DETROIT -

Spokespersons for both General Motors and Chrysler confirmed to Auto Remarketing this week that the two companies have both separately sued Allied Systems Holdings for allegedly withholding property of the respective automakers against their wills.

In Detroit, GM filed a suit Monday against Allied Systems in federal court. Meanwhile, Chrysler filed its suit Tuesday in Ontario Superior Court in Canada.

Both of the automakers offered statements to Auto Remarketing via e-mail regarding their respective legal actions.

“Last Thursday, Allied Systems ceased providing transportation services to General Motors,” GM said, referring to March 17. “As a result, GM took immediate steps to re-source the work previously performed by Allied.

“At that time, Allied was in possession of approximately 1,700 vehicles that were being prepared for transport,” GM noted. “Although requested to do so, Allied has refused to turn over these vehicles. As a consequence, GM filed a lawsuit in federal court against Allied for the release of the vehicles, as well as for damages that may be sustained by reason of Allied’s breach of its contracts.”

Meanwhile, Chrysler offered the following statement: “Chrysler Group confirms that we have sought an order from the Ontario Superior Court against supplier Allied Holdings Ltd. to facilitate Chrysler’s access to the vehicles that are Chrysler property being held in Allied facilities in Windsor, Ontario Canada.

“The court has issued an order that Chrysler is entitled to remove approximately 200 of these vehicles immediately and Chrysler has recovered these vehicles,” the statement continued. “The court adjourned the hearing regarding the remainder of the approximately 500 vehicles until Monday, March 28, 2011, or Tuesday, March 29, 2011.”

Chrysler further noted that the court adjourned the hearing on this matter until Tuesday, “subject to the Court advising the parties that the motion can be heard on Monday, March 28, 2011.”

As of press time, Allied Systems Holdings had not yet responded to an email request for comment by Auto Remarketing.