Bob
9th February 2005, 01:14
Vehicle dealers could soon be legally required to reveal full vehicle history details without being prompted, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
New EU legislation under discussion would make it the legal responsibility of the dealer to fully inform the customer without prompting. For dealers selling second hand vehicles, such facts are likely to include any damage, or prior ownership details not otherwise apparent to a prospective buyer.
Graham Coleshill, RMI legal director, explains: ‘The proposed new rules are intended to outlaw misleading omissions. Most dealers would fully disclose these kinds of details, but the consumer will now have the legal right to them. This is good news for all concerned.
At present there is no legal requirement for a dealer to inform a consumer about elements of the previous history of a vehicle, unless the consumer specifically asks. Under the new rules they may have to make such historical elements known.’
The rules are still in the very early stages of development. Coleshill commented: ‘We do not yet know how this will work in practice, but the RMI’s members will be kept fully informed of the progress of this legislation, and all other proposed consumer law.’
New EU legislation under discussion would make it the legal responsibility of the dealer to fully inform the customer without prompting. For dealers selling second hand vehicles, such facts are likely to include any damage, or prior ownership details not otherwise apparent to a prospective buyer.
Graham Coleshill, RMI legal director, explains: ‘The proposed new rules are intended to outlaw misleading omissions. Most dealers would fully disclose these kinds of details, but the consumer will now have the legal right to them. This is good news for all concerned.
At present there is no legal requirement for a dealer to inform a consumer about elements of the previous history of a vehicle, unless the consumer specifically asks. Under the new rules they may have to make such historical elements known.’
The rules are still in the very early stages of development. Coleshill commented: ‘We do not yet know how this will work in practice, but the RMI’s members will be kept fully informed of the progress of this legislation, and all other proposed consumer law.’