IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
GMAC, a Delaware corporation, No. 68374-8-1
Petitioner, DIVISION ONE
v.
EVERETT CHEVROLET, INC., a PUBLISHED
Delaware corporation; and JOHN
REGGANS and JANE DOE REGGANS, FILED: January 27, 2014
and their marital community,
Respondents.
ALLY FINANCIAL, INC., a Delaware
corporation,
c— rn
-S" "ft
Petitioner,
JOHN REGGANS, an individual; and 3="
the marital community of JOHN
REGGANS and CARMENLYDIA
CO
REGGANS, husband and wife,
Respondents.
Cox, J. — This is the second time that this case is before this court on
discretionary review. Previously, we reversed and remanded for further
proceedings.1 We now reverse and remand with directions, this time to a
different judge.
1 GMAC v. Everett Chevrolet. Inc.. noted at 158 Wn. App. 1004, 2010 WL
4010113 (2010), review denied. 171 Wn.2d 1007 (2011).
No. 68374-8-1/2
Everett Chevrolet ("EC") was a car dealership in Everett, Washington.
John Reggans is its sole shareholder. GMAC provided financing for EC to
purchase new and used vehicles. In exchange, EC granted GMAC a security
interest in EC's equipment, inventory, and proceeds.
A core document governing the financing arrangement is the Wholesale
Security Agreement ("WSA"), which is dated December 10, 1996. It contains
provisions that we more fully describe later in this opinion.
The parties signed several amendments to the WSA. None appear to
have changed the relevant provisions of this agreement.
EC also had a revolving line of credit with GMAC. This is documented in
the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement ("RLCA"), which is dated October 16,
2000. We also discuss provisions of this agreement later in this opinion.
Reggans testified that in 2006, the auto market started declining. He
testified that EC earned approximately $700,000 in 2006 but earned only
$28,000 in 2007. In late 2007, Reggans sought a $300,000 increase in the credit
limit. GMAC agreed and increased the credit line to $800,000.
During 2008, the situation deteriorated. EC was unable to improve its
position.
By letter dated December 15, 2008, GMAC terminated EC's wholesale
credit line and revolving line of credit and also made demand for full payment of
both. The principal amounts then due were $5,530,666.13 on the wholesale
credit line and $738,000.00 on the revolving line of credit.
No. 68374-8-1/3
This litigation followed. GMAC sought to enforce its rights as a
secured creditor seeking replevin of its security. A three-week hearing on
this request occurred in March and April 2009. The trial court denied
GMAC's request for replevin.
GMAC sought discretionary review, which we granted. This court
reversed the trial court's denial of replevin and remanded.2 This court did
not reach the merits of the underlying dispute between the parties.3
On remand, GMAC moved for summary judgment to dismiss EC's
"bad faith" counterclaims. The trial court orally denied GMAC's motion. In
the order that followed, the court incorporated its oral rulings, which
articulated its reasons for denying the motion.
GMAC sought discretionary review for a second time. We granted
review on the basis that the trial court's denial of summary judgment was
probable error that limited the freedom of a party to act.4
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
GMAC argues that the trial court erred by failing to grant GMAC's motion
for summary judgment to dismiss EC's bad faith claims. GMAC identifies these
as "EC's first through third counterclaims and EC's affirmative defense of
214
3lo\at*5n.1.
4 GMAC v. Everett Chevrolet. Inc.. No. 68374-8-I, 2012 WL 3939863
(Wash. Ct. App. Aug. 16, 2012).
No. 68374-8-1/4
Estoppel in Pais . . . and its untitled affirmative defense, contained in U2.6 of
EC's Answer."5 We agree.
"In a summary judgment motion, the moving party bears the initial burden
of showing the absence ofan issue of material fact."6 If the moving party meets
this burden, "the inquiry shifts to the party with the burden of proof at trial. .. ."7
The nonmoving party must then set forth specific facts showing a genuine issue
for trial.8 Summary judgment is appropriate only if there is no genuine issue of
material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.9
On appeal, a denial of summary judgment is reviewed de novo, and an
appellate court performs the same inquiry as the trial court.10
We deem abandoned any matters argued below that are not raised on
appeal.11
Demand Obligation
GMAC asserts that the duty of good faith does not limit GMAC's right to
demand repayment at any time for any reason. In opposition, EC contends that
5Clerk's Papers at 506.
6 Young v. Key Pharm.. Inc.. 112 Wn.2d 216, 225, 770 P.2d 182 (1989).
7\sL
8 LaPlante v. State. 85 Wn.2d 154, 158, 531 P.2d 299 (1975).
9 CR 56(c).
10 Macias v. Saberhaqen Holdings. Inc.. 175 Wn.2d 402, 407, 282 P.3d
1069(2012).
