LaFontaine Chevrolet Reopens After State Suspension Over Alleged Used-as-New Car Sales
MICHIGAN — The LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in China Township is back open for business after reaching an agreement with state regulators, following a brief suspension over allegations that it sold used vehicles as new.
Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) temporarily suspended the dealership’s license after investigators alleged that certain loaner vehicles placed in customer-use programs were later resold and falsely represented as new inventory.
According to the Michigan Department of State, the suspension stemmed from an ongoing compliance review. Officials claimed that the dealership violated state regulations governing the sale of new motor vehicles, citing past violations and inaccurate odometer reporting on some transactions.
Dealership Reaches Agreement to Resume Sales
LaFontaine officials said on Wednesday that the dealership has since worked with state regulators to resolve the issue and implement corrective actions, allowing it to resume sales operations immediately.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the state and to be fully operational again,” a LaFontaine spokesperson said. “We’ve taken steps to ensure compliance and transparency for all customers going forward.”
The dealership’s business license suspension lasted just over a day, with the Michigan Department of State confirming that LaFontaine agreed to meet specific conditions for reinstatement. Those included submitting documentation proving that its sales process had been updated to prevent the misrepresentation of vehicles in the future.
Background: Previous Warnings and Oversight
The China Township dealership had already been on probation following earlier compliance warnings related to title and registration discrepancies. Investigators said the latest issues emerged during a follow-up inspection in September.
LaFontaine reportedly paid a fine and agreed to staff retraining in accordance with Michigan’s vehicle sales code. While state officials did not confirm whether additional penalties would be imposed, they emphasized that the dealership is now under close monitoring.
Customers Encouraged to Verify Vehicle Records
State officials are urging car buyers to double-check title histories through the Michigan Department of State’s online services when purchasing vehicles, especially those labeled “new.” Consumers can also request written certification verifying a vehicle’s mileage and prior use before finalizing a purchase.
The LaFontaine group operates more than two dozen dealerships across Michigan and remains one of the state’s largest family-owned auto groups.
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