DTI to decide case of ‘lemon’ Audi

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will rule on the merits of a complaint by a car buyer who claimed he was sold a “defective” brand-new vehicle and that the seller should either replace it or give him a refund in accordance with the recently enacted Philippine Lemon Law. The vehicle in question is a brand-new Audi A6 sold by PGA Cars Inc.

In a notice dated Oct. 10, DTI mediation officer Gerald Jey Litong said his efforts at mediating the dispute between businessman Ricardo Nolasco Jr. and car manufacturer Audi Motorcars Inc. and dealer PGA Cars Inc. had failed.

“[E]fforts to encourage both parties to settle their differences or at least come to terms failed. As a consequence thereof, it is hereby certified that mediation proceedings failed. Wherefore, the subject issues/concerns raised by the party complaining are deemed submitted for adjudication,” Litong said.

The secretary of trade, with the assistance of the DTI legal division, is expected to rule on the dispute.

Nolasco based his Sept. 22 complaint on Republic Act No. 10642, or the Philippine Lemon Law, which strengthens consumer protection in the purchase of brand-new vehicles, and RA 7394, or the 1992 Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The businessman said he bought a brand-new Audi A6 3.0 TDI on May 30 this year. He had to bring the car back to the dealership, however, for multiple repairs.

In a statement, Audi sales and marketing director Lito Jose denied selling Nolasco a substandard car, saying the alleged defects complained about were “minor issues” that were readily resolved.

The car underwent a comprehensive diagnostic testing and was given clearance to be released. The vehicle, however, has been waiting for its owner at the Audi Service Center since Sept. 2, he said.

“There are absolutely no more concerns, and any capable mechanic will attest that it is in perfect running condition,” Jose said. With report by Jerome Aning