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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2000-- www.letsmediate.net - Many consumers have questions about how the arbitration
clause in their automobile purchase contract effects their future rights. It is very
important that any contract be understood before it is signed therefore below you will
find an outline of the program administered by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Not
all automobile manufactures participate in the BBB's program but a significant number do
and you can always use their criterion for comparison to other agreements you may
encounter. The arbitration process is designed to bring a quick and cost efficient
resolution to disputes between auto owners and auto manufacturers. Usually when
there is a problem with an automobile the owner cannot wait for a long, costly legal
battle to resolve the issue. Time is definitely money when the vehicle is
financed and payments are due whether the vehicle is operable or not. The fact that
the arbitration decision is not binding unless the auto owner agrees to accept it ensures
that the consumer can preserve their right to pursue other legal remedies if the decision
is rejected. The manufacturer however is legally bound by the arbitrator's decision
if the consumer decides to accept it. The vast majority of consumers using the BBB
Auto Line program find the process brings resolution in a fair and timely manner.
Below is an outline of the BBB's progam, for more detailed information visit their
website.
BBB AUTO LINE
The Better Business Bureau system administers a program to help automobile
manufacturers and individual customers resolve disputes concerning alleged manufacturing
defects. Thirty-five companies participate in this program, called BBB AUTO LINE.
Acting as an impartial third party, the BBB utilizes conciliation and mediation techniques
and, if needed, arbitration to help resolve problems. This informal, out-of-court
settlement mechanism is free to consumers.
Kinds of disputes handled by BBB AUTO LINE
BBB AUTO LINE is confined to disputes between consumers and automobile manufacturers
involving alleged defects in a vehicle's material or workmanship. It does not handle
disputes between consumers and:
Automobile dealerships
Automotive repair facilities
Automobile insurance companies
Problems other than alleged manufacturing defects can be directed to your local Better
Business Bureau.
How to Contact BBB AUTO LINE
For more information about filing a claim, call the BBB AUTO LINE program at
1-800-955-5100, or request a BBB AUTO LINE claim form and program information online at www.betterbusinessbureau.com.
Eligibility requirements
Certain eligibility requirements apply. While BBB AUTO LINE will attempt to apply
mediation techniques to most disputes regarding alleged manufacturing defects, not all
cases are eligible for arbitration. You will receive written information pertaining
to your vehicle manufacturer's eligibility requirements when you file your claim.
Is an attorney necessary?
BBB AUTO LINE proceedings are informal. In fact, most cases can be resolved over the
telephone. If you wish, you may be represented by an attorney. However, in the
vast majority of cases both parties represent themselves, and do not find it necessary to
involve an attorney.
How does arbitration work in BBB AUTO LINE?
Arbitration is an informal process. A hearing is held at which the consumer and
manufacturer's representative present their views of a dispute to a neutral third party,
the arbitrator, who will decide how the dispute will be resolved.
What are the legal ramifications of the arbitrator's decision?
In BBB AUTO LINE, once the arbitrator renders a decision, the consumer has the option to
accept or reject the decision.
If the consumer accepts the decision, the manufacturer is legally bound to abide by the
decision. By accepting the decision, the consumer gives up the right to sue the
manufacturer in court on any claim that was resolved at the arbitration hearing, unless
the manufacturer fails to perform according to the arbitrator's decision, or unless
otherwise provided by state or federal law.
If the consumer rejects the decision, the manufacturer is not obligated to perform any
part of the decision. In that case, the consumer may pursue other legal remedies under
state or federal law, and the Better Business Bureau's involvement in the case ends.
Who is the arbitrator?
BBB AUTO LINE arbitrators are volunteers from your community. They are trained and
certified by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
National Participants in BBB AUTO LINE
- Acura
- AM General
- Audi
- General Motors
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Daewoo
- GMC Truck
- Oldsmobile
- Pontiac
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti *
- Isuzu
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus *
- Nissan *
- Porsche
- Saturn
- Volkswagen
- Workhorse Custom Chassis
- * excludes Hawaii
- State-by-State Participants
BMW (AR, IA, ID, MN, PA)
Jaguar (AR, FL, ID, KY, MN)
Mazda (AR)
Mercedes-Benz (AR)
Mitsubishi (AR, MN)
Rolls-Royce (CA, FL, MN, NJ)
Saab (AR, CA, FL, ID, KY, MN, OR)
SMC Corporation (OR)
Subaru (AR, CA, KY, MN, OH, OR, WI)
Suzuki (AR, ID, KY, MN)
Volvo (AR, MN)
Winnebago(KY)
For More Information Contact: www.betterbusinessbureau.com
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