Metro Detroit Car Dealer Will Pay Fines, Penalties For Violations: AG

LIVONIA, MI — A metro Detroit car dealership has agreed to pay fines and penalties 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 last week for numerous violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code, including falsifying documentation so it could lease used vehicles as new, according to officials.

The dealership, which is also known as LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia, was guilty of:

• 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

Under the agreement, LaFontaine Motors will pay a $25,000 fine, complete a 24-month probation period, participate in dealer training for managers and employees within the next 90 days and will be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by MDOS regulatory staff, according to the secretary of state's office.

Even though Michigan officials reiterated to the dealership what makes a vehicle "used" under the Michigan Vehicle Code, the staff at the dealership continued to violate state laws, according to the secretary of state's office.

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 did consider 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.