11 See Cogqle v. Snow. 56 Wn. App. 499, 512, 784 P.2d 554 (1990).
No. 68374-8-1/5
GMAC's argument is based on the "false premise" that GMAC had a demand
note. Accordingly, EC disputes that GMAC had the authority under the WSA to
demand payment for all amounts advanced under this agreement. We conclude
that the WSA contains a demand obligation and, because controlling law holds
that a good faith obligation does not bar enforcing a demand obligation, we agree
with GMAC.
Whether the WSA contains a demand obligation is the threshold and
controlling issue in this case. If we decide that the only reasonable reading of the
WSA is that it contains a demand obligation, then Allied Sheet Metal Fabricators
Inc. v. Peoples National Bank12 controls. Accordingly, GMAC's enforcement of
the demand obligation would not be barred by a good faith obligation.
"The 'touchstone of contract interpretation is the parties' intent.'"13
"Washington courts follow the objective manifestation theory of contracts,
imputing an intention corresponding to the reasonable meaning of the words
used."14
"An interpretation which gives effect to all of the words in a contract
provision is favored over one which renders some of the language meaningless
1210 Wn. App. 530, 518 P.2d 734, review denied. 83 Wn.2d 1013, and
cert, denied. 419 U.S. 967, 95 S. Ct. 231, 42 L. Ed. 2d 183 (1974).
13 Realm. Inc. v. Citv of Olvmpia. 168 Wn. App. 1, 4-5, 277 P.3d 679,
(quoting Durand v. HIMC Corp.. 151 Wn. App. 818, 829, 214 P.3d 189 (2009)),
review denied. 175 Wn.2d 1015 (2012).
14 Id. at 5.
No. 68374-8-1/6
or ineffective."15 Acourt will not read ambiguity into a contract "'where it can
reasonably be avoided.'"16
Whether a contract is ambiguous is a question of law.17 A contract
provision is not ambiguous merely because the parties to the contract suggest
opposing meanings.18 "If only one reasonable meaning can be ascribed to the
agreement when viewed in context, that meaning necessarily reflects the parties'
intent; if two or more meanings are reasonable, a question of fact is presented."19
Summary judgment as to a contract interpretation is proper ifthe parties' written
contract, viewed in light of the parties' other objective manifestations, has only
one reasonable meaning.20
Ademand note is payable immediately on the date of its execution.21 This
court in Allied set forth the general rule regarding such matured obligations:
"An instrument is payable immediately if no time is fixed and no
contingency specified upon which payment is to be made. A
15 Seattle-First Nat. Bank v. Westlake Park Assocs.. 42 Wn. App. 269,
274,711 P.2d361 (1985).
16 Maver v. Pierce County Med. Bureau. Inc.. 80 Wn. App. 416, 421, 909
P.2d 1323 (1995) (quoting McGarv v. Westlake Investors. 99 Wn.2d 280, 285,
661 P.2d 971 (1983)).
17 Svrovvv. Alpine Res.. Inc.. 68 Wn. App. 35, 39, 841 P.2d 1279 (1992).
18 Maver. 80 Wn. App. at 421.
19 Martinez v. Kitsap Pub. Servs.. 94 Wn. App. 935, 943, 974 P.2d 1261
(1999).
20 Go2Net. Inc. v. C I Host. Inc.. 115 Wn. App. 73, 85, 60 P.3d 1245
(2003).
21 Allied. 10 Wn. App. at 536.
No. 68374-8-1/7
demand note is payable immediately on the date of its execution—
that is, it is due upon delivery thereof; and, unless a statute
declares otherwise, or a contrary intention appears expressly or
impliedly upon the face of the instrument, a right of action against
the maker of a demand note arises immediately upon delivery and
no express demand is required to mature the note or as a
prerequisite to such right to action, commencement of a suit being
sufficient demand for enforcement purposes."[22J
Here, the document that is the basis of EC's primary challenge is the
WSA, not a promissory note like in Allied. But a demand obligation is not
confined to promissory notes. Thus, there is no reason to conclude that the
analysis of the legal issues is any different when a demand obligation is
contained in an agreement other than a promissory note. EC fails to cite any
authority to support such a difference.
In general, when an agreement includes demand language along with
other contract terms, a court must carefully consider the agreement to determine
if it contains a true demand obligation. We do so here.
In this case, the "upon demand" provision in the second paragraph of the
WSA is unambiguous and is a demand obligation. It states:
[EC] agree[s] upon demand to pay to GMAC the amount it
advances or is obligated to advance to the manufacturer or
distributor for each vehicle with interest at the rate per annum
designated by GMAC from time to time and then in force under the
GMAC Wholesale Plan.[23]
This provision contains express demand language on its face. Consistent
with the authority we previously quoted from Allied, there is no time fixed for
22]o\ quoting (11 Am. Jur. 2d Bills &Notes § 286 (1963)).
