In what circumstances will a retail dealer be held liable for a motor vehicle accident?

In Vandermark v. Ford Motor Co. (1964) 61 Cal.2d 256, 37 Cal.Rptr. 896, 391 P.2d 168, the court further made clear that retail dealers as well as manufacturers were strictly liable. "Retailers like manufacturers are engaged in the business of distributing goods to the public. They are an integral part of the overall producing and marketing enterprise that should bear the cost of injuries resulting from defective products.... Strict liability on the manufacturer and retailer alike affords maximum protection to the injured plaintiff and works no injustice to the defendants, for they can adjust the costs of such protection between them in the course of their continuing relationship." (Id. at pp. 262-263, 37 Cal.Rptr. 896, 391 P.2d 168. Emphasis added.)

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