MI Officials Suspend Metro Detroit Car Dealership's License After Selling Used Cars As New

LIVONIA, MI — Michigan officials on Wednesday suspended the license of a metro Detroit car dealership for selling used cars as new ones, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's Office.

LaFontaine Motors of Livonia, located at 34715 Plymouth Road in Livonia, had its license suspended for numerous violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code, including falsifying documentation so it could lease used vehicles as new, according to officials.

The dealership is also known as LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia.

Other violations officials said the dealership committed were:

• Falsely stating a customer had not taken delivery of a vehicle to lease it as new to another customer
• Falsely certifying a vehicle as new on an MDOS Application for Title and Registration
• Make a used vehicle appear new
• Not having a title immediately with odometer information properly completed
• Not completing the MDOS Application for Title and Registration
• Not issuing a temporary registration properly
• Not applying for title and registration in a purchaser’s name within 21 days of vehicle delivery

Officials also said the staff at the dealership continued to violate state laws even after the state office reiterated to them what makes a vehicle "used" under the Michigan Vehicle Code.

Officials said the violations created an ongoing imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare of the public, requiring emergency action.

The secretary of state's office is considering turning the case over to the attorney general for a possible criminal investigation.

Officials urged consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Motors of Livonia to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356.