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ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) – The state suspended the license of a car dealership in St. Clair County for allegedly claiming used vehicles were new.
According to the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair on King Road in China Township was allegedly assigning vehicles as loaners for customers, and then selling those vehicles as new despite them being used. In doing so, the dealership provided false information on MDOS title and registration applications.
The dealership is also accused of violating existing probation imposed by MDOS.
The backstory:
MDOS staff discovered the new vehicle scheme during a general compliance inspection in September 2024, and violations were issued.
In separate October 2024 emails, MDOS and the Michigan Auto Dealers Association directed all new vehicle dealerships to immediately stop selling used vehicles as new or risk administrative action by the department and a suspension of the dealer's license. The department then provided the dealership with educational materials, and established an Alternative Penalty Agreement for the dealership. That agreement included a $3,000 financial penalty and an 18-month probation period. 
Additionally, several representatives of the dealership attended an MDOS training session that included education on violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
When MDOS conducted a follow-up inspection this September, it was discovered that the dealership had allegedly continued to sell used vehicles as new, even after the department took action against LaFontaine. One of these vehicles passed off as new had around 6,000 miles on it, according to MDOS.
The dealership is currently prohibited from selling vehicles.
What you can do:
Those with complaints against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair are asked to contact the MDOS Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356.
The Source: This information is from a Michigan Department of State press release.
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