Smart's complaints against the German general retailer Quelle have led to the latter withdrawing Smart models from sale.

Smart had accused Quelle and its supply partner CarPlus for 'misleading' consumers with advertised discounts on smart models of 10%, and for obtaining stock from the smart dealer network under false pretences. Smart reckons Quelle's pricing represents discounts of between 4 and 6 per cent.

While neither Quelle nor CarPlus issued statements responding to the Smart complaint, the firm's models were withdrawn from Quelle's online advertising at the beginning of this week.

Another manufacturer unhappy with Quelle's discounted new car offers is VW, whose new Golf has already been offered online by Quelle. (Sources: Der Spiegel, autohaus-online)