Livonia Hyundai Dealership’s License Reinstated After Brief Suspension
In a surprising turn of events in Livonia, Michigan, the LaFontaine Hyundai dealership had its license restored on Friday, just a couple of days after the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) put the brakes on its operations due to serious violations. What exactly happened at this bustling car lot? Let’s break it down.
What Went Down?
Earlier this week, the MDOS accused LaFontaine Hyundai of “misrepresenting a vehicle as new.” The regulators revealed that the dealership had violated several rules laid out in the Michigan Vehicle Code, leading to a temporary suspension of the dealership’s license on Wednesday. It sounds pretty intense, right?
As it turns out, the violations primarily revolved around a “titling issue” tied to just one vehicle leased out by the dealership. But it didn’t stop there – investigators discovered a string of issues that painted a concerning picture for the public. Not only did LaFontaine allegedly try to sell a used vehicle as new, but they also made false claims regarding vehicle deliveries. This kind of behavior raised the alarm bells for regulators.
What Did the Dealership Admit?
By Friday, things seemed to take a more cooperative turn. The LaFontaine Hyundai dealership admitted to the accusations and reached an agreement with the state, which included a hefty $25,000 penalty. It’s clear they wanted to get back on the road as quickly as possible!
A spokesperson for LaFontaine Automotive Group mentioned that the dealership was only closed for one day, specifically Thursday, thanks to the swift resolution of the matter. They reassured customers that the incident stemmed from an innocent “clerical error” involving just one vehicle. However, the dealerships’ slip-ups included some shaky practices, like not having proper titles on hand and failing to fill out registration applications correctly. Oops!
Regulators Stepped In
The situation escalated to a point where regulators deemed it necessary to act quickly, stating that the violations posed an “ongoing imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare.” This was no small potatoes — it calls for immediate intervention, for sure!
The MDOS had previously sent out reminders to dealerships about how to identify a used vehicle per the Michigan Vehicle Code. Yet, LaFontaine reportedly ignored these nudges and continued to follow questionable advice from their corporate office. This wasn’t good news for their reputation!
What’s Next for LaFontaine Hyundai?
Now that their license has been reinstated, LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia is under a microscope. As part of their agreement with the MDOS, LaFontaine has to enter a probation period that lasts 24 months, complete dealer training for all managers and staff within 90 days, and be subject to unannounced inspections from regulatory staff. Sounds like they’ve got some homework to do!
In a statement on Friday, LaFontaine expressed their commitment to customer trust, emphasizing, “The trust and confidence of our valued guests are our top priorities, and we approach this matter with the utmost seriousness.” Whether that assurance is enough to rebuild their credibility will be interesting to follow.
Wrapping It Up
The LaFontaine Hyundai dealership’s little hiccup is a lesson for all dealerships about the importance of transparency and adhering to regulations. As consumers, it’s essential to be informed and aware of how these businesses operate. And for LaFontaine, they’ll have their eyes on the road ahead as they work hard to regain consumer confidence.
