v3.3.1.900
Commitments And Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments And Contingencies
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Ordinary Business Litigation
Delphi is from time to time subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to its business, including those arising out of alleged defects, alleged breaches of contracts, product warranties, intellectual property matters, and employment-related matters. It is the opinion of Delphi that the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of Delphi. With respect to warranty matters, although Delphi cannot ensure that the future costs of warranty claims by customers will not be material, Delphi believes its established reserves are adequate to cover potential warranty settlements.
GM Ignition Switch Recall
In the first quarter of 2014, GM, Delphi’s largest customer, initiated a product recall related to ignition switches. Delphi received requests for information from, and cooperated with, various government agencies related to this ignition switch recall. In addition, Delphi was initially named as a co-defendant along with GM (and in certain cases other parties) in class action and product liability lawsuits related to this matter. As of December 31, 2015, Delphi was not named as a defendant in any class action complaints. Although no assurances can be made as to the ultimate outcome of these or any other future claims, Delphi does not believe a loss is probable and, accordingly, no reserve has been made as of December 31, 2015.
Unsecured Creditors Litigation
The Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Partnership Agreement of Delphi Automotive LLP (the “Fourth LLP Agreement”) was entered into on July 12, 2011 by the members of Delphi Automotive LLP in order to position the Company for its initial public offering. Under the terms of the Fourth LLP Agreement, if cumulative distributions to the members of Delphi Automotive LLP under certain provisions of the Fourth LLP Agreement exceed $7.2 billion, Delphi, as disbursing agent on behalf of DPHH, is required to pay to the holders of allowed general unsecured claims against DPHH, $32.50 for every $67.50 in excess of $7.2 billion distributed to the members, up to a maximum amount of $300 million. In December 2014, a complaint was filed in the Bankruptcy Court alleging that the redemption by Delphi Automotive LLP of the membership interests of GM and the PBGC, and the repurchase of shares and payment of dividends by Delphi Automotive PLC, constituted distributions under the terms of the Fourth LLP Agreement approximating $7.2 billion. Delphi considers cumulative distributions through December 31, 2015 to be substantially below the $7.2 billion threshold, and intends to vigorously contest the allegations set forth in the complaint. In June 2015, the plaintiffs' and Delphi's motions for summary judgment were denied. Both parties filed supplemental briefs in July 2015. Although no assurances can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this claim, Delphi does not believe a loss is probable and, accordingly, no reserve has been made as of December 31, 2015.
Brazil Matters
Delphi conducts significant business operations in Brazil that are subject to the Brazilian federal labor, social security, environmental, tax and customs laws, as well as a variety of state and local laws. While Delphi believes it complies with such laws, they are complex, subject to varying interpretations, and the Company is often engaged in litigation with government agencies regarding the application of these laws to particular circumstances. As of December 31, 2015, the majority of claims asserted against Delphi in Brazil relate to such litigation. The remaining claims in Brazil relate to commercial and labor litigation with private parties. As of December 31, 2015, claims totaling approximately $135 million (using December 31, 2015 foreign currency rates) have been asserted against Delphi in Brazil. As of December 31, 2015, the Company maintains accruals for these asserted claims of $23 million (using December 31, 2015 foreign currency rates). The amounts accrued represent claims that are deemed probable of loss and are reasonably estimable based on the Company’s analyses and assessment of the asserted claims and prior experience with similar matters. While the Company believes its accruals are adequate, the final amounts required to resolve these matters could differ materially from the Company’s recorded estimates and Delphi’s results of operations could be materially affected.
Environmental Matters
Delphi is subject to the requirements of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. environmental and safety and health laws and regulations. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the undiscounted reserve for environmental investigation and remediation was approximately $4 million (of which $1 million was recorded in accrued liabilities and $3 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities) and $5 million (of which $1 million was recorded in accrued liabilities and $4 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities). Additionally, approximately $6 million and $16 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, of undiscounted reserve for environmental investigation and remediation attributable to discontinued operations was included within liabilities held for sale. Delphi cannot ensure that environmental requirements will not change or become more stringent over time or that its eventual environmental remediation costs and liabilities will not exceed the amount of its current reserves. In the event that such liabilities were to significantly exceed the amounts recorded, Delphi’s results of operations could be materially affected. At December 31, 2015, the difference between the recorded liabilities and the reasonably possible range of loss was not material.
Operating Leases
Rental expense totaled $95 million, $105 million and $99 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, Delphi had minimum lease commitments under non-cancellable operating leases totaling $328 million, which become due as follows:
 
Minimum Future Operating Lease Commitments
 
(in millions)
2016
$
90

2017
70

2018
48

2019
31

2020
25

Thereafter
64

Total
$
328