Eight NJ Auto Dealers Pay $1.8 M in Settlement

Following 45 consumer complaints of deceptive sales tactics, eight NJ auto dealerships owned by Carmelo and Ignazio Giuffre have reached a $1.8 million settlement with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Complaints included failing to inform customers of mechanical defects, adding in after-sales costs without customer permission, and failing to honor advertised prices.

Dealerships on this list include four Route 22 stores located in Hillside, Hackettstown Honda, Hudson Honda in West New York, Freehold Hyundai and Freehold Chrysler-Jeep.

This was not the first time the Giuffres have encountered issues with the State’s Division of Consumer Affairs. In 1999, they agreed to pay $450,000, including a $250,000 compensatory fund for wronged customers. According to state investigators, the most recent actions violate the prior agreement reached after the 1999 settlement.

The current settlement mandates that the dealerships provide restitution for any undisputed complaints. They must also hire a compliance monitor for two years.

The owners of the dealership did not admit any fault or guilt, but instead said that the settlement was merely a way to save time and money by avoiding lengthy litigation.

Buying a car is one of the largest investments a person will ever make. As such, they deserve to know all of the details about what they are buying and to be met with honest practices by dealerships. Underhanded tactics by car salesmen can lead unsuspecting consumers to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle that isn’t worth the cost or, in the worst cases, is dangerous.

At Graziano & Flynn, our consumer fraud attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of New Jersey residents. If you’ve been misled by deceptive sales tactics or false advertising, or have received a defective product, contact us today to discuss your case and set up a free consultation.