LDV Automotive Australia taken to court over allegedly misleading representations on vehicle durability

Date: 24 April 2025
Source:  Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, trading as LDV Automotive Australia (LDV), for allegedly making misleading representations to consumers.

The ACCC alleges that between 23 April 2019 and 30 November 2024, LDV made misleading representations about the durability and suitability of certain LDV branded vehicles, specifically models with T60 and G10 in their names (excluding the eT60). These vehicles were marketed as being suitable for use in, near, or on a range of environments and off-road terrains. LDV made these representations across various platforms, including its website, television, radio, Facebook and Instagram, often featuring the vehicles driving on beaches, near lakes, rivers, or water, and across unsealed, dirt or gravel roads.

The ACCC alleges that these vehicles had a propensity to develop rust or corrosion within the first five years from their manufacture, contradicting LDV’s claims of durability and toughness. The risk of corrosion reportedly increased when the vehicles were used in the very terrains for they…