Ford Motor Co. has filed a federal lawsuit against Denny Hecker’s Stillwater Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in Minnesota, claiming that the dealership failed to pay $3.1 million for auto parts and 84 new vehicles it sold to rental car companies and individuals.
Hecker is the owner of Advantage Rent-A-Car, a company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December. Advantage closed 22 of its 48 airport locations and laid off 440 workers.
In addition to the $3.1 million, Ford is seeking legal fees and a directive allowing a sheriff to seize the cars and trucks in question.
Hecker has been embroiled in various legal and financial battles in recent months. General Motors sued his Southview Chevrolet dealership in Inver Grove Heights this past November, seeking to stop it from selling other makes of vehicles.
Hecker also sued his longtime financing partner, Chrysler Financial Services, for allegedly cutting off credit for 13 of his dealerships. Hecker has sold three dealerships and closed six others, including the one in Stillwater.
