July 26 (Reuters) - The Australian consumer watchdog said on Wednesday it has started court proceedings against Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Co's F.N local unit, accusing the company of engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct when responding to customer complaints.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a statement that Ford had refused to provide a refund or replacement vehicle to customers affected by transmission performance.
The complaints concern three of Ford's smaller vehicles - the Focus, Fiesta and EcoSport vehicles.
Ford said in a statement on Wednesday that it rejected the allegations and would be challenging the ACCC's claims.