A luxury car consignment company and its Director have been permanently banned by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) from ever holding a motor vehicle dealers’ licence in WA after the car yard closed down owing many of its clients substantial amounts of money.

Luxuride Pty Ltd, formerly of West Perth, and Director Nicholas Ngo (also known as Khoi Nguyen Ngo and Nguyen Khoi) were also reprimanded by the SAT. Mr Ngo was further disqualified from ever being involved in the management of a dealership in WA in the future.

The SAT order was issued on 29 January 2020 in the absence of Mr Ngo who is believed to be living overseas since the Luxuride dealership closed its doors in April 2018.

In December 2018, the company and Mr Ngo were fined a total of $90,000 after being convicted of 23 offences under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and six offences under the Australian Consumer Law after making false or misleading statements to owners regarding the true sale price of their vehicles.

$90,000 fine for consignment car dealer and Director (Luxuride / Nicholas Ngo)

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said this legal action is the final chapter in a sad case that has adversely affected many WA consumers.

“While Mr Ngo escapes facing true justice by remaining overseas, we have ensured that he will never be involved in selling vehicles in WA at any time in the future should he decide to return,” Ms Chopping said.

“It is indeed a sad ending for many of the Luxuride clients who are owed money with there being little or no chance that they will recover their losses.

“There are sections of the Act that specifically deal with consignment sales and are designed to protect consumers who decide to sell their vehicles in this way. However, Mr Ngo flaunted these laws and engaged in deceptive practices which left many of his customers betrayed and out of pocket.”

Vehicle owners who choose to sell their vehicles on consignment are urged to familiarise themselves with the regulations, and ensure their dealer is complying with them. If not, contact Consumer Protection immediately by email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au