FTC Denies Extending Comment Period on Proposed Dealer Regulations

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has denied requests from the National Automobile Dealers Association and other trade groups to extend the deadline for public comments on proposed auto dealer regulations.

FTC Secretary April Tabor wrote in an undated document that the public has already received an additional 20 days to submit comments. The new regulations were proposed on June 23, published in the Federal Register on July 13, with the 60-day comment period ending on Sept. 12. The total days for comment add up to 80 days.

“This period affords the public a meaningful opportunity to provide the Commission with comments regarding its rulemaking proposal,” Tabor wrote. “Upon consideration of these facts and the requests, the commission declines to extend the period for public comment.”

The FTC voted 5-0 against a further deadline extension after receiving approximately 2,400 comments. Other associations requesting an extension include the American International Automotive Dealers Association, the National Independent Automotive Dealer Association and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.

In the F&I field, American Financial Services Association, the Service Contract Industry Council, the Guaranteed Asset Protection Alliance and the Motor Vehicle Protection Products Association also sought an extension.