Trading Standards officers have ordered a franchised dealership to admit to customers it made false claims over servicing.

 

The team from Dumfries and Galloway Council took action after a complaint from a customer who thought they’d been misled.

An investigation found the garage, in Galloway, had told customers that unless their car was taken back to them for servicing, a warranty would become invalid.

A council spokeswoman declined to identify the dealership, but said it was a franchised dealership in Galloway.

Under competition rules, car manufacturers cannot require servicing to be carried out only at approved garages, only that it is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule and with geniune or matching quality parts.

A spokeswoman said all customers have been contacted to ensure they are given the correct information regarding servicing, and the council does not anticipate any legal action.