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On November 25, a California federal court dismissed without prejudice a proposed class action against Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., and General Motors LLC, claiming the carmakers failed to ensure the electronic security of their vehicles by equipping them with computer technology that is susceptible to being hacked by third parties. Cahen, et al. v. Toyota Motor Corp., et al., No. 15-cv-01104-WHO, 2015 WL 7566806 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 25, 2015).

The putative class of drivers sued the three automakers in March, claiming the companies knew for years that hackers could remotely control cars with drivers behind the wheel but did nothing to protect consumers. Notably, none of the plaintiffs alleged that such hacking had actually occurred or that they in particular were in danger of having their cars hijacked remotely.
Continue Reading Big Win for Automakers After Federal Judge Dismisses Car Hacking Lawsuit