LEMON LAWS 4 AUS
OUR LOBBYISTS
CONNIE CICCHINI
Lemon Laws 4 Aus
(Founder)
Q: What motivated you to start the lobby group Lemon Laws 4 Aus?
It was because of an Alfa Romeo 147 I bought brand new in 2009 and on the very first day I had problems with the vehicle. During the warranty period the vehicle had been to the dealership over twenty times and the car had spent over one hundred and sixty days in the workshop.
Many of the issues I reported had not been resolved by the dealership or the manufacturer within the warranty period. I had requested a refund or a replacement of the Alfa Romeo as it was obvious they were either unable or unwilling to repair the vehicle. My numerous requests for a refund or replacement had been declined by the manufacturer and the dealership.
Even though we have consumer protection laws in Australia I have found that in many instances dealerships, manufacturers and importers will make it difficult for many consumers when they request a refund or a replacment of a new vehicle with major problems. They do this as they know full well that if they make it difficult enough that most consumers will eventually give up in frustration.
It should be much easier for a consumer to get a refund or a replacement when a vehicle is not easily fixed, is not safe or reliable. That is why I am fighting for improved consumer protection laws and started the lobby group Lemon Laws 4 Aus.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/lemonlaws4aus
STEWART LETTE
Lemon Vehicles in Aus
(Founder)
Q: Why did you start the Facebook page 'Lemon Vehicles in Aus'?
In 2013 I purchased a Fiat Freemont. I thought I was purchasing an economical, reliable and safe vehicle for my family as I need such a vehicle as I am a full time carer. Two days after purchase I had to return the vehicle to the dealership because it was having issues with steering and high fuel consumption, and then again soon afterwards transmission issues.
My experience with the dealership is the reason why I started the page `Lemon vehicles in Aus’. I believe it should be an easy process to have a vehicle fixed, replaced or refunded.
Many consumers are being given the run around by some of the service centres. They are being told: "no fault found", "must be a bad batch of fuel" and then charging the customers for that even if that is not the issue, "we have fixed the issues" just to have the issue appear again, "it is a characteristic of the vehicle" or "it is operating within specifications".
In the end the consumer becomes very frustrated as the issues have not been resolved and trades in or sells off the vehicle creating an issue for the next owner.
In conclusion, I believe Australia needs to adopt Lemon Laws like they have had for the past thirty-nine years in America. These laws will give consumers fast resolve for these problematic vehicles with a concise and easy resolution process.
For more information:
ASHTON WOOD
Destroy My Jeep
(Founder)
Q: What lead you to start the social media campaign 'Destroy My Jeep'?
I destroyed my $50,000 Jeep after trying for three years to get Fiat Chrysler Australia and my Jeep dealer to replace or refund my lemon car.
It became a matter of principle, I was backed into a corner and it was obvious they (Jeep) were very good at giving customers the runaround.
I was left with two options, take less than half my purchase price they offered me, knowing they would on-sell my lemon to someone else, or destroy it to ensure it never gives another family any trouble… Idecided to go with the destruction option.
I was supported by major sponsor Lemon Laws 4 Aus (run by Connie Cicchini) and lobby group Lemon Vehicles in Aus (run by Stewart Lette).
The event made world headlines, with press coverage in Australia, the US, the UK and even Taiwan!
We (Asthon, Stewart and Connie) are working together to lobby the government to introduce Lemon Laws, like those that have been in place in the USA for over thirty-five years, as well as to remove the Queensland Civil and Tribunal (QCAT) minor civil claim limit of $25k so that owners who purchsed vehicles over $25k had a cost-effective method to take matters to the tribunal.
Together we have also been instrumental in getting the ACCC to look into the practices of Fiat Chrysler Australia (the outcome of that is pending).
For more information:
MITSUBISHI MAN
The Stealthy Lobbyist
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Q: Why are you working behind the scenes to assist Lemon Laws 4 Aus ?
The system is inherently unfair and my reasons for getting behind lemon laws are about "bargaining power";
Trade and commerce hold all the cards and failing Government support, the consumer, by default, is forced to follow whatever they say.
Government regulators challenging business practices making money from repairs makes unpopular politics.
THE CONSUMER, can't get any rights unless permitted.
Three lemon cars all in a row.
A Fiat, one Jeep and an Alfa Romeo.