Livonia’s LaFontaine Motors to Face the Music After Violations
In a surprising twist, the Michigan Department of State has made waves by entering an agreement with LaFontaine Motors of Livonia Incorporated. Known locally as LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia, this dealership at 34715 Plymouth Roads has admitted to a laundry list of violations, leading to a significant shake-up in their operations.
The Backstory
You might have heard the buzz around town about the recent troubles at LaFontaine Motors. On December 4th, the dealership’s license was suspended by the Michigan Department of State due to concerns over imminent harm to the public. But what exactly happened?
Well, the Department of State discovered serious violations during an investigation. It turns out the dealership was accused of some shady practices regarding vehicle sales, including:
- Fraudulent acts in connection with selling or otherwise dealing in vehicles
- Misrepresenting vehicles as brand new when they were used
- Not applying for title and registration in the buyer’s name within the required 21 days
- Failing to keep the title in immediate possession with the correct odometer information
- Improperly issuing temporary registrations
- Not properly completing the essential RD-108 form
- Misusing dealer plates
- Improper odometer disclosure
The dealership’s troubles were linked to allegations that they were falsifying documentation to lease used vehicles as if they were brand new, which is a big no-no in the auto sales world!
A Deal Struck
In a bid to address these infractions without dragging things into a full-blown administrative hearing, LaFontaine Motors has agreed to an alternative penalty. This deal isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s going to cost them!
The dealership will be facing a hefty $25,000 financial penalty as part of this agreement. Adding insult to injury, they’ll also enter a rigorous 24-month probation period. But wait, there’s more! They are required to participate in dealer training for managers and employees within the next 90 days. This should help ensure that everyone on staff understands the rules and regulations going forward, right?
As if that wasn’t enough, LaFontaine Motors will also be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the Michigan Department of State’s regulatory staff. So, those folks should keep their game face on—they’ve got some serious monitoring ahead!
What This Means for Consumers
If you’ve had a less-than-stellar experience with LaFontaine Motors of Livonia or feel like you’ve been shortchanged in your vehicle dealings, there’s good news for you! The Michigan Department of State encourages consumers with complaints to reach out directly to their Office of Investigative Services. You can call their automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356. Your voice matters!
In Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of car sales, it’s crucial to play by the rules. Hopefully, the steps LaFontaine Motors is now taking will serve as a wake-up call not just for them but for other dealerships too. After all, maintaining good relations and trust with customers is key to thriving in the automotive industry!
