The Federal Trade Commission released new pricing guidance for auto dealers, emphasizing that an advertised vehicle price must reflect the amount any consumer can pay before government-required taxes and fees.
The agency's frequently asked questions address document fees, rebates, discounts, optional add-ons, vehicles in transit and price negotiations. The FTC says dealers may violate federal law when advertising a lower price and later adding mandatory charges that were not disclosed.
The guidance follows warning letters sent earlier this year to 97 auto groups. The FTC says price transparency remains an enforcement priority.