XDCX
01-03-2008, 10:48 PM
Reports indicate that eight Massachusetts dealers are collectively paying $290,000 to resolve accusations by the Attorney General that they used misleading techniques in newspaper ads.
As part of the agreement the dealers agreed to stop using a marketing technique that required the customer to trade a vehicle in to purchase a vehicle at the advertised price. Additionally, the dealers agreed not to advertise or promote rebates that not all customers were eligible for.
An interview with a Dealer Principal noted that this type of advertising has been in place for the past 15 years and is used by 90% of the dealers. The prior Attorney Generals never took issue with the practice. He suggested that there may be another 40 - 50 dealers that may be subject to fines.
Here's a link to the article: http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2008/01/03/business/biz02.txt
As part of the agreement the dealers agreed to stop using a marketing technique that required the customer to trade a vehicle in to purchase a vehicle at the advertised price. Additionally, the dealers agreed not to advertise or promote rebates that not all customers were eligible for.
An interview with a Dealer Principal noted that this type of advertising has been in place for the past 15 years and is used by 90% of the dealers. The prior Attorney Generals never took issue with the practice. He suggested that there may be another 40 - 50 dealers that may be subject to fines.
Here's a link to the article: http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2008/01/03/business/biz02.txt