Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission Issues Consumer Alert

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is alerting consumers after the recent closing of A. Autobuyers (3835 Airport Highway, Louisville, Tenn. 37777).   Consumers who may have been affected by the closure of A. Autobuyers are urged to file a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission here.

Twice this year, the MVC has authorized proceedings in order to determine potential disciplinary action against A. Autobuyers for numerous alleged violations of the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing statute.

In July, the MVC voted to approve a consent order offering to accept a $4,000 civil penalty against A. Autobuyers in resolution of a complaint with the Commission. In September, the commission voted to approve a consent order offering to accept a $25,000 civil penalty against A. Autobuyers in resolution of a complaint with the Commission.

Details of the allegations in those complaints are included in the “Stipulated Findings of Fact” as part of those consent orders. A consent order is a legal document used to provide an opportunity to settle a complaint prior to a formal disciplinary hearing being set and is not binding unless agreed to. A. Autobuyers has not accepted either of these Consent Orders and, as such, they have not been entered.

Consumers should remember:

•  Tennessee auto dealers are required to have a surety bond to obtain a license. Complainants may be eligible to make a claim against that bond with the bond company. The bond company investigates each claim on its merit and determines eligibility. The limits of liability of the dealer bond is $50,000.

•   If you are a consumer and in possession of a temporary tag which is about to expire, please contact your local county clerk and have ready your bill of sale showing your purchase from A. Autobuyers  or a complaint you have filed with the Motor Vehicle Commission.  You will need this documentation to apply for an additional 30-day temporary operating permit (TOP) through the county clerk. The application for the TOP can be found here.

•   Affected consumers should also consult a private attorney to determine their rights as a consumer and whether further legal action is necessary in regards to their specific complaint.

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