Fifty-four Individuals and Companies Found Guilty of Illegal Sale of Motor Vehicles in Ontario

Toronto, November 10, 1997 - As an example of successful self-management, the motor vehicle dealer industry in Ontario, has obtained convictions against fifty-four individuals and businesses for selling vehicles in contravention of the province’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA). These convictions follow a series of aggressive investigations launched by staff of the industry’s self-management body: the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC).

Thirty-eight individuals and sixteen companies were found guilty after charges of operating without proper registration, or of failing to disclose their identity as a motor vehicle dealer, were laid under Ontario’s MVDA. The MVDA requires compulsory registration of those engaged in the sale of vehicles, as well as obligatory disclosure of a registrant’s identity as a dealer. Additional charges – conducting unfair business practices—were laid under the province’s Business Practices Act (BPA).

In operation for less than a year, OMVIC has launched a series of initiatives designed to crack down on those who illegally sell motor vehicles in Ontario. One of OMVIC’s enforcement priorities is on “curbsiders” –imposters who pose as private individuals but are actually in the business of selling stolen, rebuilt or odometer-tampered vehicles. Curbsiders take advantage of unsuspecting consumers, who then find themselves without the consumer protection mechanisms –such as the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund— provided by purchasing from a registered motor vehicle dealer.

For more information call 416-226-4500 or 1-800-943-6002, or visit OMVIC’s website - http://www.omvic.on.ca . Consumers who have information about a curbsider are encouraged to call 1-888-NO CURBS (662-8727) or send an e-mail to nocurbs@omvic.on.ca .

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