House panel to look into car shows to ensure regulatory compliance

Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera

By THE STAR STAFF

District 14 (Arecibo and Hatillo) Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera, chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, announced Monday the filing of House Resolution (HR) 719 to investigate the participation of certain entities in the resale of motor vehicles and the holding of car shows, “given the possibility that these activities are not subject to the same regulatory requirements that the law requires of authorized dealerships.”

“As Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, I have made an unwavering commitment to ensuring that the laws that protect consumers are applied uniformly and fairly to all sectors,” Robles Rivera said in a written statement.

The investigation seeks to determine whether the entities comply with licensing and regulatory requirements, as well as to evaluate whether consumers receive the same warranties, disclosures and protections they would obtain at an authorized dealership.

“The law must be applied uniformly to everyone,” the legislator said. “… If there are vehicle sales activities outside of legal parameters, it is our committee’s responsibility to investigate, establish the facts, and formulate recommendations to protect consumers and guarantee a fair market.”

The measure will also evaluate the difference between the occasional sale of repossessed vehicles and activities that could constitute a continuous motor vehicle sales operation.

Likewise, HR 719 mandates that the Consumer Affairs Committee submit a report with findings, conclusions and recommendations within 180 days.

The main objective is to ensure that all consumers have the same protections when purchasing a vehicle, regardless of the entity making the sale.

As part of the process, the committee may hold public hearings, request information from government agencies, and hear from representatives of the automotive industry, financial institutions and consumer organizations.

“This isn’t about pointing fingers,” Robles Rivera said. “It’s about ensuring compliance with the law and protecting the consumer. … That’s our responsibility.”