On September 30, Michael Dingman from the FTC addressed automotive regulators, discussing pricing transparency in dealership advertising. He covered fees, price breakdowns, optional add-ons, savings claims, and the role of third-party advertising, emphasizing truthful representation and compliance.
FTC Consumer Protection Official Shares Perspective on Pricing Transparency for Dealers Read Post »
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EV) has given lithium-ion batteries a new level of scrutiny. OEMs are now more hands-on in their approach to understand, and sometimes influence, how dealerships across the country manage these heavy battery packs safely and efficiently. Most don’t realize that these alternative sources of energy in the service department is not a novel concept because they have long been a familiar presence in your service bays in the form of an electric forklift, electric pallet jack, golf cart, and even ride-on floor scrubber. This article will identify this unique hazard and discuss what dealerships can do today to mitigate their risk of these types of emergencies in their repair facility.
A New Hazard in the Repair Facility: Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Read Post »
On April 14, 2026, the FTC announced enforcement against companies falsely claiming “Made in the USA,” highlighting the necessity for truthful advertising and compliance with regulations.
FTC Advertising Enforcement Actions for “Made in the USA” Claims Read Post »
According to new guidance from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, dealerships in California must register and collect additional fees if they are selling retail parts that are considered to be “covered battery-embedded products.”
CA Dealers Selling Embedded-Battery Products at Retail Must Take Action Read Post »
Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that requires opioid antagonists to be present and ready to administer at all worksites that are required to maintain a first aid kit under federal OSHA standards.
New York Joins California in Requiring Opioid Antagonists at Worksites Read Post »
OSHA’s first aid requirements are often a source of uncertainty for employers, and dealerships are no exception. Questions frequently arise about how many first aid kits are “adequate,” whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be included in training, or if employers should invest in automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Emergency Response: First Aid and Your Duty as an Employer Read Post »
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced updates to OSHA’s penalty framework that could result in substantial savings for employers. This is the most employer-friendly shift in OSHA enforcement policy in years, placing an emphasis on fixing issues quickly and a history of hazard mitigation efforts.
OSHA Reduces Penalties for Small Businesses & Safety-Conscious Employers Read Post »
New regulations take effect on July 1, 2025. With a continued emphasis on enforcement and the recent passage of these new regulations, the BAR is becoming emboldened and there is no sign of them slowing down.
By Hao Nguyen Senior Product and Regulatory Counsel As I was driving to visit a dealership in Central California recently,
Heat Illness and Injury: Uninvite OSHA to Your Summer Barbeque Read Post »