23 Clerk's Papers at 86 (emphasis added).
No. 68374-8-1/8
when payment is due for GMAC's advances. The obligation matures when
made. Likewise, there is no contingency specified upon which payment of the
advances is to be made. And there is no contrary intention that appears either
expressly or impliedly upon the face of this provision of the agreement. By these
terms, the obligation of EC to pay its financial obligations to GMAC is upon
demand by GMAC.
We also note that the "upon demand" provision appears to be a material
provision governing the parties' lending relationship. The "upon demand"
provision is located in the second paragraph of the WSA. It immediately follows
language that establishes the lending relationship. That language states: "[EC]
desire[s] [GMAC] to finance the acquisition of such vehicles and to pay the
manufacturers or distributors therefor."24 The location of the "upon demand"
provision within the agreement suggests that the parties intended their
relationship to be controlled by the "upon demand" terms.
In addition, the "upon demand" provision is one of few provisions restated
in amendments to the WSA. The emphasis placed on this provision further
supports our conclusion that the parties intended this provision to be central to
their lending relationship.
EC initially argues that this provision is not a demand obligation because
"there were contingencies upon which payment was to be made (i.e., the sale of
vehicle followed by the corresponding payment to be made in a 'faithful and
24 Id.
8
No. 68374-8-1/9
prompt' manner)."25 But the "faithfully and promptly" provision, which is
discussed later in this opinion, relates only to payments after the sale of vehicles.
It does not affect EC's obligation to pay all amounts outstanding when GMAC
makes demand for payment. There are no contingencies that affect a demand
for payment. Thus, this argument is not persuasive.
EC also argues, without citation to any relevant authority, that the
provision at issue is not a demand provision because it allegedly was not payable
immediately on execution. Specifically, EC argues that on the date of execution
of the WSA, no amounts were immediately due because no funds had been
advanced and no vehicles had yet been sold. But a monetary obligation is
matured and payable immediately "if no time is fixed and no contingency
specified upon which payment is to be made."26 That no funds had yet been
advanced at the time the demand obligation was incurred does not affect the
nature of the demand obligation. EC does not argue that once funds were
advanced the demand obligation that then existed was magically extinguished.
For these reasons, we also reject this argument.
Further, we will not read ambiguity into an agreement where it can
reasonably be avoided.27 Construing this provision as a demand obligation does
not give rise to ambiguity due to other provisions of the WSA, as EC argues.
25 Everett Chevrolet's Response Brief at 23 n.13.
26 Allied. 10 Wn. App. at 536.
27 See Maver. 80 Wn. App. at 421 (quoting McGarv. 99 Wn.2d at 285).
No. 68374-8-1/10
That is because all provisions to which these parties invite our attention can be
harmonized and are not inconsistent.
Specifically, EC argues that the "interplay" between the "faithfully and
promptly" language, set forth in the seventh paragraph of the WSA, and the
"upon demand" language in the second paragraph that we just discussed creates
ambiguity. We disagree.
The "faithfully and promptly" provision in the seventh paragraph, on which
EC relies, states:
[EC] understand^] that [EC] may sell and lease the vehicles
at retail in the ordinary course of business. [EC] further agree[s]
that as each vehicle is sold, or leased, [EC] will, faithfully and
promptly remit to [GMAC] the amount [GMAC] advanced or ha[s]
become obligated to advance on [EC's] behalf to the manufacturer,
distributor or seller, with interest at the designated rate per annum
then in effect under the GMAC Wholesale Plan [28]
The plain words of the first sentence of this provision authorize EC to sell
or lease, in the ordinary course of business, the vehicles that serve as collateral
for its financial obligations to GMAC. The plain meaning of the second sentence
of this provision is that EC "further agrees" to "faithfully and promptly" remit to
GMAC the proceeds of such sales or leases to be applied to EC's financial
obligations to GMAC. Significantly, the "further agrees" language of this
provision separately obligates EC to remit sales and lease proceeds to GMAC.
This obligation is in addition to its obligation to pay "upon demand" its financial
obligations to GMAC that is contained in the earlier provision we already
28 Clerk's Papers at 86 (emphasis added).
10
No. 68374-8-1/11
discussed in this opinion. There simply is no other reasonable meaning of this
"faithfully and promptly" provision.
Nothing in the language of this provision diminishes or affects EC's
separate obligation to pay GMAC "upon demand" for its financial obligations to
GMAC. EC fails to establish that any claimed "interplay" between the "faithfully
and promptly" language of this provision affects the express demand obligation in
the second paragraph of the WSA. There simply is no genuine issue of material
fact regarding the relationship of the "faithfully and promptly" provision to the
"upon demand" provision.
