In Wichita, Kansas, a significant event has unfolded that has had a major impact on a local car dealership. (KWCH/Gray News) This dealership, once a prominent player in the automotive market, now finds itself unable to sell vehicles within the state. The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has been at the center of this matter, and their investigations have led to some startling revelations.

Consumer Complaints and Judgments

A consumer complaint served as the catalyst for a nearly $400,000 judgment against the owner of the dealership. Kayode Ajibolade, the owner of the Carnation dealership, was found to have violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. He failed to disclose that a car had blown airbags before selling it. After the purchase, the consumer discovered an airbag simulator device that concealed the fact that the airbag had been deployed. Further investigations by the Consumer Protection Division revealed that in the first quarter of 2023, Ajibolade and Carnation had sold 12 more cars with blown airbags, and they failed to disclose this crucial information to the consumers.This isn't the first time Carnation has faced such issues. In 2019, Carnation LLC entered into a prior consent judgment with the DA’s Consumer Protection Division, admitting to being deceptive by not disclosing a blown airbag. In the current case, the Sedgwick County DA’s Office stated that in April, the sales of 13 cars by Carnation with undisclosed and concealed blown airbags constituted willful violations of the 2019 consent judgment and the KCPA.

The Consequences for the Dealership Owner

On November 22, in the latest default judgment entered against Ajibolade, the dealership owner was found personally liable with Carnation LLC for the remaining balance of the judgment. This led to the court’s decision to revoke Ajibolade’s license to do business in Kansas. The once-thriving dealership now faces a bleak future, with its ability to operate in the state severely restricted.This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and compliance in the automotive industry. Consumers rely on dealerships to provide accurate information about the vehicles they are purchasing. When dealerships fail to meet these expectations, it not only leads to legal consequences but also damages the trust between the dealership and its customers.

The Impact on the Local Market

The downfall of this car dealership has had a ripple effect on the local market. With one of the major players removed from the scene, other dealerships may experience increased competition as they try to fill the void. This could potentially lead to changes in pricing and customer service strategies as dealerships vie for the attention of consumers.Moreover, the case has raised awareness about the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the automotive industry. It highlights the importance of ensuring that dealerships are held accountable for their actions and that consumers are protected from deceptive practices.In conclusion, the story of the Carnation dealership in Wichita is a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to meet consumer expectations and comply with the law. It serves as a reminder that in the highly competitive world of automotive sales, honesty and integrity are essential for long-term success.