Advertisment
The advertisement which featured a picture of a Hyundai i10 provided the following information:
“161 Hyundai i10 – Scrappage Special
€9,495 or €192 per month
With the Hyundai 161 Trade and Upgrade programme at Bolands Wexford Hyundai there’s (sic) never been a better time to change to the Hyundai i10. And when you trade in your current car before January 31st you can avail of a limited time only €3,000 Scrappage bonus. Hyundai, believe everything you hear.
Terms and conditions apply”.
The terms and conditions referred to the fact that the offer included
Delivery and related charges
Example vehicles and prices listed above are non-metallic…”
Complaint
The complainant said that while the advertisement had indicated a scrappage special for €9,495, when he called to the garage he was informed that he would have to pay €500 for metallic paint despite the fact that he didn’t want it.
Response
The advertisers advised that the price illustrated was for a non-metallic vehicle which was subject to stock and colour availability.
Conclusion
Complaint upheld.
The Complaints Committee considered the detail of the complaint and the advertisers’ response. The Committee reminded the advertisers that they was an onus on them to ensure that prices and illustrated products matched. If it was the case that the car was only available to purchase in metallic paint, which incurred an extra charge of €500, then this is what should have been advertised. The Committee considered the advertising to be in breach of Section 2.22, 2.24 and 2.41 of the Code.
The advertising should not be used in its current format again.
