WeBuyCars confirms settlement with Consumer Commission
WeBuyCars will refund 31 consumers R3.4 million and pay a R2.5 million fine for violating the Consumer Protection Act.Summary
Car dealer WeBuyCars has reached a settlement with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) regarding complaints from 31 consumers. The complaints centered around WeBuyCars’ failure to adhere to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which grants consumers the right to return defective used cars within six months for a refund, repair, or exchange. As part of the settlement, approved by the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT), WeBuyCars will refund the affected consumers a total of R3.4 million and pay a R2.5 million penalty.
WeBuyCars stated that the settlement resolves “legacy matters” identified by the NCC and allows the company to focus on future compliance and customer interests. The company has implemented operational improvements to enhance consumer-facing processes and strengthen its compliance framework. They also highlighted their collaboration with the NCC and the Motor Industry Ombud of South Africa (MIOSA).
Despite selling 172,320 pre-owned vehicles in 2024, WeBuyCars reports a low dispute rate of 0.36% with MIOSA, with the majority of cases resolved favorably. The company emphasizes its commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement within the South African motor industry.
(Source：The Citizen)