In advertising motor vehicles, which practice is allowed?

Using a picture of a different vehicle of the same year, make, and equipment is allowed in advertising motor vehicles under certain conditions. This practice can be utilized when the intent is to showcase the features or capabilities typical of that model. As long as the advertisement does not inaccurately suggest that the specific vehicle in the picture is the actual vehicle being sold, this approach is permissible. It allows dealers to effectively highlight vehicles by using representations that evoke interest without breaching consumer trust or regulatory guidelines regarding clarity in advertising.

In contrast, practices like advertising vehicles that are out of stock or misrepresenting the status of a vehicle—claiming a used vehicle is new—are misleading and violate advertising regulations. Similarly, using misleading pricing terms without clear disclosures undermines the transparency that is critical in automotive sales, leading to consumer deception which is not acceptable. These practices could result in regulatory penalties and damage to the dealer's reputation, as they violate the trust essential in the sales process.