Copyright M Live Michigan
LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of a St. Clair County car dealership for several violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code. LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc., located at 3050 King Road in China Township, allegedly violated probation imposed by MDOS, committed fraudulent acts in connection with selling or dealing in vehicles by presenting used vehicles to customers as new vehicles, and failed to properly register used vehicles. MDOS made the announcement via news release on Nov. 4. The violations were discovered during an investigation by regulatory staff, according to the release. The dealership was found to register new vehicles in their business name to serve as loaner vehicles for customers, only to resell them as new after they were no longer used in the loaner program, according to the release. The scheme was discovered during a general compliance inspection in Sept. 2024, according to the release. In December 2024, MDOS imposed an alternative penalty agreement for the dealer that included a $3,000 financial penalty and 18-month probation period, according to the release. Also, dealership staff members attended an MDOS training session about violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code. During a follow-up in Sept. 2025, MDOS regulatory staff found more than 24 instances of the dealership continuing to sell used vehicles as new, according to the release. One of the “new” vehicles had 6,000 miles, according to the release. The dealership cannot conduct business while suspended. Consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. are encouraged to call the MDOS Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356.
