The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) chairman, Rod Simms, says that these customers were basically lied to. “Mazda’s conduct towards these consumers was not just appalling customer service as noted by the judge, it was a serious breach of the law,” states Mr. Simms. “The message to the new car industry is clear, consumer rights are not negotiable and must not be misrepresented to consumers. If a vehicle cannot be repaired within a reasonable time, or at all, consumers have a right under the Australian Consumer Law to a refund or replacement.”
In some cases and only after numerous attempts at repairs, Mazda had offered only a part refund or would provide a replacement vehicle if the customer made a significant payment. Nevertheless, Mazda Australia is being brought to book, with the court due to announce penalties soon. Mazda says it is taking the judgment “into careful consideration,” which is PR-speak for, “We’d like to see if we can get out of this, but if we can’t, we’ll finally do what’s required of us.” Bad form, Mazda.
Keyword: Federal Court Rules That Mazda Lied To Its Customers