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by Katie Sergent | News Channel 3
LANSING, Mich. — A St. Clair car dealership has been suspended for allegedly violating Michigan's Vehicle Code.
According to the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair was suspended Tuesday after the following violations were discovered by MDOS Regulatory Staff:
"These vehicles had varying number of miles on them. One vehicle had up to 6,000 miles and was sold as new," officials said. "These violations created an imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public, requiring emergency action. The dealership may not conduct business during the time of the suspension."
During a compliance inspection in September 2024, MDOS staff found LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair was registering new cars in their business name to serve as loaner vehicles for their customers.
After these cars were pulled from the loaner program, however, the dealership resold them as "new," according to the department.
MDOS and the Michigan Auto Dealers Association sent out emails in October 2024, directing new dealerships to stop selling used cars as "new" or risk administrative action and a suspension of the dealer's license.
Officials then held a conference with LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair in November 2024 to address the inspection and violations, and to provide educational materials, according to the department.
The department also established an Alternative Penalty Agreement for the dealer in December 2024, which included a $3,000 penalty and an 18-month probation period.
Several representatives of the dealership additionally attended a training session, which included violations of the state's vehicle code, officials said.
However, a follow-up inspection completed Sept. 24 found more than two dozen instances of the dealership continuing to sell used cars as "new," leading to Tuesday's decision.
Consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair are encouraged to call the MDOS Office of Investigative Services at 844-372-8356.
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