AMVIC takes steps to improve compliance

EDMONTON, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council is tightening its consumer protection education requirements in an effort to improve compliance with the laws. Any automotive salesperson who has been out of the industry for more than three years, must now successfully retake the salesperson Fair Trading Act course before being granted a new registration to sell vehicles.

"It is a really important move to ensure salespeople who have been out of practice are fully aware of the laws and regulations they are required to follow," Paul Williams, chair of the AMVIC Board of Directors said. "Think of it as refresher training to promote compliance."

The salesperson Fair Trading Act course is a comprehensive overview and examination of the automotive-related consumer protection laws that AMVIC enforces.

In 2015, AMVIC started requiring all automotive salespeople to successfully complete the course before entering the sales floor and being issued a salesperson registration. Previously there was a three month grace period where they could legally sell vehicles before attempting the course.

In 2014, AMVIC added more content to the course and moved it online.

"Each improvement we make to our educational requirements strengthens consumer protection and increases professionalism throughout the industry," Laura Lowe, AMVIC's manager of communications and education said.

The refresher training requirement is one of the first policy changes the board made under its new chair, a representative of the Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta. Williams was elected chair through acclamation on June 21, 2016.

About AMVIC: The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) is a regulatory organization authorized by the Minister of Service Alberta to enforce and administer the following legislation in relation to automotive business: the Fair Trading Act; the Automotive Business Regulation; the Cost of Credit Disclosure Regulation, and the Internet Sales Contract Regulation. AMVIC's mandate is to provide consumer protection in Alberta's motor vehicle industry. AMVIC publishes valuable information and tips for consumers, businesses and salespeople at amvic.org.

SOURCE Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC)

Media inquiries may be directed to: Laura Lowe, Manager of communications and education, Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, 780-468-0476, [email protected]