Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc
Volume 125 · 125 F.T.C. 528
deceptive advertisingcredit lending
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Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc, 125 F.T.C. 528 (1998). Consumer Law Library, https://consumerlawlibrary.org/decisions/v125-0025
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Complaint 125 F.T.C.
IN THE MATTER OF
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC.
CONSENT ORDER, ETC., IN REGARD TO ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE CONSUMER LEASING ACT, REGULATION M AND SEC. 5 OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT
Docket C-3792. Complaint, April 6, 1998--Decision, April 6, 1998
This consent order prohibits, among other things, the Illinois-based advertising agency of Mazda Motor of America from misrepresenting in any motor vehicle lease advertisement the total amount due at lease signing or delivery, the amount down, and/or the down payment, capitalized cost, reduction, or other amounts that reduce the capitalized cost of the vehicle (or that no such amount is required).
Appearances
For the Commission: Rolando Berrelez, Sally Pitofsky and David Medine.
For the respondent: Elroy H. Wolff, Sidley & Austin, Washington, D.C.
COMPLAINT
The Federal Trade Commission, having reason to believe that Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc., a corporation ("respondent" or "FCB"), has violated the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45-58, as amended, the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667-1667e, as amended, and its implementing Regulation M, 12 CFR 213, as amended, and it appearing to the Commission that this proceeding is in the public interest, alleges:
1. Respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc. is a Delaware corporation with its principal office or place of business at 101 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois. 2. Respondent, at all times relevant to this complaint, was an advertising agency of Mazda Motor of America, Inc. ("Mazda"). Respondent has disseminated advertisements to the public that promote consumer leases, as the terms "advertisement" and "consumer lease" are defined in Section 213.2 of Regulation M, 12 CFR 213.2, as amended.
3. The acts and practices of respondent alleged in this complaint have been in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 44.
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 529
528 Complaint
4. Respondent has prepared and disseminated, or has caused to be prepared and disseminated, consumer lease advertisements ("lease advertisements") for Mazda vehicles, including but not necessarily limited to the attached FCB Exhibits A through D. FCB Exhibits A through C are television lease advertisements (attached hereto in video and storyboard format) and Exhibit D is a print lease advertisement. These advertisements contain the following statements:
A. [Audio:] "One penny down. Great leases. Very little time. On Protégé. A penny (down). And one eighty-nine. The B2300 SE. A penny down. And one ninety-nine. 626. A penny and two-o-nine. Miata. . . . A penny and two nineteen. Passion for the road. Put your penny down." [Video:] [open on a man jumping through a rain of pennies.] "MAZDA ONE PENNY DOWN 36 MO. LEASES [running footage of Protégé] $189 A MO. [over graphic of a penny spinning] [running footage of B2300] $199 A MO. [over graphic of a penny spinning] [running footage of 626] $209 A MO. [over graphic of a penny spinning] [running footage of Miata] $219 A MO." [over graphic of a penny spinning] [The advertisement contains the following lease disclosure at the bottom of the screen in white colored fine print superimposed on a black background and accompanied by background sounds and images: " . . . Offer on '96 Protégé DX w/Conv. Pkg., MSRP $14,720. Assumes $1325 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $6,809.04. Initial fees = $439.15. Purchase option at lease end = $7,654.40 Offer on '96 B2300 SE. . . MSRP $14,605. Assumes $859 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,198.92. Initial fees = $449.98. Purchase option at lease end = $7,594.60. Offer on '96 626 DX w/Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,540. Assumes $1,241 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,532.64. Initial fees = $459.25. Purchase option at lease end = $9,471.60. Offer on '96 Miata . . . MSRP $19,280. Assumes $1,198 dealer contribution. 