Cars could end up in the scrap press
It looks bleak for German Ford fans: The US manufacturer is no longer allowed to sell cars in Germany. That was decided by the Munich regional court. The reason is chips that Ford has installed in its cars, although the manufacturer is said to have no usage licenses. For thousands of cars, this could even end up in the scrap press.
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Ban on Ford: German buyers face a void
It is a real cannon hit that the district court in Munich Ford bangs in front of the bow: The Manufacturer must stop selling its cars in Germany. New wagons are also no longer allowed to be built. Models that are already at retailers may even need to be collected and destroyed. All because the cars have mobile chips that Ford isn’t actually allowed to use.
Eight international patent holders sued in Munich, and the Japanese patent exploiter IP Bridge has now won the case. The reproach: Ford uses LTE chips in its cars, but doesn’t have a license for it and therefore pay no license fees to the rights holders. Appropriate chips must now be found in all new cars in order to be able to make emergency calls via e-call. But they can also be used for navigation and infotainment systems.
The US automaker still has a few ways to get out of trouble. The verdict is not yet final, Ford could appeal. In addition, it will only be enforced if IP Bridge deposits a security deposit of 227 million euros with the court (source: business week). So far, Ford has not wanted to comment further on the verdict, but rather wait for the written copy.
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There have been processes like the one in Munich before. In 2020 there were already corresponding ones Allegations against Daimler, in Munich a lawsuit was also filed against VW. The Wolfsburg have saved themselves from the impending sales stop by acquiring the appropriate licenses.
What already speaks in favor of switching to an electric car:
Ford: Do tens of thousands of cars have to be destroyed?
If Ford blocks, the manufacturer is not only threatened with a sales and production stop Millions in sales slip through the cracks would. In addition, vehicles that have already been built could have to be scrapped. In the worst case, completely, but at least the affected mobile communications components would have to be removed and destroyed.
What it will become of it is currently still open. The interest in buying should definitely be there and hence the decision hit customers hard.
