Opinion ID: 1798341
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Status Quo Ante

Text: It is significant that Dahlberg has been the Ford dealer at Hopkins for over 40 years. So far as the record indicates, the relationship was reasonably satisfactory until the fall of 1962. The sale by Dahlberg of Ford products up until that time had approximated the minimum standards of sales performance which had been specified. In reliance upon the continuance of the relationship, Dahlberg had invested almost $200,000 in the business. It is fair to assume that during this period of 40 years considerable time and effort had been expended by Dahlberg to establish a relationship in the public mind between its operation and the Ford products which it sells. It can be assumed also that its sales organization has been geared to the sale of Ford products and convinced that these products are superior to those of its competitors. The skill of its mechanics would be most useful in the repair and maintenance of Ford products. Its experience in the maintenance of an inventory of parts and supplies needed for the business and held by it for sale to the public would be keyed to the needs of Ford owners in its market area. During these four decades, it must have acquired an understanding of the interrelationship between Ford and its dealers, an important though intangible part of the going business. During this period of time both Ford and Dahlberg must have come to know what each might reasonably expect of the other in order to maintain a harmonious relationship.