NOVI, Mich. -- Varsity Lincoln-Mercury car dealer in Novi is suing a rival dealer for allegedly trying to sabotage the dealership.

Dealership Files Lawsuit Against Rival

Detroit television station WDIV reported that the suit alleges Hoot McInerney, owner of the Star Lincoln-Mercury in Southfield, Mich., broke the law when he mailed 65 letters on July 24 to the Novi dealer's lease customers, claiming the Novi dealer was closing its doors, when it was not.

The letter read in part, "It has come to my attention that 'your' Lincoln-Mercury Dealer has decided to close," and was signed Hoot McInerney, the president of Star Lincoln-Mercury.

McInerney said it was a simple error and it was meant to say a dealership has decided to close, but not "your" Lincoln-Mercury dealer. McInerney said he was referring to a dealership in Clinton Township he found out might be closing.

However, Varsity said the damage has already been done.