The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has established a violation of the Law of Georgia on the Protection of Consumer Rights in the vehicle trade sector by ind. entrepreneur Giorgi Basilidze.
Following a review of the materials submitted to the Agency, it was established that the trader had intentionally manipulated the odometer reading of a vehicle, reducing it from 190,952 km to 55,000 km. Consequently, the consumer was misled by inaccurate information at the time of purchase.
The GCCA underscores that a vehicle’s mileage is a key indicator in assessing its wear and tear, technical condition, and market value. Typically, lower mileage corresponds to a higher price, while higher mileage suggests greater usage and potential repair needs. As such, mileage is a critical factor influencing a consumer’s purchasing decision and the overall valuation of the vehicle.
The Agency further notes that the odometer reading constitutes a material term of the purchase agreement. Any falsification or concealment of this information compromises the consumer’s ability to make an informed decision, breaches contractual obligations and legal expectations, and, under Georgian law, qualifies as a misleading commercial practice.
In line with the Agency’s decision, the trader is required to provide accurate, transparent, and complete information regarding a vehicle’s mileage. Furthermore, the consumer who filed the complaint with the Agency is seeking a proportional reduction in the vehicle’s purchase price an appeal that the GCCA considers lawful and justified.
Accordingly, the Agency has granted the trader a one-month deadline to remedy the consumer’s infringed rights and address the consequences of the unfair commercial practice.
