A Marton man has been awarded $6000 compensation after his vehicle proved less fuel-efficient than he expected.
Bruce Campbell bought a 2014 Ford Kuga Titanium Ecoboost AWD - or Ford Kuga Titanium - in April last year after being told its fuel economy would be 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
But this "innocent misrepresentation" by the dealer, Wanganui Motors, saw the matter end up with the Disputes Tribunal after Mr Campbell could only achieve fuel economy as low as 9.4 litres per 100km.
The tribunal ruled in Mr Campbell's favour, awarding $6000 compensation. The tribunal referee was satisfied this was an "innocent misrepresentation" by Wanganui Motors as they relied on incorrect information given by Ford.
Mr Campbell said the decision to buy the car was based on an understanding its fuel economy would be 7.7 litres per 100km - as per the vehicle window card and what he was told by the dealership's sales manager. The sales manager denied these claims.