FTC Approves Final Changes to Used Car Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission announced final amendments to its Used Car Rule today. The agency has sought public comments on a series of proposed changes to the rule, which requires car dealers to display a window sticker, or “Buyers Guide,” on used cars offered for sales. The guide discloses whether the dealer ... Read More »

Nine-Store Los Angeles Group Charged With Payment Packing, Yo-Yo Financing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission today charged nine Los Angeles-area dealerships and their owners with a wide range of deceptive, and unfair sales and financing practices, including payment packing and using “yo-yo” finanicng tactics. According to the FTC’s announcement, this is the first time the regulator has filed an action against an auto ... Read More »

FTC Announces Significant Hike to Civil Penalty Maximums

Tom Hudson Joins Dealer Summit Roster

GM, Jim Koons and Lithia Settle FTC’s Complaints Regarding CPO Claims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced today that General Motors, Jim Koons Management and Lithia Motors Inc. have agreed to settle the regulator’s allegations that each touted rigorous inspections for certified pre-owned vehicles, but failed to disclose that some of the vehicles they were selling were subject to unrepaired safety recalls. According ... Read More »

FTC Proposes Survey of Consumer Experience in Financing Auto Purchases through Dealers

The Federal Trade Commission has announced plans to conduct a survey of consumers regarding their experiences in buying and financing automobiles at dealerships, reports JDSUPRA BUSINESS ADVISOR. According to the supplementary information in the notice soliciting comments on the proposed survey, the survey “is intended to inform the [FTC] about current consumer protection issues that may exist ... Read More »

Texas Compliance Summit Sets New Standard

FTC Official Releases 7 Deadly Sins of Dealer Advertising

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — The Federal Trade Commission official who led the agency’s Operation Ruse Control, which resulted in 252 auto-related enforcement actions, shared this week the seven deadly sins of advertising that put dealers on her regulatory radar. Cindy Liebes, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Southeast Region, shared her list ahead of her ... Read More »

Arkansas Dealer to Pay $90,000 Penalty for Not Displaying Buyers Guide

JONESBORO, Ark. — An Arkansas auto dealer and its owners have agreed to pay a $90,000 civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they failed to display a “Buyers Guide” on used vehicles offered for sale, as required by the FTC’s Used Car Rule, reports F&I and Showroom. In March 2014, the FTC ... Read More »

FTC Approves Final Consent Orders in Two Deceptive Ad Cases

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final consent orders involving two auto dealers that deceptively advertised the sale, financing and leasing of their vehicles. Under the settlement orders, Jim Burke Nissan of Birmingham, Ala., and Ross Nissan of El Monte, Calif., are prohibited from misrepresenting in any advertisement the cost ... Read More »