Waterford City District Court convicts car trader for providing false information in relation to the sale of a clocked car
October 23, 2017
Following an investigation and prosecution by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) a Waterford car trader has been convicted of providing false information about the mileage of a BMW car, which had been sourced and imported from the UK. Mr. Oleksandr Matveyshyn, trading from ‘MIV Motors’ at 6 Cross Roads Business Park, Kilbarry, Waterford was found guilty by Judge Staunton in Waterford City District Court. He was fined €500 and had costs of €1,000 awarded against him. In addition he is required to pay a compensation order of €8,000 to the consumer.
Subsequent to a complaint from a consumer in January 2015, the CCPC opened its investigation to determine whether Mr. Matveyshyn had engaged in a misleading commercial practice, which is an offence under the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The consumer reported that he had purchased a vehicle from Mr. Matveyshyn and at the time of the purchase the car’s odometer had a reading of 36,000 miles. However, the CCPC’s investigative enquiries in the UK established a significantly higher mileage of 105,412 miles.
Commenting, Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the CCPC said, “As noted by Judge Staunton, the selling of a clocked car is a very serious offence. Not only can it be costly but critically it could be dangerous.
“Successful prosecutions require vigorous investigations, and as demonstrated in this case, if the CCPC suspects that a consumer has been misled in this way, we will do everything within our statutory powers to investigate and where required take enforcement action. Mr Matveyshyn’s conviction is a strong reminder to all car traders, if you fail to provide consumers with accurate information about the history or mileage of a car you are exposing yourself to the possibility of criminal prosecution. This sector remains an area of high priority for the CCPC and so this year we announced the commencement of unannounced inspections of motor garages across Ireland.
“If any consumer has information regarding a trader, that they believe has provided false information about a car’s condition or mileage, they should contact the CCPC’s helpline on 1890 432 432 or email us at ask@ccpc.ie. Extensive information, including a checklist of questions to ask, before buying a car is available from the CCPC’s website, www.ccpc.ie
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