Drivers Left in the Lurch as Car Dealership Collapses
Many drivers have found themselves in a difficult situation after a car dealership went out of business, leaving customers with debts and no vehicles. This has caused frustration among those affected, particularly in the wake of a major safety recall involving Citroen and its parent company, Stellantis.
The S W Valley Motor Company in Hirwaun, Aberdare, South Wales, recently collapsed, leaving several customers without their promised cars. One such customer is Trisha Walker, who took out a loan to buy a replacement vehicle from SW Valley Motor Company. Despite paying a deposit of £750, she was left without the car, despite promises from the company’s representative.
Ms. Walker expressed her distress, stating that she had not slept for 26 hours due to worry about repaying the loan. She felt foolish for trusting the company, which added to her financial burden. Another affected customer, Holly Evans, also shared her story. She and her partner paid £2,700 for a car after a test drive, only for the vehicle to be taken by the garage owner and never returned.
The Impact of the Safety Recall
This issue comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of UK owners of Citroen C3 and DS3 models are being warned about faulty airbags. These vehicles, produced between 2009 and 2019, pose a serious risk, as the faulty airbags could rupture in a collision, potentially causing injury or death. In response, Stellantis issued an urgent stop-drive order for these models, advising owners to park their vehicles until the necessary repairs could be made.
Despite this, some owners have continued driving their cars, risking legal consequences. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), ignoring a stop-drive order or any safety recall can lead to prosecution, fines, penalty points, or even a driving ban. Insurers may also refuse claims if a driver is found responsible for the vehicle's condition.
What Can Be Done?
Consumer law expert Lisa Webb advises that if money is handed over, using a credit card is the best option, as it offers better protection for getting the money back. She emphasized that there are limits to what can be done in such cases, but using a credit card provides a safer way to handle large transactions.
Stellantis has been working to address the issue, ensuring that affected vehicles are repaired as quickly as possible. The company has authorized Peugeot garages to assist with airbag replacements and is offering at-home repair options through its breakdown partner, the RAC. A spokesperson for Stellantis stated that the company is focused on completing the necessary repairs swiftly and providing support to customers.
Legal Rights and Consumer Protections
Under the Consumer Rights Act (CRA), cars must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. When a manufacturer issues a recall, it acknowledges that the vehicle does not meet these standards, and consumers are entitled to a free remedy. If a car was purchased within the last 30 days, the buyer may have the right to reject the vehicle. For older purchases, the dealer or manufacturer must have the opportunity to repair the issue.
Dean Dunham, a consumer lawyer, explained that repairs should be completed within a reasonable timeframe and without significant inconvenience. If the process takes several weeks, consumers may be entitled to compensation, a courtesy car, or even a full refund. However, deductions for the use of the vehicle may apply.
It is important to note that even if a car was purchased more than six years ago, consumers may still have rights if they became aware of the issue within the last three years. This means that legal action could still be pursued, depending on the circumstances.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, affected drivers are advised to stay informed and take appropriate steps to protect their interests. With the ongoing efforts from manufacturers and regulatory bodies, the hope is that all affected vehicles will be repaired promptly, and customers will receive the support they need.