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CONSUMER PROTECTION NOTICE

North York motor vehicle dealer suspended

The registrar of OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has ordered the immediate suspension of Echo Auto Group Inc., located at 80 Toro Road in North York, and of the dealership’s director, Mehran Artinian.

As a result, Mehran Artinian and Echo Auto Group Inc. cannot legally sell, lease, buy or consign motor vehicles while the indefinite suspension remains in effect. The registrar has also initiated proceedings to permanently revoke their registrations under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002(MVDA).

More information can be found here


OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act(MVDA), its regulations and code of ethics, as well as relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act, on behalf of Ontario's Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery. OMVIC’s mandate is to maintain a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism, and ensuring fair, honest, and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers.

Upcoming Webinars

With today’s supply chain issues and the resulting shortage in motor vehicle inventory, car-buyers are faced with challenges when seeking a new car or truck. OMVIC will be hosting a webinar on March 9th at 12pm to assist car-buyers with navigating the car-buying process in Ontario.

Consumers who participate will leave with confidence going into their next car purchase.

Register today!

This car-buying webinar will cover topics including:

  • All-in pricing and dealership advertisements
  • Dealership disclosure requirements
  • Cancellations, when and if they apply
  • Free educational resources

Consumer Support

All-in Price Advertising

When you're buying a car, things can be hidden in plain sight, like hidden fees or added costs. In Ontario, All-in Price Advertising is the law. You should never be charged more than the dealer’s advertised price meaning that the price of any new or used vehicle advertised by a dealer must include all fees and charges they will collect, excluding HST and licensing.


Risks Associated with Financing

Purchasing a vehicle is a decision that should only be made after careful consideration; and for most consumers, one of those major considerations is: how to finance the purchase. It is important to do your research, understand the risks associated with financing a vehicle, and safeguard your financial plan to ensure you stick to your budget.


No Cooling Off Period

In Ontario there is no cooling-off period when it comes to buying or leasing a car. Once you sign a vehicle contract, that deal is final and legally binding, unless the dealer has failed to make certain specified disclosures. Signing on the dotted line for a new vehicle can be intimidating, and the last thing you want to do is waste your hard-earned money on a car that doesn’t meet your needs.


Curbsiders: How to spot them

Curbsiders are illegal, unlicensed vehicle dealers often posing as private sellers. Curbsiders not only misrepresent themselves – they often misrepresent the vehicles they sell: many are previous write-offs with undisclosed accident repairs or are odometer-tampered. Remember, no one sells a vehicle for less than they are worth. If a deal seems too good to be true, that’s a warning, not an opportunity.


Full and Mandatory Disclosures

A disclosure is a fact or detail about the motor vehicle related to its past use, history or condition, such as accident damage over $3,000. Salespeople and dealers are required by law to provide these disclosures related to the past use, history and condition of the vehicle.


All Dealers Must Be Registered

Being a motor vehicle dealer or salesperson in Ontario is a regulated profession. All dealers (new and used) and all salespeople are licensed by OMVIC and bound by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and it's Code of Ethics. If you’re buying from a dealer in Ontario, confirm that you’re buying from a registered dealer by asking to see their license, looking for the OMVIC-registered dealer decal or use the “find a dealer” search on our website.


Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, referred to as the Compensation Fund, is a consumer protection program financed by Ontario’s registered motor vehicle dealers. If something goes wrong with a motor vehicle purchase or lease agreement, consumers have access to the Compensation Fund which provides financial assistance to eligible consumers who make a valid claim for a vehicle transaction against an OMVIC-Registered Dealer.

Registered DealerCar Buying Quiz

Consumer Line

Consumer Line is OMVIC’s consumer guide to Ontario’s motor vehicle dealer industry. It is published throughout the year, delivered free via e-mail and provides consumers with useful tips, industry news and important, up-to-date information.

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