State suspends licenses of 3 metro Detroit auto dealers

Owners accused of failing to keep records

DETROIT – The licenses of auto dealers in Waterford Township, Wyandotte and Detroit have been summarily suspended for failure to follow proper procedures, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said Monday.

The auto dealers Johnson suspended are:

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Ethan Edwards, who did business as First Place Auto Sales, 2020 Dixie Highway in Waterford Township. Secretary of State investigators conducted an inspection of the dealership and did not find complete records. The dealer is alleged to have sold 14 vehicles for which he did not have titles in his possession and to have continually failed to apply for titles and registrations for his customers. Without a valid title, a buyer cannot register and plate the vehicle, and will have difficulty proving ownership.

John Yurkovich Auto Sales, Inc., 2355 Fort Street in Wyandotte. Investigators found evidence of failure by the dealer to apply for title and registration in a purchaser’s name within the required 15 days and failure to have a properly assigned title in immediate possession as required by law.

M & M Cars, Inc., 4210 E. 8 Mile Road in Detroit. Investigators reported that the dealer failed to provide records of auto sales and inventory. Previous inspections of the dealership resulted in violations for failure to maintain their police book.

“Auto dealers who don’t follow the rules are being put on notice,” Johnson said. “My team and I are committed to protecting consumers from unscrupulous sellers. Automobile transactions must have a complete and accurate paper trail, and dealers who ignore this requirement will face consequences.”

Dealers can request an administrative hearing to contest their suspension and may regain their license if they show they’ve complied with the law. Additional administrative actions are also possible.

Consumers who have a complaint against First Place Auto Sales, John Yurkovich Auto Sales or M & M Cars Inc. are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 517-335-1410.