Dealers cop register bans

Eleven dealers were banned from the Motor Vehicles Traders Register (MVTR) in the year to the end of June 2024 and a further six had their registrations cancelled for failing to comply with the rules, a new report reveals.

The figures have been revealed by Duncan Connor, pictured, registrar of motor vehicle traders, after he released registration and complaints statistics for the 2023/24 financial year.

The MVTR received 108 complaints about dealers during that period and there were 2,852 registered traders as of the end of June this year.

During the financial year, 116 investigations into complaints were completed and three companies or individuals were convicted of offences.

As for non-compliance with Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal orders, the statistics show 23 complaints were received and 13 complaints were closed.

A first breach for non-compliance was recorded against 30 traders, and nine dealers were found to have made a second breach.

Portal upgrade

The MVTR also details in a recent email newsletter that its portal will be upgraded before the end of the year to update its system technology and improve security. 

The new portal will be accessible through the Motor Vehicle Traders website and registration details will automatically transfer onto the new system.

Dealers are advised the new portal will look different from the current one and they will need a RealMe account to log in, which must be done by either the registered individual, a director, or chief executive officer of the company.

“We recommend that you check that your registration details are up to date before October,” the MVTR says. “For companies, this includes making sure all directors and CEOs are listed correctly to match the Companies Office register.”

The MVTR notes it will contact traders closer to the time of the upgrade with more information on how to connect their RealMe account to information in the new register.