Sleazy Tactics

In a free market, competition is the name of the game. When you stumble, your competitors are always ready to jump in and take advantage. That's the way it is.

Toyota has stumbled, and it is the right - the responsibility - of the other car manufacturers and dealers to do their best to gain from the situation.

However, this week we have witnessed a new low when one of my competitors crossed the line and boldly lied to the consumers in our community. Napleton Nissan in Riviera Beach sent out a mass mailing of phony "Toyota Recall Notices" to thousands of people in our area.

This sales solicitation came in an official looking envelope, complete with the red Toyota logo and typeset. The return address said it was from "Notification Headquarters."

Inside the envelope there is more false information about the recall and Toyota vehicles that were not even affected are listed.

It goes on with even more deceptive offers. They say they will buy back your Toyota for "Original Base MSRP." They neglect to mention that "Original Base MSRP" does not include the price of any options added, manufacturer's delivery fee ($775), or the dealer fee added by most dealers. They go on to explain that this value will be further lowered by the mileage of the vehicle and incentives you received when you bought it. In other words, it's business as usual.

The letter is signed by Napleton Nissan's general sales manager, Bret Macy.

Napleton Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for sending out such a deceptive and misleading solicitation. I cannot say I'm surprised; their newspaper ads typically assume the same style, but, as I said, they have reached a new low.

You can view the actual mail piece by clicking here.