Automakers pay $41M to settle ratings claims

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island will receive approximately $654,000 to resolve allegations automakers Hyundai and Kia violated state consumer protection laws, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced Oct. 27.

The funds are part of a $41 million multistate settlement to resolve claims the companies misrepresented mileage and fuel-economy ratings for some of their model year 2011, 2012 and 2013 vehicles.

It is alleged Hyundai and Kia used inflated and inaccurate data in estimated mileage ratings displayed on window stickers of thousands of cars, which were likely to mislead consumers looking to purchase a vehicle at a time of high gas prices.

Kilmartin alleged these actions constituted violations of the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

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“To fix the data to sell more cars is deceptive and violates our consumer- protection laws,” he said in a statement. •

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