Six settlements were reached with dealerships in New Jersey to resolve allegations of consumer protection violations in fall 2022, according to a statement released by Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the state Division of Consumer Affairs. The settlements ranged from $8,000 to $180,000, with the combined settlements totaling more than $260,000.
The allegations levied against the dealerships included failing to honor the advertised price of a used car, failing to disclose the full sale price of a motor vehicle and deceptive advertising. The settlements included monetary penalties, along with agreements from each dealership to comply with state and federal law and to resolve any remaining complaints with consumers.
Cherry Hill Triplex and Mt. Ephraim Chrysler Dodge
- These franchise dealerships are managed by Foulke Management Corp. and are located in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Mt. Ephraim, N.J., respectively.
- Foulke settled in December for $25,000 to resolve an investigation into allegations that included failing to post the total sale price of vehicles online.
- Foulke Management did not immediately respond to Automotive News for comment.
Park Place of New Jersey
- Park Place, a used-only dealership in Elizabeth, N.J., settled in December for $180,000 to resolve allegations of failing to disclose damage and repairs to customers, failing to post total sale prices on vehicles, failing to provide written warranties and charging consumers excessive preparation fees that were not properly itemized.
Auto Direct Cars
- Auto Direct, a used-only dealership located in Edgewater Park, N.J., settled in August for $22,391.50 to resolve allegations of failing to pay administrative fees, failing to include required advertising language and failing to properly itemize a documentary service fee.
Auto Spot
- Auto Spot, a used-only dealership in Garfield, N.J., settled in October for $17,522.40 to resolve allegations that included failing to disclose damage and repair work, failing to pay administrative fees, deceptive advertising practices and including a requirement that consumers print and present their vehicle pricing page as a coupon.
Fleet Lease Network
- Fleet Lease, a used-only dealership in Jersey City, N.J., in October settled for $8,777 to resolve allegations of deceptive advertising practices.
Cars2Sell
- Cars2Sell, a used-only dealership located in East Hillside, N.J., settled in July for $7,536 to resolve allegations of deceptive advertising, failing to disclose vehicle accident information, failing to provide written warranties that comply with the lemon law and failing to pay administrative fees.
