Odometer rolled back before car sale, state alleges
Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Steve Lee speaks at an unrelated press conference in Teaneck (Myles Ma | NJ Advance Media) TRENTON -- The state Division of Consumer Affairs announced Wednesday that it sued a Lodi used car dealership, alleging deceptive business practices.
European Auto Expo failed to honor the advertised prices for vehicles, "omitted important explanatory disclaimers from advertisements and obscured pricing details with misleading fine print," consumer affairs officials said in a statement.
The eight-count complaint, filed in Bergen County Superior Court, alleged violations of the Consumer Fraud Act, the Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations, the Automotive Sales Regulations, the Used Car Lemon Law and other regulations.
"This action reflects our continued commitment to enforcing the laws in place to protect consumers as they navigate the often-stressful process of purchasing a used motor vehicle," Acting Attorney General Robert Lougy said in the statement. "Unscrupulous dealers who use bait and switch advertising tactics or otherwise defraud consumers will be held accountable."
European Auto Expo sold a vehicle that had the odometer rolled back more than 60,000 miles, did not disclose accident damage and other problems to customers, and other violations, the state's complaint alleged.
"Deceptive advertising and sales practices will not be tolerated," Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Steve Lee said. "Consumers shopping for a used car or truck are entitled to honest advertising, and appropriate disclosures as to warranty, price, and prior vehicle use and damage."
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The court action seeks restitution for consumers, attorneys' fees and civil penalties for each alleged violation of state regulations.
Seth L. Dobbs, an attorney for European Auto Expo, said the dealership would "vigorously defend itself against these baseless allegations."
"This case is an example of the Attorney General's campaign to strong arm auto dealers into paying exorbitant fines that seek not to benefit consumers, but to act merely as a revenue source for the State," Dobbs said in a statement.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.