Auto Dealer Group Claims FTC In-House Case Violates Constitution

An auto dealer group facing accusations from the Federal Trade Commission of misleading customers about add-on fees is seeking to block the agency’s administrative case on the grounds that it violates the Constitution.

The FTC in August brought an in-house complaint alleging three Texas dealerships run by Asbury Automotive illegally sneak hidden fees for unwanted add-ons past consumers. They also target Black and Latino consumers with such tactics, the FTC alleges.

Asbury, in an Oct. 4 lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, argued its constitutional rights to a jury trial and due process are ...