Ford Motor Co. 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. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Jan. 12 lawsuit claims the sale took place before Hecker closed the dealership last year.

Hecker’s Advantage Rent-A-Car Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, closed 22 of its 48 airport locations and laid off 440 workers.

In the Jan. 12 suit, Ford Motor Co. alleged that Stillwater Ford has failed to pay for some parts, plus 80 vehicles it sold to rental car fleet companies and four that it sold to individuals. 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.

Barbara Jerich, president of Hecker Automotive Group, said Jan. 13 that the company had not yet seen the lawsuit.