FTC Secures Settlement with Auto Dealership Group in Price Transparency Win for Consumers

What happened

In addition to requiring price transparency and prohibiting deceptive prize mailers, the proposed order prohibits specific misrepresentations, including whether charges, fees, taxes, products or services are optional or required and whether any type of or source for financing is required. “Truthful advertising in the auto industry is vital because purchasing a car is one of the most significant financial decisions consumers make,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“Consumers can’t make informed choices when the actual price is hidden. Price transparency is critical to a properly functioning market and is a top priority for the Trump FTC.” According to the complaint , Greenway inflated the amount it charged the overwhelming majority of consumers by tacking on to the advertised price mandatory fees, packages and penalties that cost consumers thousands.