From the Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Can an automobile ad say that a car is “fully loaded” or that vehicles are offered “at wholesale?”

A: No. The Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices Regulations prohibit the use of these terms in an automobile ad. Dealers should not use phrases such as “standard factory equipment,” “fully equipped” or “loaded.” They are considered to be misleading to consumers. Similarly, dealers cannot use the phrase “at wholesale,” as the term “wholesale” would indicate that the vehicle was being offered at no profit to the dealership. Dealers can use the generic phrase “nicely equipped” and may use the term “invoice” as long as the advertisement is not misleading and the dealer can substantiate the invoice price.

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