BBB Announces smart USA as New Participant in BBB AUTO LINE

Warranty dispute resolution service now available to smart USA owners nationwide through BBB AUTO LINE program

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The Council of Better Business Bureaus announced today that it will provide warranty dispute resolution between smart USA car owners and smart USA under the BBB AUTO LINE program. BBB AUTO LINE assistance is available for free to smart car owners – and the owners of more than 20 other makes of car.

Since first being introduced in the US this year, more than 22,000 smart Fortwo cars have been sold to American drivers. Because of the agreement between BBB and smart USA, smart USA drivers will now be able to take advantage of the highly-touted warranty dispute services provided by the BBB AUTOLINE program. According to the most recent survey of participants, 80 percent would recommend BBB AUTO LINE to family or friends.

“The BBB AUTO LINE program has a stellar track record for customer satisfaction and smart car owners can trust our expertise for resolving disputes quickly and efficiently,” said Rod Davis, VP Programs and Services at the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Before legal action becomes necessary, BBB AUTO LINE helps two parties resolve disagreements so that expensive legal proceedings are not required.”

BBB AUTO LINE provides warranty dispute resolution between the auto manufacturer and the owner. Of the nearly 30,000 complaints handled in 2007 alone, most were resolved by mutual agreement between the consumer and the manufacturer.

If the problem is not resolved through a mutual agreement, eligible consumers can present their case to an impartial arbitrator at an informal hearing. The arbitrator will render a decision – which may include repairs, reimbursement or the repurchase or replacement of the consumer’s vehicle. The consumer is then free to accept or reject the decision. If the consumer accepts the decision, the manufacturer is bound to comply with it; if the consumer rejects the decision, the consumer may go on to pursue any other options – including legal action – that are available.

In addition to smart USA, most major automobile companies rely on the services of the BBB AUTO LINE program when resolving warranty disputes with their US customers. The following manufacturers are national participants in the BBB AUTO LINE program: Acura, AM General, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lincoln, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, and Volkswagen. Many other car manufacturers participate on a state-by-state basis.

A detailed listing of all participants, including additional information on the BBB AUTO LINE program may be found on the BBB Web site at:

http://us.bbb.org/BBBAUTOLINE

Consumers can also call: 800-955-5100, for more information on BBB AUTO LINE or to file a complaint.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

SOURCE Council of Better Business Bureaus