Dealers Can Now Get In Trouble If They Advertise Cars That Aren't Actually Available

Key Points:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is cracking down on car dealerships for illegal advertising practices, including promoting unavailable or nonexistent vehicles, with potential fines exceeding $50,000 per offense.
• Swickard Auto Group settled with the Alaska Department of Law for $1 million over allegations of deceptive advertising and refusing to sell vehicles at advertised prices, though the company denied wrongdoing.
• Jaguar-Land Rover temporarily paused production at its Solihull plant due to supplier parts issues, affecting flagship Range Rover models, with production expected to resume by April 8.
• Ford is facing tight inventory of its F-150 trucks due to aluminum supply shortages and tariffs, leading to increased prices and a focus on higher-end models with an average price of $87,000.
• Stellantis is paying performance bonuses to salaried, nonunion employees despite a $26.5 billion loss in 2025, sparking criticism from United Auto Workers (UAW) leaders who highlight the lack of profit-sharing for union members.
• Gas prices have stabilized around $3.98 per gallon for three days, with Brent crude oil prices above $110 per barrel, indicating potential future price increases.