According to TACC, the ACCC is correct to insist on best practice advertising by automotive dealers and strict adherence to the relevant sections of the Trade Practices Act.

"TACC takes its role as the peak industry body and the standards leader for the retail automotive industry in the State of Tasmania very seriously," TACC's General Manager, Malcolm Little, said.

"Through its new and used car dealer divisions, TACC has been active in promoting a regime of best practices for vehicle advertising. It also provides one-on-one advice and training.

"This has resulted in improved practices in advertising and increased transparency for consumers. Our intent is to keep the industry in Tasmania moving forward and we spend a lot of time working with Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading in Tasmania to achieve this.

"While we support the 'Guidelines for Pricing in the Motor Vehicle Industry' booklet released some months ago by the ACCC. We do recognise, however, that a very small percentage of members slip-up occasionally - most often inadvertently. If a complaint is made about a member or a problem brought to our attention, we act quickly to ensure that the member is alerted and conforms with their legal obligations in these matters," Mr Little said.

"We have strongly recommended to all TACC new and used car dealer members that they make themselves familiar with the Guidelines.

"More than 50% of used vehicles however are sold privately. Consumers have very little protection in private sales if they buy unwisely.

"Illegal kerbside selling is an even greater risk to consumers and deserves more attention from local Government in the application of by-laws, and from the State Government.

"Buying from a bona fide Motor Car Trader provides a consumer with statutory protection," Mr Little said.

For more information, contact Malcolm Little at TACC on 03 6278 1611 or 0408 398 670