-- For immediate release --
Consumer complaints, violations led to suspension
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today announced that Patsy Lou Chevrolet in Flint Township has had its dealer license suspended for 15 days because of repeated violations, found as a result of inspections and consumer complaints, for not providing titles to buyers as required by law.
“Despite multiple attempts to address the dealership’s violations without a suspension, the owner and the department were unable to reach an agreement, and Department of State staff then was forced to seek this penalty,” Johnson said. “Our duty is to protect consumers by holding dealers accountable for their actions. State law applies equally to all auto dealers, whether they’re small used-car lots or large new-vehicle dealerships. No dealer is above the law.”
Operated by licensees Patsy Lou Williamson and Ted Merrill Gans, the dealership sells new and used vehicles at 5135 Corunna Road in Flint Township. A state administrative law examiner today ordered the suspension, which will run through May 25. The dealership is not permitted to buy, sell, trade or deal in vehicles during the suspension.
In the most recent complaint lodged against the dealership, the Department of State’s Office of Investigative Services heard from a consumer in December 2016 who said she hadn’t received a title for her vehicle. An investigation found that not only had the buyer not received the title after two months, but also that the paperwork submitted after the sale by the dealership contained false information. Additionally, the dealership gave the buyer a dealer plate in the interim because she was unable to title and register her vehicle to get a license plate. Dealer plates are supposed to be used only by the dealership for business purposes.
The Department of State previously had received similar no-title complaints from customers about not receiving a title that resulted in a 12-month probation for the dealership beginning in May 2015 and 24-month Assurance of Discontinuance, which is a formal agreement that the dealership will comply with state law, beginning in February 2014.
State law requires a dealer to make an application for title and registration within 15 days of delivery of the vehicle. Without a valid title, the buyer won’t be able to prove ownership of the vehicle and won’t be able to register it to get a license plate.
As part of her focus on strengthening thedepartment’s consumer protection efforts, Johnson created the Office of Investigative Services, which investigates and inspects automotive-related businesses.
Consumers who have a complaint against Patsy Lou Chevrolet are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at (517) 335-1410.
For media questions, please call Fred Woodhams at517-373-2520.
Accessing Secretary of State Services:
Don’t come into a Secretary of State office if you don’t have to. We’re betting you’d rather be anywhere else.
Save time by taking advantage of our handy alternatives to waiting in line, including renewing by mail. Many customers don’t need to visit an office in person so remember to hop online, not in line, at ExpressSOS.com, now with Print 'n Go. It's painless.
You now can make an appointment or hold your spot in line at Secretary of State MI-TIME Line participating offices by using your phone or the Web.
Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
