Motor vehicle dealer hit for $12,000
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Michael Holmes – WA Auto Wholesalers
Unlicensed vehicle seller Michael Holmes of Leederville and his business WA Auto Wholesalers, have been fined $5,000 and ordered to pay more than $7,000 in costs in the Perth Magistrates Court.
“Mr Holmes purchased 5 cars and sold 9 cars without being the holder of a valid motor vehicle dealer’s licence,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said.
“Unlicensed dealing is seen as a serious matter, as evidenced by the penalty handed down by the court for a first offence on this occasion.
“Consumers have no way of knowing who they are doing business with nor any guarantees as to the quality of the vehicles they are buying if they deal with unlicensed operators.
“Licensed dealers in the industry are appropriately qualified and employ skilled staff. When unlicensed dealers who are not subject to obligations to provide warranties sell vehicles to unsuspecting consumers, it risks the reputation of the industry as a whole.
“Consumers who purchase from licensed dealers can expect to get clear contractual documents and access to specific mechanical warranty protection,” she said.
Mr Holmes had held a licence between 2000 and 2005 and Consumer Protection’s prosecutor Nikola Reilly in her sentencing submissions noted that he was aware, or should have been aware, of the requirement to hold a valid licence to carry on business as a motor vehicle dealer.
After being denied a renewal of his licence in 2006, Mr Holmes operated as if he was a dealer, purporting to hold a licence when he did not.
“Our advice to unlicensed operators is simple – don’t do it. Consumer Protection will investigate and prosecute offenders.
“Consumers are strongly advised to think carefully before putting their safety and their hard earned cash in the hands of amateurs,” Commissioner Driscoll said.
Telephone 1300 30 40 54 to check if a dealer is licensed. Online checking using the Internet is scheduled to be available in coming weeks.
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