Wednesday, September 4, 2013

You Finally Have A BBB Auto Line Decision...So What's Next?

Do you have a case currently pending with the Better Business Bureau ("BBB") Auto Line against your motor vehicle manufacturer?  If so, then at the end of the case your arbitrator will issue a decision and you will be given 14 days to accept or reject the decision.  The form that you will be asked to sign will likely look similar to the BBB form found here
 
In my own experience, I have seen BBB Auto Line arbitration decisions which award the consumer something different than what they might be entitled to under the letter of the law, and in some instances, something less than they would be entitled to under the letter of the law.  For that reason, and others, the decision whether to accept or reject a BBB Auto Line decision should not be taken lightly. 
Before accepting or rejecting the arbitrator's decision, you should read it carefully and consider speaking with a local lemon law attorney in your state if the decision awards you something less than what you want or what you think that you are entitled to. 

Seeking legal advice before accepting the BBB Auto Line decision will allow you to make an informed decision and proceed with a lawsuit in Court against the motor vehicle manufacturer if warranted or necessary.  On the other hand, if you seek legal help after accepting the arbitrator's decision, in most cases it will be too late to change your mind.  Typically, by accepting the decision, you will be bound to the decision unless the manufacturer fails to comply with the decision itself, which is not likely.  In such a circumstance, you cannot file a lawsuit in Court of you change your mind.

Not sure whether to accept give up your legal rights and accept your BBB Auto Line decision?  Consult an experienced Lemon Law attorney in your state.  To find one in your state, you can go to www.USLemonLawyers.com.  But act quickly, especially if your 14 days are already ticking.  Also, for every legal right you have, there is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in court before your rights expire.

Good luck!

Beth Wells
Helping Consumers Get Rid of Lemons, 9 Years Running

 
   



   

Monday, September 2, 2013

Automakers Slash Battery Car Prices


2014 Chevrolet Volt
General Motors has just announced a price cut for its 2014 Chevrolet Volt plug-in.  The "extended range electric vehicle" will carry a $34,995 sticker price-- $5,000 less than the 2013 model. 

But GM is not the only automaker slashing prices.  In fact, Nissan led the charge, reducing the base price of the 2013 Nissan Leaf SV from $35,200 to $31,820, and introducing a base model 2013 Nissan Leaf S at $28,800.  Honda has followed suit, cutting the monthly lease price of its new Fit EV from $389 to $259.  Smart has reduced the lease price of its third-generation Electric Drive to just $139.  And, Ford has made cuts to the price of its Focus EV. 
2013 Nissan Leaf
Why the sharp cuts in electric vehicle prices?  First, as production volumes increase, the cost to build a battery-car has begun to drop.  Second, California regulators are requiring automakers to produce a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles.  If they fall short, they could be barred from selling vehicles in California.  Moreover, seven states have copied the California guidelines and more are expected to follow suit.  So, losses on electrical vehicles are marginal compared to the possibility of being barred from selling vehicles in as many as eight states. 
Tesla Model S
The price reduction is certainly an incentive to consumers, who will also enjoy a $7,500 federal tax credit for purchasing most electric vehicles, in addition to incentives in the states of California and Colorado. 

Currently, the 2013 Nissan Leaf is the top selling battery vehicle.  And, Tesla holds the market for high-end, sporty electric vehicles, surprising the auto industry with a second quarter profit for 2013.  The base price of the Tesla Model S battery sedan is currently $62,400, but this steep price has obviously not dissuaded many customers.

Will the price cuts get more consumers into battery powered vehicles?  Only time will tell.

    Beth Wells
Helping Consumers Get Rid of Lemons, 9 Years Running