News — Independent Dealer Solutions

Quality Dealer Solutions Since 1978.

Industry Alert: FTC Enforcement on Vehicle Advertising & Dealer Fees

The Utah Automotive Alliance (UAA) and Independent Dealer Solutions (IDS) is issuing this important industry alert regarding recent enforcement actions and guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) related to vehicle advertising practices and dealer-imposed fees.

In March 2026, the FTC issued warning letters to dozens of dealerships nationwide reinforcing a clear standard: advertised vehicle pricing must include all mandatory fees, with only government-imposed charges (such as taxes, title, and registration) permitted to be excluded.

Adam JonesApril 6, 2026Comment

CFPB Notifies Court it Cannot Lawfully Draw Funds from the Federal Reserve

Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a notice informing the court in NTEU v. Vought that the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) has determined that the Bureau may not legally request funds at this time from the Federal Reserve under Dodd-Frank.

Shannon GlaittliNovember 13, 2025Comment

Trump Administration Declares CFPB Funding Illegal

The decision, disclosed in a court filing, puts the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on track to shut down in ‘early 2026’ when its remaining cash runs out.

Shannon GlaittliNovember 12, 2025Comment

This Major US Auto Lender Went Bust as Record Number of Americans Lag on Debt Payments. How to Protect Yourself Now

Americans are struggling to pay their bills, and the collapse of a major auto lender shows just how dire things are getting.

Shannon GlaittliSeptember 15, 2025Comment

New Requirement: Owner Names Must Match Government-Issued Identification

Adam JonesAugust 20, 2025Comment

US Court Throws out Biden-Era Rules Designed to Protect Car Buyers

A U.S. appeals court on Monday threw out consumer protection rules adopted by the Biden administration to ban bait-and-switch tactics and prohibit auto dealers charging for add-on costs that do not benefit new car buyers.

Shannon GlaittliJanuary 28, 2025Comment

CFPB Finds More Vehicles Eligible for Repossession Than Pre-Pandemic

Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a report showing that the rate of auto repossessions at the end of 2022 surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Shannon GlaittliJanuary 24, 2025Comment

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today ordered the American Honda Finance Corporation to pay $12.8 million for reporting inaccurate information that affected the credit reports of 300,000 people who drive Honda and Acura vehicles.

Shannon GlaittliJanuary 17, 2025Comment

FTC, Maryland Attorney General Act to Stop Lindsay Auto from Falsely Touting Low Prices and Overcharging Consumers for Unwanted Fees and Add-Ons

The Federal Trade Commission and Maryland Attorney General have charged Lindsay Automotive Group with systematically deceiving and overcharging car-buying consumers for years, costing them millions of dollars in junk fees and unwanted add-on products.

Shannon GlaittliDecember 30, 2024Comment

Updates to Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlines – Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements Now in Effect, with Deadline Extensions

In light of a December 23, 2024, federal Court of Appeals decision, reporting companies, except as indicated below, are once again required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN. However, because the Department of the Treasury recognizes that reporting companies may need additional time to comply given the period when the preliminary injunction had been in effect, we have extended the reporting deadline as follows:

Adam JonesDecember 24, 2024Comment

Carfax: Odometer Fraud Remains Widespread

More than 2.14 million cars on the road may have had their odometer rolled back this year, up more than 18% since 2021, and up more than 82,000 vehicles from just last year.

Shannon GlaittliDecember 23, 2024Comment

Central Plate Distribution - What does that mean for you as a dealer?

Beginning January 1, 2025, all Utah license plates will be centrally distributed to vehicle registered owners. This means that all license plates will be mailed directly to the customer through the US Postal Service.

No inventory of plates will be available in DMV offices, including the Utah State Tax Commission office and all third party DMV partners such as IDS. What does this mean for you as a dealer?

IDS will still be able to process all your paperwork for the customer that just purchased a vehicle from your dealership, but the plate will be distributed to the customer in a new process. When you bring paperwork to our office, the paperwork will be completed as usual in the DMV system. A license plate will be assigned to the customer and registration will be created at that time. As a dealer you have a couple options to get this registration to the customer.

Adam JonesDecember 22, 2024Comment

Auto Group with Dealerships in Peoria to Pay $20 Million Settlement for Fraud Allegations

The Illinois attorney general and Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday a $20 million proposed settlement agreement with an automotive group that includes dealerships in Peoria.

Shannon GlaittliDecember 21, 2024Comment

Wayne Jones Presented Honorary Colonel Award for Services to the Industry

Wayne Jones Presented Honorary Colonel Award for Services to the Industry

For over 45 years, Wayne Jones has made significant contributions to the automotive industry through his work with Independent Dealer Solutions. Throughout this time, he has witnessed substantial changes and transitions within the industry, including the leadership of multiple directors and commissioners at the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED).

Adam JonesDecember 4, 2024Comment

Trade Associations Sue California Agency

NTEA (The Work Truck Association) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) filed suit in U.S. District Court against the California Air Resources Board, seeking immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to stop electric vehicle mandates that the board intends to implement through its Advanced Clean Fleets regulations.

Shannon GlaittliNovember 6, 2024Comment

CFPB Takes Action Against Wrongful Auto Repossessions and Loan Servicing Breakdowns

“Borrowing to buy a vehicle is one of the largest sources of household debt for American families, and many deal with unnecessary costs and challenges paying for their car,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB will take action against auto-finance companies that charge fees for nonexistent services, or repossess cars after borrowers make payments.”

Shannon GlaittliOctober 7, 2024Comment

Used Car Sales Rise

The latest Cox Automotive Auto Market Report shows a notable decline in consumer spending volatility and stable unemployment levels, along with mixed consumer sentiment that rebounded slightly in August but later fell, according to Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke.

Shannon GlaittliSeptember 20, 2024Comment

Wholesale Used Prices Dip in September

Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) declined 0.2% from August in the first 15 days of September.

Shannon GlaittliSeptember 19, 2024Comment

The Fed Cuts Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve announced a 0.5% cut, its first rate reduction since 2020. In a release, the Fed stated “Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.

Shannon GlaittliSeptember 19, 2024Comment

FTC, State of Arizona Take Action Against Coulter Motor Company for Deceptive Pricing and Discriminatory Practices

FTC and Arizona AG charged dealership and key employee with using bogus online pricing to entice consumers, tacking on thousands in junk fees, and charging Latino consumers extra

Shannon GlaittliAugust 16, 2024Comment