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The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it is issuing a second Federal Register Notice (FRN) on a proposed qualitative survey of consumers to learn about their experiences in buying and financing automobiles at dealerships, and is seeking clearance from the Office of Management and Budget to conduct the study. The second FRN also calls for additional public comments as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The proposed consumer survey, which will include consumer interviews and receipt of consumers’ purchase and finance documents, is designed to assist the FTC by providing useful insights into consumer understanding of the automobile purchasing and financing process at the dealership.

In December 2015, the FTC issued a Federal Register Notice seeking public comment on the proposed survey. The FTC received 17 comments in response to that notice that are addressed in the second FRN. The FTC now invites further comments concerning the accuracy of burden estimates on surveyed consumers and ways to minimize the information collection burden.

Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice, to be published in the Federal Register shortly. Comments must be received on or before October 14, 2016. All comments received will be posted on the FTC’s website. (FTC File No. P154800; the staff contacts are Carole Reynolds and Teresa Kosmidis, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3230 or 202-326-3216)

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.