July 21, 2003

An Oakland County auto repair facility’s license is suspended after an undercover investigation by the Department of State and Royal Oak Police Department revealed numerous alleged scams against consumers.

Since 1999, nearly 30 customer complaints have been lodged against MPM Automotive Technology Inc., also doing business as American Transmissions. The shop is at 802 S. Main St., Royal Oak.

Company manager Joseph Viviano of 1719 Crooks Road, Royal Oak, was arraigned this morning in 44th District Court. On July 16, company president Michael R. Murray of 146 Somerset, Brooklyn, was arraigned as well. Murray and Viviano work at the facility and manage its daily activities.

"Dealing with car problems is stressful enough," Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said. "The last thing that motorists need is to be taken for a ride by an unscrupulous repair facility. Most shops are professional and upstanding. But I hope this action sends a strong signal to the few that would take advantage of customers. The laws are designed to protect consumers and they are being enforced. I appreciate the fine work of our state investigators and the Royal Oak Police Department in this case."

Authorities allege that MPM:

• Charged for repairs that were not performed.
• Falsely represented that repairs were necessary.
• Violated mechanic certification requirements.
• Failed to give written estimates.
• Performed repairs without customer authorization.
• Asserted, claimed or imposed an illegal lien.
• Barred a customer from reclaiming a replaced part.
• Hindered or obstructed an inspection.
• Committed numerous other illegal acts, including providing a false statement of material facts and performing unfair and deceptive practices.

State and local authorities gathered further evidence by taking a vehicle with a prepared deficiency to MPM for service. The vehicle did not need transmission work. However, MPM officials told the undercover investigators that the problem stemmed from the transmission and that it required disassembly to determine the extent of repairs. MPM later contacted the investigators and sold them over $2,300 in transmission repairs.

Authorities initially launched the investigation based on consumer complaints and found several violations of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. MPM was notified of each violation. In some instances, the department mediated resolutions.

Despite the notices, MPM continued generating customer complaints, prompting additional disciplinary action and investigation by the state.

A hearing has been scheduled to determine whether the license will be revoked. The Department of State Bureau of Legal and Regulatory Services regulates auto repair facilities, mechanics and auto dealers.

Editor’s note: Radio actualities are available on the Department of State’s news line at (517) 241-2800.

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