L.M.V.D.

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32862, 10 March 1972, Page 8

L.M.V.D.

Sir, —Having recently been the victim of an unprincipled “back yard” car dealer, whose newspaper advertisement appeared above the familiar L.M.V.D. sign, I would just like to pass on a word of warning to others who may be similarly disappointed by a lying salesman. On inquiring, I was told that although it is possible for a dealer to hold a licence and use the dealers' sign, it need not necessarily mean that he is a member of the Licensed Motor Dealers Association and bound by the principles set down by the association, for the buyer’s protection. I think the public are unaware of this and I wonder if it would be possible for someone in an authoritative position to confirm the above.'.— —Yours, etc., MORRIS.

March 1, 1972. [Mr M. D. Onnandy, president of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Association, replies: “The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act defines a motor dealer as ‘a person who carries on business as a dealer in motor vehicles whether new or second-hand, and includes every person who acts or holds himself out to the public as ready to act for reward as a dealer in motor vehicles.’ The Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers Association of Canterbury was formed 11 vears ago and membership is voluntary. On the other hand, membership is not granted to any company or person whose qualifications or business ethics are not up to the required standard. Over the years the association has repeatedly advised the public to deal with a member of the Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers Association and only a few months ago, on a television interview, the writer advised the public to go so far as to ask a dealer if he is a member of the association and to look for his certificate of membership. Any

person who, as your correspondent quotes, deals with a ‘backyard’ dealer cannot expect to be protected when an unsatisfactory deal is made.”]