[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accused Honda of misleading owners about where they could get their cars serviced, and that it “deprived customers of the opportunity to make an informed choice.”
Honda Australia has been accused by Australia’s peak consumer watchdog of misleading customers about future car-servicing arrangements following the switch to its fixed-price business model last year.
According to the ACCC, during this period Honda Australia incorrectly told customers via text messages and email former Honda dealerships – Tynan Honda in Sydney and Astoria Honda in Melbourne – had closed down and were unable to provide car servicing.
This was despite both sites being fully equipped to carry out work on customer vehicles and continuing to operate independently.
“We allege Honda deprived customers of the opportunity to make an informed choice about options for servicing their car in favour of a Honda-linked dealership which may have been less convenient or more costly for them,” Ms Carver said.
“We also allege Honda caused harm to the Astoria and Tynan businesses, by falsely claiming they had closed or would close, which may have led customers to have their Honda vehicles serviced elsewhere.”
A spokesperson for Honda Australia told Drive: “[We have] cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation into this matter.
“We are reviewing the recent filing by the ACCC and at this stage are unable to comment further on specific circumstances or details regarding the claims made or individual dealers.”
The ACCC has filed the matter with the Federal Court of Australia (click here to read), and is seeking “declarations, pecuniary penalties and costs.”
Honda’s shift to a fixed-price business model was controversial, with prices increasing significantly following the move. You can read Drive’s full coverage of the saga by clicking here.
He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy.
As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic.
Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.
Read more about William Davis 
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]