CHINA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. for allegedly violating the Michigan Vehicle Code.
Officials accuse the China Township dealership of:
According to the Department of State, the dealership was registering new vehicles to the business for use as loaner vehicles for customers. After they were used as loaners, officials say, the dealership resold them to customers as new.
Officials say the practice was discovered during a compliance inspection in September 2024, and the Michigan Department of State and the Michigan Auto Dealers Association issued emails in October 2024 directing all new-vehicle dealerships to stop selling used vehicles as new, or risk action by the department, including suspension of the dealership’s license.
Following communication and administrative action with the dealership, officials conducted a follow-up inspection on September 24, 2025, and say they found more than two dozen instances of the dealership selling used vehicles as new, including one that had 6,000 miles on it. This led to the suspension, during which the dealership may not conduct business.
In response to the action taken by the Department of State, LaFontaine Automotive Group has issued the following statement:
In announcing the suspension, officials say consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. can call the MDOS Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356.
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