Attorney General Settles With Vermont Car Dealer Over Errors In Sales Transactions

An investigation by the state Attorney General's office revealed several instances in which advertised automobile sales prices were not honored.

Press Release:

Attorney General Settles With Vermont Car Dealer Over Errors In Sales Transactions

CONTACT: Ryan G. Kriger, Assistant Attorney General, (802) 828-5479

May 1, 2012

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with Capitol City Automart, Inc.; L&T Auto Group, L.L.C.; L&T Auto, L.L.C.; Littleton Auto Mart, Inc.; Littleton Chevrolet Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Inc.; Quality Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Inc.; Quality Motors, Inc. and Springfield Auto Mart, Inc., after the Attorney General’s investigation revealed several instances in which advertised automobile sales prices were not honored. Pursuant to the agreement between the dealerships and the Attorney General’s Office, refunds of the overcharges will be paid to consumers by May 5, 2012. In addition, Capitol City Automart, Inc., has paid $16,000 in penalties to the State.

Vermont law requires that automobile dealers honor the advertised sales price for vehicles sold during the time an advertisement ran, regardless of whether the consumer is aware of the advertisement. “In fairness to both consumers and other dealers, all dealers must comply with our automobile advertising laws,” said Attorney General William H. Sorrell. “Consumers need to make sure they understand what the advertisement offers, and insist that they pay nothing more, except tax, registration, and title fees.”

The dealerships have agreed that their sales contract prices will not exceed their current advertised sales prices. They have also agreed to comply with Vermont’s Consumer Fraud Rules regarding automobile advertising, inform all management and sales supervisors of the Rules’ requirements, and make their advertising sales promotions and vehicle sales contracts available to the Attorney General’s Office until 2014.

http://www.atg.state.vt.us/news/attorney-general-settles-with-vermont-car-dealer-over-errors-in-sales-transactions.php