Similarly, the existence of the "default" provision in the ninth paragraph of
the WSA also does not give rise to ambiguity within the agreement. This
provision addresses GMAC's ability to repossess collateral after default. It
states:
In the event [EC] defaults] in payment under and according
to this agreement. .. GMAC may take immediate possession of
said vehicles, without demand or further notice and without legal
process . . . .[29]
This "default" provision does not refer either to the "upon demand"
provision stated in the second paragraph of the WSA or to the "faithfully and
promptly" provision in the seventh paragraph of this agreement. In short, this
"default" provision does not affect EC's obligation to make payments under either
of the other two provisions. Rather, it addresses GMAC's rights under the
Uniform Commercial Code and otherwise to take possession of collateral
11
No. 68374-8-1/12
securing the obligations of EC to GMAC in the event of a default. Accordingly,
this "default" provision also does not create ambiguity regarding GMAC's right to
demand payment under the second paragraph of the WSA.
Moreover, as our courts have consistently held, "An interpretation of a
writing which gives effect to all of its provisions is favored over one which renders
some ofthe language meaningless or ineffective."30 There is nothing in this WSA
that supports the view that other provisions are rendered either illogical or
unnecessary if the "upon demand" provision of the second paragraph is
construed as a demand obligation. In fact, ifthe agreement were construed in
any other way, it is the "upon demand" provision that would be rendered
meaningless.
To support its argument that there is ambiguity in the WSA, EC relies on
authorities from other jurisdictions. They are not persuasive.
In Mente Chevrolet Oldsmobile Inc. v. GMAC. the United States Third
Circuit Court of Appeals considered GMAC's appeal of an order denying its
motion for judgment as a matter of law after a jury found in favor of Mente on its
breach of contract claim.31 Underthe financing agreement between the parties in
that case, Mente was required to make payments to GMAC "faithfully and
promptly" upon the sales ofcars.32 Mente's breach of contract claim was
30
Waoner v. Wagner. 95 Wn.2d 94, 101,621 P.2d 1279(1980).
31 Mente Chevrolet Oldsmobile. Inc. v. GMAC. Inc.. 451 F. Appx. 214, 216
(3rd Cir. 2011).
32 Id
12
No. 68374-8-1/13
premised on the fact that GMAC declared Mente "out of trust" for failing to make
payments "faithfully and promptly."33
At trial, GMAC argued that it had a right to demand payment immediately
upon sale ofa car.34 In contrast, Mente argued that the parties' course ofdealing
showed otherwise.35 The jury found that GMAC had breached the financing
agreement, presumably on the basis that immediate payment on sale was not
required.36
Following the jury verdict, GMAC renewed its motion for judgment as a
matter of law on the breach of contract claim.37 GMAC argued that the "faithfully
and promptly" provision of the financing agreement was unambiguous.38 The
federal district court denied GMAC's motion.39
On appeal, the Third Circuit held that the district court was correct. The
court stated that the financing agreement was ambiguous "because the contract
did not define 'faithfully and promptly' and the phrase is capable of being
reasonably understood in more than one way."40
33 Id
34 id at 217.
35 Id
36 id
37 id
38 id
39 id
40 Id.
13
No. 68374-8-1/14
In a footnote, the court addressed a different argument by GMAC. GMAC
argued that it was entitled to demand immediate payment by virtue of what the
court described as "another clause" in the financing agreement.41 The court gave
no further explanation of what the other clause said. Nevertheless, it stated that
"[t]he interaction between that clause and the 'faithfully and promptly' clause . . .
is a question of fact that was properly submitted to the jury."42
The analysis in Mente is not helpful to our inquiry in this case. Whether
the clause "faithfully and promptly" is capable of being understood in more than
one way is not the proper focus of our inquiry. Our analysis is focused on the
"upon demand" language in the second paragraph of this WSA. As we have
already explained in this opinion, that language is not ambiguous. And the
"faithfully and promptly" remit language of a separate provision does not create
ambiguity for the "upon demand" provision.
While we could speculate on what the other clause to which the Mente
court referred in the footnote in its opinion actually said, we decline to do so. The
passing reference to "another clause" in the footnote is simply too incomplete to
warrant the reliance on that opinion as EC argues.
Further, even if we speculated that the other clause briefly mentioned in
the Mente footnote was a demand provision like the one here, the interaction
between the clauses in this WSA is not a question of fact because this
agreement is not ambiguous. As we have discussed in this opinion, the co-
41 id at 217 n.3.
42 Id.
14
No. 68374-8-1/15
existence of these provisions in this WSA does not give rise to ambiguity. The
resolution of the relationship among the various provisions in this agreement is a
question of law that we resolve in favor of GMAC.
EC also relies on Mente to argue that GMAC should be collaterally
estopped from obtaining a different contract construction in this proceeding when
it has previously litigated and lost the identical issue.43 Because EC makes this
argument for the first time on appeal and fails to establish a right to do so, we
decline to address this argument.44
The other case on which EC relies is equally unpersuasive. In Bob Smith
Automotive Group Inc.. et al. v. Ally Financial Inc., a Maryland trial court judge
considered Ally's motion for summary judgment on claims brought by Bob Smith
Automotive for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good
faith and fair dealing.45 Ally argued that it did not breach any contract because it
made a simple and independent demand for immediate payment, that such a
demand was authorized by the contracts, and that good faith did not apply. The
court held that there were disputed material facts that precluded summary
judgment.
43 Everett Chevrolet's Response Brief at 25 n.15 (citing Mente, 451 F.
Appx. 214 (3rd Cir. 2011)).
44
See RAP 2.5(a).
45 Bob Smith Auto. Grp., Inc. v. Ally Fin.. Inc., No. 20-C-11-0075750
(Circuit Court, Talbot County, Md., 2012).
15
No. 68374-8-1/16
The judge examined provisions there that appear to be identical to those
in the WSA at issue here. That judge held that the relationship between these
provisions was ambiguous. Specifically, the judge stated:
It is unclear when looking within the four-corners of the
Wholesale Security Agreements as to whether the "on demand"
provision in the WSA is independent of the "faithfully and promptly"
and default provisions, or whether the three provisions are related
in the ways alleged by the Plaintiffs. Such ambiguity is for a fact
finder to determine.14]
Additionally, the court concluded that there was ambiguity as to how the
"on demand" provisions within other agreements related to the provisions
contained in that WSA.
We assume for purposes of this discussion that the trial judge's decision in
that case has no precedential value in Maryland. Such a decision by a trial judge
in Washington would lack precedential value. Nevertheless, we consider the
rationale that judge stated.
For the reasons we already discussed in this opinion, we disagree with
that judge's conclusion that there is any ambiguity about whether the "upon
demand" provision in this WSA is independent of the "faithfully and promptly"
provision. Likewise, there is no ambiguity about whetherthe "upon demand"
provision in this WSA is affected by the "default provision."
Additionally, unlike Bob Smith Automotive, in this case there is no
argument that the "on demand" provisions in agreements other than the WSA
create ambiguity. This fact is a further material distinction of this case from that.
46 Id.
16
No. 68374-8-1/17
Finally, we note that the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement between
these parties also has a demand provision as one of its terms. Specifically, that
agreement provides, in part, as follows:
(ii) Mandatory Repayment of Credit Line Advances.
(C) If demanded, the full amount of the Credit Line
Advances plus accrued interest must be paid
immediately upon demand by GMAC.t47]
By letter dated December 15, 2008, GMAC made demand for payment of
the full credit line advances in addition to demand for payment of the amounts
owed under the WSA. EC does not argue that the demand provision of the
RLCA is unenforceable. Accordingly, there is no genuine issue of material fact
whether this agreement also contains a demand obligation.
In sum, the only reasonable reading of the WSA is that the financing
relationship is governed by the unambiguous demand obligation stated in the
second paragraph of the agreement. Likewise, the demand language in the
RLCA is also a demand obligation. Accordingly, case law examining the
relationship between demand obligations and the duty of good faith is instructive.
Dutyof Good Faith and Demand Obligations
GMAC argues that the trial court erred by applying the duty of good faith
to a demand obligation, contrary to Washington case law. Specifically, GMAC
argues that any attempt to rely on the duty of good faith to bar the right to make a
demand under a demand obligation fails as a matter of law. We agree.
47 Clerk's Papers at 272-73 (emphasis added).
17
No. 68374-8-1/18
The controlling case in Washington is Allied.48 In that case, Peoples
National Bank of Washington financed Allied's sheet metal fabricating plant
under the terms ofsecurity agreements.49 Allied pledged accounts receivable
and other collateral to secure the loans.50 The loans in question were made on
the basis ofdemand promissory notes.51
After making additional loans, Peoples decided to take immediate steps to
collect Allied's total accrued debt which totaled over $420,000.52 It took action by
applying Allied's checking account deposits in the bank to the debt.53 Peoples
did not give prior notice to Allied, and outstanding checks issued by Allied were
dishonored.54 Peoples then demanded payment of the entire remaining loan
balance.55 Allied sued Peoples for damages, claiming bad faith on the part of the
bank.56 The trial court granted Peoples' motion for summary judgment.57
48 10 Wn. App. 530, 518 P.2d 734 (1974).
49 Id. at 531.
50
ii
51
H
52
Li
53
id
54
Id,
55
14 at 532.
56
id
57
Id. at 534.
18
No. 68374-8-1/19
On appeal, this court affirmed.58 This court's analysis focused on the
nature of the agreements between Allied and Peoples. Specifically, it held that
the terms of these agreements gave Peoples the right to demand payment of
these notes and offset the checking accounts without notice "because they are
demand notes, because that is the contract that the parties made."59
Furthermore, this court noted that although the action taken by Peoples
caused problems for the borrower, "that is the agreement that the parties made
by appropriate written instruments."60 The court stated:
Although these facts might raise questions as to the bank's
business judgment, they create no factual issue as to the bank's
right to do what it did, and so are not material facts. This is
particularly so under our interpretation of what constituted the
agreement between the parties, namely, the terms of the demand
notes.[61]
This court then affirmed the grant of summary judgment in favor of
Allied.62 Our supreme court denied review.
This approach is consistent with the majority of courts who have examined
demand instruments in the context of good faith claims.63 Courts have generally
rejected the application of good faith on the grounds that it may not be applied to
58
li at 541.
59
id at 534.
60
id
61
H at 536 n .5.
62
Id. at 541.
63 Gerald L. Blanchard, 1 Lender Liability: Law, Prac. &Prevention §
2:13(2013).
19
No. 68374-8-1/20
"override the intention of the maker, who signed the instrument, to grant the
holder the option to call for payment, with orwithout reason."64 Courts carefully
protect the principle of freedom to contract and establish the terms of the
contract.65
Here, as in Allied, the "upon demand" provision gave GMAC a right to
make a demand for payment of all accrued amounts for any reason or no reason.
This is so even if GMAC chose, as in this case, to specify reasons in its
December 15, 2008 letter why it was making demand. Moreover, as in Allied,
possible detriment to EC's business did not bar the right to make demand.
In sum, GMAC's demand was not barred by the duty of good faith.
EC argues that even if GMAC had a demand obligation, it did not make a
simple demand but instead declared an alleged default. Thus, EC argues that
GMAC is now estopped from claiming that it could have called a simple demand
based on the demand provision discussed above. But EC fails to establish the
required elements to support this claim.
"Equitable estoppel is based on the notion that 'a party should be held to
a representation made or position assumed where inequitable consequences
would otherwise result to another party who has justifiably and in good faith relied
64 Carolyn M. Edwards, Article 3 Demand Notes and the Doctrine of Good
Faith. 74 Marq. L. Rev. 481, 483 (1991).
65 id at 485.
20
No. 68374-8-1/21
thereon.'"66 "The elements of equitable estoppel are: '(1) an admission,
statement or act inconsistent with a claim afterwards asserted, (2) action by
another in [reasonable] reliance upon that act, statement or admission, and (3)
injury to the relying party from allowing the first party to contradict or repudiate
the prior act, statement, or admission.'"67
The party asserting equitable estoppel must prove each of its elements
"by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence."68
EC fails to do this on appeal. EC only makes argument related to the first
element—that GMAC acted inconsistently with its stated reasons for making the
demand. But there is no evidence that EC reasonably relied on GMAC's initial
reason for calling the demand. EC also fails to show that it was injured as a
result of this alleged reliance. Accordingly, there is no genuine issue of material
fact supporting this claim. We reject it.
We also note that EC's argument is based on a letter from GMAC dated
December 19, 2008, and EC ignores the earlier letter dated December 15, 2008.
The earlier letter made demand for payment of all amounts accrued under both
the WSA and RLCA. In view of that undisputed fact, it is difficult for us to see
66 Lvbbert v. Grant County. 141 Wn.2d 29, 35, 1 P.3d 1124 (2000)
(quoting Kramarevcky v. Dep't ofSoc. &Health Servs.. 122 Wn.2d 738, 743, 863
P.2d 535 (1993)).
67 id (alteration in original) (quoting Bd. of Regents of U.W. v. City of
Seattle. 108 Wn.2d 545, 551, 741 P.2d 11 (1987)).
68 Robinson v. City of Seattle. 119 Wn.2d 34, 82, 830 P.2d 318 (1992).
21
No. 68374-8-1/22
why the December 19, 2008 letter creates any genuine issue of material fact for
trial. EC's arguments to the contrary are unpersuasive.
Breach of Specific Contract Terms
GMAC next contends that the duty of good faith exists only in relation to
performance of a specific contract term. GMAC argues that EC did not identify
any specific contract term breached in bad faith and that summary judgment
should have been granted in its favor. We again agree.
The controlling case is Badgett v. Security State Bank.69 The Badgetts
brought an action for damages against Security State Bank after it refused to
restructure their agricultural loans.70 The Badgetts wanted to retire from the dairy
business and participate in the federal government's Dairy Termination
Program.71 They asked the Bank to accept partial payment of the debt and
deferral of a portion ofthe payments due.72 Negotiations with the Bank failed,
and the Badgetts stopped making payments.73
The Badgetts sued the bank for $2,000,000 in damages alleging that the
bank had unreasonably refused permission for the Badgetts to participate in the
federal program.74 The trial court granted summary judgment to the Bank, ruling
69 116 Wn.2d 563, 807 P.2d 356 (1991).
70 id at 565.
71 id at 566.
72 id
73 id at 567.
74 Id
22
No. 68374-8-1/23
that it was under no duty to negotiate and that a prior course of conduct cannot
create a new obligation on the Bank.75
On appeal, Division Two reversed.76 It held that there was enough
evidence "to support a reasonable inference that the parties' course of dealing
had created a good faith obligation on the part of the Bank to consider the
Badgetts' proposals."77 It also held that the existence of a course of dealing and
good faith are issues offact.78
The supreme court reversed.79 It held that the duty ofgood faith does not
inject substantive terms into the contract; rather, "it requires only that the parties
perform in good faith the obligations imposed by their agreement."80 The duty
arises "only in connection with terms agreed to by the parties."81 There is not a
"free-floating duty of good faith unattached to the underlying legal document."82
75 id at 567-68.
76 id at 568.
77 id (quoting Badgett v. Security State Bank. 56 Wn. App. 872, 878, 786
P.2d 302 (1990)).
78 id
79 id at 575.
80 id at 569.
81 id
82 id at 570.
23
No. 68374-8-1/24
The court held that "[a]s a matter of law, there cannot be a breach of the
duty of good faith when a party simply stands on its rights to require performance
of a contract according to its terms."83
Here, EC failed to identify any specific contract term that GMAC allegedly
breached. In its opposition to summary judgment, EC argued that GMAC's
failure to disclose material facts "constituted a breach of the implied duty of good
faith and fair dealing."84 But, as Badgett held, the duty of good faith does not
inject substantive terms into the contract, and the duty arises only in connection
to the underlying legal document.85
EC's only attempt to connect GMAC's alleged bad faith to the contract
terms was when it argued that GMAC's bad faith "interfered with EC's business
operations and ability to perform under the contract."86 But this assertion falls
short of what Badgett requires. It does not specify what contract terms were
allegedly at issue.
At oral argument before the trial court, the court even remarked that EC
had failed to identify a contract provision that GMAC had violated. EC did not
make any further attempt to identify a specific contract term.
EC argues that Badgett presents no bar to its claim because "GMAC's
conduct of which Everett Chevrolet complains stems directly from the rights and
83 id
84 Clerk's Papers at 62.
85 Badgett. 116 Wn.2d at 569.
86
Clerk's Papers at 76.
24
No. 68374-8-1/25
obligations expressly stated in the WSA and RLCA (i.e., the circumstances under
which a default may properly be declared and the circumstances under which a
default, left uncured, can lead to a demand)."87 But, as we discussed earlier in
this opinion, this general claim simply falls short of Badgett's requirements.
EC also argues that GMAC breached the "faithfully and promptly"
provisions of the WSA by wrongfully calling a default based on a purported failure
to pay upon sale or lease of the vehicles. But this argument is raised for the first
time on appeal. For the same reasons we do not reach the collateral estoppel
argument, we do not reach this argument.88
In sum, we conclude that the "upon demand" provision in the WSA is a
demand obligation that is not barred by the duty of good faith. For the same
reason, the demand language in the RLCA is not barred by the duty of good
faith. We also conclude that EC failed to allege a claim based on a specific
contract term as required by Badgett. For these reasons, denial of summary
judgment was improper.
TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
EC argues that GMAC has abandoned its argument that it is entitled to
summary judgment on EC's claims for tortious interference. We disagree.
87
Everett Chevrolet's Response Brief at 31.
88 See RAP 2.5(a); State v. McFarland. 127 Wn.2d 322, 332-33, 899 P.2d
1251 (1995) ("As a general rule, appellate courts will not consider issues raised
for the first time on appeal.").
25
No. 68374-8-1/26
In GMAC's motion for summary judgment, GMAC asked the court to enter
an order ofsummary judgment dismissing "EC's claims of bad faith."89 In a
footnote, GMAC indicated that this included "EC's first through third
counterclaims . . . ."90
EC's first through third counterclaims were as follows: (1) breach of
contract by wrongful acceleration of wholesale financing arrangement, (2) breach
of duty of good faith and fair dealing, and (3) tortious interference with business
expectancies. These counterclaims were based on GMAC's alleged bad faith
conduct.
The order entered by the trial court denied GMAC's motion for summary
judgment.91 We conclude that the orderwas directed to all claims that GMAC
identified in its motion, including the tortious interference claim.
These claims appear to have been intertwined from the outset, and the
record indicates all claims were before the court in GMAC's motion. EC's
arguments to the contrary are unpersuasive.
MOTION TO STRIKE AND REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
GMAC moves to strike ultra-jurisdictional authority cited by EC in its brief
and also seeks sanctions for the unauthorized citations to unpublished authority.
We grant, in part, the motion to strike, disregarding certain materials not properly
before us. We deny the motion for sanctions.
89 Clerk's Papers at 506.
90 Id
91 id at 21.
26
No. 68374-8-1/27
Motion to Strike
Under RAP 10.4(h) and GR 14.1(b), a party may cite to an unpublished
opinion of a court from another jurisdiction "only if citation to that opinion is
permitted under the law ofthe jurisdiction ofthe issuing court."92
In its Response Brief, EC cites to three unpublished cases that are ultra-
jurisdictional: (1) Bob Smith Automotive.93 an unpublished memorandum opinion
and order of a trial judge in Maryland; (2) Weed v. Ally Financial Inc..94 an
unpublished order on a motion for summary judgment issued from a federal
district court in Pennsylvania; and (3) Mente.95 an unpublished opinion from the
Third Circuit.
We have exercised our discretion and have considered the first and third
of the above cases, as shown by our discussion of them earlier in this opinion.
But GR 14.1(b) states that the party citing the opinion "shall file and serve a copy
of the opinion with the brief or other paper in which the opinion is cited." EC did
not comply with this requirement because it did not file and serve a copy of the
Weed case with its brief. Accordingly, we grant the motion, in part, and do not
consider the Weed case.
92 GR 14.1(b).
93 No. 20-C-11-0075750 (Circuit Court, Talbot County, Md., 2012).
94 No. 2:11-cv-2808 (E.D. Pa., 2013).
95 451 F. Appx. 214 (3rd Cir. 2011).
27
No. 68374-8-1/28
Sanctions
GMAC seeks imposition of sanctions upon EC for unauthorized citation to
unpublished cases. Because we have considered two of the three cases and do
not perceive any substantial prejudice to GMAC in doing so, we deny the motion
for sanctions.
APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS
GMAC argues that reversal and remand to a different trial judge is
necessary in order to safeguard the appearance of fairness.
It is "fundamental to our system of justice" that judges are fair and
unbiased.96 Moreover, "[t]he appearance of bias or prejudice can be as
damaging to public confidence in the administration of justice as would be the
actual presence of bias or prejudice."97 "The law goes farther than requiring an
impartial judge; it also requires that the judge appear to be impartial."98 Even "a
mere suspicion of irregularity, or an appearance of bias or prejudice" should be
avoided by the judiciary.99
Litigants "must submit proof of actual or perceived bias to support an
appearance of impartiality claim."100 The "critical concern in determining whether
96 Chi.. Milwaukee. St. Paul. & Pac. R.R. Co. v. Wash. State Human
Rights Comm'n, 87 Wn.2d 802, 807, 557 P.2d 307 (1976).
97 State v. Madrv, 8 Wn. App. 61, 70, 504 P.2d 1156 (1972).
98 id
99 Pac. R.R. Co., 87 Wn.2d at 809.
100 Maoana v. Hyundai Motor Am., 141 Wn. App. 495, 523, 170 P.3d 1165
(2007), rev'd on other grounds, 167 Wn.2d 570, 220 P.3d 191 (2009).
28
No. 68374-8-1/29
a proceeding satisfies the appearance of fairness doctrine is how it would appear
to a reasonably prudent and disinterested person."101
Here, GMAC submitted evidence of perceived bias, which we need not
detail in this opinion. But we conclude that it is unnecessary to decide whether
the trial judge violated the appearance of fairness doctrine in this case. Rather,
we conclude from this record and the history of this case that a just and
expeditious resolution of this case will be best served by remanding this case to
a different judge for further proceedings on remand. That judge will have the
opportunity to provide a fresh perspective to the proper and prompt resolution of
this case.
We reverse the order denying GMAC's motion for summary judgment,
remand this case to a different judge, direct that judge to enter summary
judgment on these claims in favor of GMAC and to conduct such further
proceedings in this case as are required. We grant, in part, GMAC's motion to
strike and deny its motion for sanctions.
&>*J.
WE CONCUR:
w<^^/),CT ^Cj^^/J^y-
101
Pac. R.R. Co., 87 Wn.2d at 810.
29