Nottingham-based Micronet Showroom sources, buys and imports vehicles from Europe for customers in the UK. But consumers complained to Nottingham City Trading Standards that they had ordered cars from the company, paid for them in full and were then told that delivery would be later than previously indicated and/or the price of the vehicle had increased.
Customers also complained they were subjected to long delays for delivery and many cancelled their orders. However, those that did so said that they had difficulty in obtaining a full refund.
Although the company is presently not trading, the OFT has secured undertakings from David and Richard Loach, who run the business.
The Loach brothers have both signed undertakings promising to reimburse any sum paid by, or on behalf of consumers, within 30 days of the cancellation of the contract and provide consumers with clear information, as specified under the Distance Selling Regulations of 2000. They have also agreed not to publish or disseminate misleading advertising, as specified under the Control of Misleading Advertising Regulations of 1998.
These undertakings, which have been given without any admission of liability, apply to any businesses carried out by either of the Loach brothers now or in the future.
Christine Wade, Assistant Chief Executive, Consumer Advice and Trading Standards, said: "Customers should be able to rely on any business to provide accurate information and provide an agreed product or a full refund on time. The OFT will closely monitor the undertakings which have been signed, and will if necessary take court action if these undertakings are breached."
