ATTORNEY GENERAL SETTLES WITH SACO CAR DEALER IN DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING CASE

May 21, 2003

MAY 21, 2003

JAMES MCKENNA, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, 207-626-8800 

            Attorney General Steven Rowe announced today that his office has settled its case against Motor City Nissan, a new and used car dealership located on US Route 1 in Saco.  The State’s suit alleged that Motor City Nissan advertised motor vehicles that were not readily available to the public at the advertised price.  The settlement prohibits Motor City Nissan from engaging in that practice and requires it to pay $11,000 in penalties and costs to the State.  Motor City denied any wrongdoing.

            “Our investigation revealed that for several months during the spring of 2002 Motor City Nissan advertised vehicles that were not available on the lot and not available at the price advertised,” said Attorney General Rowe.  “As a result, few customers were able to purchase the advertised cars at the advertised price. Instead, the cars that were available for immediate purchase were higher-priced.” Attorney General Rowe said that such advertising is deceptive and in violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The Attorney General noted that the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles provided valuable assistance in the investigation of Motor City Nissan’s advertisements.

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