Haulier sues over alleged false mileage on trucks

A haulier from County Monaghan has brought proceedings in the High Court against two related commercial vehicle firms based in Monaghan and Armagh, alleging he was sold trucks with substantially higher mileage than represented at the time of purchase. The claimant, Cathal Dempsey, purchased three Scania tractor units in 2009 and four MAN trucks in 2011, on the express understanding that the vehicles had approximately 500,000 kilometres on their odometers. He claims that following independent examination, the actual mileage proved significantly higher, with some units estimated at nearly one million kilometres. Mr Dempsey contends the vehicles proved unreliable and incurred frequent breakdowns, causing business losses. He seeks damages for breach of contract. The defendants deny all allegations, including that any mileage misrepresentation occurred or that the vehicles were unfit for purpose. The case opened before Mr Justice Donald Binchy on Wednesday but was adjourned for two weeks following evidential disputes regarding the admissibility of expert testimony concerning mileage analysis.