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."
