could afford to seek legal
`redress for Defendant's misconduct. Absent a class action, potential Class Members will continue
`to incur damages, future consumers will enter into contracts with Tesla which Tesla has no
`intention to perform on, and Defendant's misconduct will continue without remedy. Class
`treatment of common questions of law and fact would also be a superior method to multiple
`individual actions or piecemeal litigation in that class treatment will conserve the resources of the
`courts and the litigants and will promote consistency and efficiency of adjudication.
`55.
`In sum, Plaintiff will thoroughly and adequately protect the interests of the Class,
`having retained qualified and competent legal counsel to represent himself and the lass, common
`questions will predominate, and there will be no unusual manageability issues.
`
`
`FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
`Breach of Contract
`(On Behalf of Plaintiff and Members of the Nationwide Class and the California Subclass)
`56.
`Plaintiff incorporates the foregoing allegations as if fully set forth herein.
`57.
`Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class entered into a valid contract with Defendant for
`the purchase of Tesla vehicles. Most importantly, Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class agreed to a
`specific contract price for the purchase of specific configurations.
`58.
`The contracts of adhesion drafted by Defendant states: "Order Placed with
`electronically accepted terms."
`59.
`Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class paid a deposit to purchase the vehicles and, in
`reliance on Defendant honoring the contract price.
`60.
`In further reliance, Plaintiff and the class members did not purchase vehicles from
`other manufactures based on their reliance on the contracts.
`61.
`Defendant breached its contract with Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class by
`increasing the price of the vehicles in violation of the contract. Defendant also anticipatorily
`breached the contract by indicating that if Plaintiff and all Nationwide class members did not pay
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-11-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 13 of 32
`
`
`the higher price for the altered vehicles, they would simply not receive their benefit of the bargain
`and would not receive their deposits back.
`62.
`Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class are now damaged as a result of Defendant's
`breach and anticipatory breach. In order to mitigate their losses, Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class
`will be forced to pay for the price increase.
`63.
`Because no comparable products to the Tesla vehicles which were selected by the
`Class Members currently exist, there is no adequate remedy for Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class
`under the law. As such, Plaintiff and the Nationwide Class seek specific performance under the
`initial contracts that existed prior to the unilaterally changes contracts with higher prices and
`different terms.
`
`
`SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
`Violation the Unfair Business Practices Act - Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§17200 et seq.
`(On Behalf of Plaintiff and Members of the California Subclass)
`64.
`Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation contained in the
`preceding and succeeding paragraphs as though herein fully restated and re-alleged.
`65.
`Actions for relief under the unfair competition law may be based on any business
`act or practice that is within the broad definition of the Unfair Business Practices Act - Cal. Bus.
`& Prof. Code §§17200 et seq. ("UCL"). Such violations of the UCL occur as a result of unlawful,
`unfair or fraudulent business acts and practices. A causal connection exists between Tesla's
`business practices and the alleged harm in that Tesla's conduct caused or was likely to cause
`substantial injury to Plaintiff and potential California Subclass Class Members.
`
`
`Tesla's Unfair Business Acts and Practices
`66.
`Tesla's acts, omissions, misrepresentations, and practices as alleged herein
`constitute "unfair" business acts and practices within the meaning of the UCL in that its conduct
`is substantially injurious to consumers, offends public policy, and is immoral, unethical,
`oppressive, and unscrupulous as the gravity of the conduct outweighs any alleged benefits
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-12-
`Horowitz v. Tesla - CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`

`

`Case 3:21-cv-09635-TSH Document 1 Filed 12/14/21 Page 14 of 32
`
`
`attributable to such conduct. There were reasonably available alternatives to further Tesla's
`legitimate business interests, other than the conduct described herein. Plaintiff reserves the right
`to allege further conduct which constitutes other unfair business acts or practices. Such conduct is
`ongoing and continues to this date.
`67.
`Plaintiff's and potential California Subclass Members' injuries are: 1) substantial;
`2) not outweighed by any countervailing benefits to consumers or competition; and, 3) not injuries
`that consumers themselves could reasonably have avoided.
`68.
`Here, Tesla's conduct has caused and continues to cause substantial injury to
`Plaintiff and potential California Subclass Members. Plaintiff and potential California Subclass
`Members have suffered injury in fact due to Tesla's decision to knowingly enter into contracts that
`it states are binding, only to unilaterally alter the material terms of those contracts including
`increasing the price. Tesla's conduct has caused substantial injury to Plaintiff and potential
`California Subclass Members.
`69.
`Tesla's conduct as alleged herein solely benefits Tesla while providing no benefit
`of any kind to the Plaintiff or potential California Subclass Members. Such deception utilized by
`Tesla convinced Plaintiff and potential California Subclass Members that the Class Vehicles were
`of a certain value and price to induce them to pay deposits and rely on the contracts. Tesla has
`unfairly profited from or intends to unfairly profit from the unilateral price increases to all
`California Subclass Members The injury suffered by Plaintiff and the members of California
`Subclass is not outweighed by any countervailing benefits to consumers.
`70.
`The injuries suffered by Plaintiff and California Subclass Members are not injuries
`that they could reasonably have avoided. After Tesla falsely represented the configuration and
`price of the vehicles, Plaintiff and potential California Subclass Members suffered injury in fact
`due to their reliance and subsequent purchase and/or lease of the Class Vehicles. Tesla failed to
`take reasonable steps to negotiate in good faith with Plaintiff and potenti

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket