Following new trial after remand,
see Bailey v. Montgomery Ward & Company, Inc.,
On the basis of the facts set forth in Bailey v. Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc., supra, plaintiffs alleged, among other things: (1) That defendant was liable for breach of warranty of merchantability because the tire, including its installation, was not of merchantable quality; (2) that defendant was strictly liable to plaintiffs because defects in the tire and its installation caused it to be unreasonably dangerous; and (3) that defendant was strictly liable because the tire, including its installation, was defective and unreasonably dangerous by reason of defendant’s failure adequately to warn plaintiffs of the dangers associated with installing used tubes in new tires.
During trial, documentary evidence, consisting of defendant’s own publications and brochures published by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, stating that used tubes should not be placed in new tires for safety reasons was admitted. Both plaintiffs’ and defendant’s expert witnesses testified that this was the recommended practice. However, defendant’s expert witness testified that if a used tube was properly inspected, it could be installed safely in a new tire. There was also testimony that
I. Implied Warranty of Merchantability
By its terms, § 4-2-314, C.R.S., applies only to contracts for the sale of goods and not to contracts for labor or services.
See Colorado Carpet Installation, Inc. v. Palermo,
Here, the receipts issued by defendant referred to the transaction as a “purchase” and to plaintiff Bill Bailey as “customer,” and they listed the “merchandise” sold. In addition, plaintiff was charged only the price of the tires; installation was provided without additional charge. Moreover, it is clear that plaintiffs reasonably expected to acquire a property interest in the installed tires. Under these circumstances, we conclude, as a matter of law, that the primary purpose of the contract between plaintiffs and defendant was the sale of goods.
If a seller in connection with a sale of goods incidentally renders services in the installation of those goods, knows the use and purpose for which the goods are intended, and knows that the user is relying on his skill and judgment in connection therewith, he is liable under the theory of breach of implied warranty of merchantability for each and every step of the process under his control by which the goods are transferred to the ultimate user, including any services rendered by him.
Paint Products Co. v. AA-1 Steel Equipment Co.,
From the evidence presented at trial, the jury could have found that the installation of a new tire with a used tube constituted a breach of the implied warranty of merchantability. Accordingly, the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on this theory.
II. Strict Liability in Tort
In
Hiigel v. General Motors Corp.,
Plaintiffs’ remaining contentions are unlikely to arise during retrial and, therefore, will not be addressed.
The judgment is reversed and the cause is remanded with directions that a new trial on plaintiffs’ claims of implied warranty of merchantability and strict liability in tort be conducted.
