A dealership in Greensboro is refusing to file paperwork for a customer's DMV license plate because they have yet to receive money from the government for the "clunker" trade-in.
Mary Witherspoon bought a car from Crown Honda in Greensboro on August 1 and traded in her 1989 Ford Ranger as part of the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
After she purchased the car, she was given a temporary 30-day tag while the DMV issued her a state license plate. However, because the dealership has not been paid for Witherspoon's trade-in, they are refusing to file the paperwork.
"We're satisfied with the car and everything, but now we just can't get tags for my car," said Witherspoon.
Kevin Hand, General Manager of Crown Honda, referred Witherspoon to Asbury Corporation, which oversees Crown Honda. Hand said his dealership is in the same position as many dealerships across the country waiting for the first "clunkers" check.
Until the money arrives, Honda Financial will continue to hold the title to the car.
According to the DMV, state law says dealers are required to file paperwork and get tags to customers within 28 days. According to DMV spokeswoman Marge Howell, this includes dealers waiting for money from the federal government.
Witherspoon told FOX8 she has been advised by Congressman Howard Coble's office to not make a car payment until she has permanent tags.
After Witherspoon contacted FOX8 about the issue with the tags, she was promised that the dealership would pay for any penalties she incurred for driving with the expired tags. She was also given a hand-written notice that the tags were sent out on September 1, over 30 days after her initial purchase.
UPDATE: On Thursday, Crown Honda e-mailed the following statement to FOX8:
"Crown Honda has a process in place to ensure that our customers get their tags in a timely manner. However, due to the red tape and confusion associated with the Cash for Clunkers program, this process underwent some adjustments that resulted in the delayed mailing of Ms. Witherspoons' tags. We sincerely apologize for the difficulty Ms. Witherspoon has endured, and are taking steps to ensure that a situation like this does not recur."
Mary Witherspoon bought a car from Crown Honda in Greensboro on August 1 and traded in her 1989 Ford Ranger as part of the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
After she purchased the car, she was given a temporary 30-day tag while the DMV issued her a state license plate. However, because the dealership has not been paid for Witherspoon's trade-in, they are refusing to file the paperwork.
"We're satisfied with the car and everything, but now we just can't get tags for my car," said Witherspoon.
Kevin Hand, General Manager of Crown Honda, referred Witherspoon to Asbury Corporation, which oversees Crown Honda. Hand said his dealership is in the same position as many dealerships across the country waiting for the first "clunkers" check.
Until the money arrives, Honda Financial will continue to hold the title to the car.
According to the DMV, state law says dealers are required to file paperwork and get tags to customers within 28 days. According to DMV spokeswoman Marge Howell, this includes dealers waiting for money from the federal government.
Witherspoon told FOX8 she has been advised by Congressman Howard Coble's office to not make a car payment until she has permanent tags.
After Witherspoon contacted FOX8 about the issue with the tags, she was promised that the dealership would pay for any penalties she incurred for driving with the expired tags. She was also given a hand-written notice that the tags were sent out on September 1, over 30 days after her initial purchase.
UPDATE: On Thursday, Crown Honda e-mailed the following statement to FOX8:
"Crown Honda has a process in place to ensure that our customers get their tags in a timely manner. However, due to the red tape and confusion associated with the Cash for Clunkers program, this process underwent some adjustments that resulted in the delayed mailing of Ms. Witherspoons' tags. We sincerely apologize for the difficulty Ms. Witherspoon has endured, and are taking steps to ensure that a situation like this does not recur."
