Warning: Declaration of plugin_findreplace::addPluginSubMenu() should be compatible with mijnpress_plugin_framework::addPluginSubMenu($title, $function, $file, $capability = 10, $where = 'plugins.ph...') in /home/pg4b1yzvrqqo/domains/test.drivingsalesnews.com/html/wp-content/plugins/find-replace/find_replace.php on line 17

Warning: Declaration of plugin_findreplace::addPluginContent($links, $file) should be compatible with mijnpress_plugin_framework::addPluginContent($filename, $links, $file, $config_url = NULL) in /home/pg4b1yzvrqqo/domains/test.drivingsalesnews.com/html/wp-content/plugins/find-replace/find_replace.php on line 17
Report: FCA asks for lawsuit waiver | DrivingSales News

Report: FCA Offers $200 Off If You Waive Right To Sue

October 16, 2015 0 Comments

Numerous reports have indicated that Fiat Chrysler is giving consumers the opportunity to save money at the point of sale, so long as they sign a contract saying that they won’t sue FCA.

Is a $200 discount worth waving legal rights? Reports from both CBS and the LA Times suggest car shoppers who went into FCA dealership were given the opportunity to save a $200 as part of a friends and family discount only if they signed an agreement waiving their right to sue the automaker over warranty disputes. Steve Lehto, an attorney out of Michigan spoke to the LA Times on the subject saying, “In each case, the dealer said they could lower the price of the car by about 1% with a discount from the carmaker, and gave the person a form to sign. That form included the arbitration clause.”

The concern on the part of consumer advocates is that without fully grasping the situation, car shoppers will readily sign away their right to sue an automaker in order to save a quick $200 as part of a friends and family discount. Some fear FCA is aiming to take away consumer rights in a casual environment at the POS. FCA disagrees with calling their agreement malicious at all.

Rick Deneau, a Fiat Chrysler spokesman, told the LA Times, “The purpose of this discount isn’t to trick people into not being able to litigate against us. We weren’t trying to figure out some diabolical way for people not to sue us.” Others counter that consumers should read the agreements that they are signing, while one writer noted that many Americans don’t read agreement before signing.

Aimee Picchi, writing for CBSMoneyWatch said the following in her article on this topic, “While consumers know that they should read through any contract before signing it, the fact is that many Americans skip over the fine print when it comes to terms and agreements. But as in everything, it’s important to take the time to read through any contract and understand what legal rights or form of redress you might be giving up.”

Should consumers be upset they signed a contract to get a discount on a new vehicle and are now being held to the contract terms? What has your experience at your store been with friends and family discounts?

About the Author:

The DrivingSales News team is dedicated to breaking the relevant and the tough stories affecting car dealers. Have questions for DrivingSales News? Reach the team at news@drivingsales.com.

    Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/pg4b1yzvrqqo/domains/test.drivingsalesnews.com/html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 399