36 monthly payments = $7,908.84. Initial fees = $469.70. Purchase option at lease end = $10,796.80. . . . $450 Acq. fee plus taxes, title, license, & registration also due at lease signing. Early termination = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000, maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. . . ." The fine print is displayed on four screens, each containing a block of at least five lines, and each block appearing for approximately three seconds.][FCB Exhibit A). B. [Audio:] "Lease a 626. Zero down, two-o-nine a month." [Video:] "From $0 DOWN $209 A MO. 36 MONTHS." [The advertisement contains the following lease disclosure at the bottom of the screen in white colored fine print superimposed on a black background and accompanied by background sounds and images: " . . . 36 mo. payments = $7,551. Initial fees = $459.75 plus $450 acq. fee, taxes, title, license & registration. Early termination fee = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000, maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. Purchase option at lease end = $9471.60. . . ." The fine print is displayed on three screens, each containing a block of at least three lines, and each block appearing for approximately two seconds.][FCB Exhibit B). C. [Audio:] "Its Mazda Jump . . . on Summer." [Video:] "ZERO DOWN LEASES 36 MONTHS"
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
[cut to Protégé badge. Mazda Protégé running footage] [Audio:] "On Protégé. Zero and one eighty-nine." [Video:] "$0 DOWN PYMT. $189 A MONTH WELL-EQUIPPED" [cut to B2300 badge. Mazda B2300 running footage] [Audio:] "B2300 SE-5. Zero and one ninety-nine." [Video:] "$0 DOWN PYMT. $199 A MONTH FULLY LOADED SE-5." [cut to 626 badge. . . 626 running footage] [Audio:] "Six-two-six. . . Zero and two-o-nine." [Video:] "$0 DOWN PYMT. $209 A MONTH WELL-EQUIPPED" [The advertisement contains the following lease disclosure at the bottom of the screen in white colored fine print superimposed on a black background and accompanied by background sounds and images: "Closed- end leases to qualified lessees. Approval of Mazda American Credit & insurance required. Offer on '96 Protégé DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $14,720. Assumes $1,325 dealer contribution. 36 mo. pymts = $6,836.04. Initial fees = $439.89. Purchase option at lease end = $7,507.20. Offer on '96 B2300 SE Reg Cab w/ A/C & Pref. Equip. Grp., MSRP $14,605. Assumes $1,888 dealer contribution. 36 mo. pymts = $7,193.16. Initial fees = $449.81. Purchase option at lease end = $7,740.65. Offer on '96 626 DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,540. Assumes $1,241 dealer contribution. 36 mo. pymts = $7,558.20. Initial fees = $459.95. Purchase option at lease end = $9,647. All leases incl. freight, excl. CA/MA/NY emissions. $450 Acq. Fee plus taxes, title, license & registration also due at lease signing. Early termination = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000, maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. Must take retail delivery by 6/3/96. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALERS FOR DETAILS AND ACTUAL TERMS." The fine print is displayed on three screens, each containing a block of at least four lines, and each block appearing for approximately three seconds.[FCB Exhibit C). D. "MAZDA PENNY DOWN GREAT LEASES OR BUY" [The advertisement contains lease offers for four vehicles:] "MAZDA PROTÉGÉ . . . LEASE 1¢ DOWN $189 MO. 36 MOS. . . . B2300SE SPORT TRUCK . . . LEASE 1¢ DOWN $199 MO. 36 MOS. . . . 626 SPORT SEDAN . . . LEASE 1¢ DOWN $209 MO. 36 MOS. . . MAZDA MIATA . . . LEASE 1¢ DOWN $219 MO. 36 MOS."[The advertisement contains the following lease disclosure at the bottom of the page in small print: "Offer on '96 Protégé DX (LX shown) w/Conv. Pkg., MSRP $14,720. Assumes $1,325 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $6,809.04. Initial fees = $439.15. Purchase option at lease end = $7,654.40. Offer on '96 B2300 SE Reg. Cab (Cab Plus shown) w/ A/C & Pref. Equip. Grp., MSRP $14,605. Assumes $859 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,198.92. Initial fees = $449.98. Purchase option at lease end = $7,594.60. Offer on '96 626 DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,540. Assumes $1,241 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,532.64. Initial fees = $459.25. Purchase option at lease end = $9,471.60. Offer on '96 Miata w/ pwr. steering & mats, MSRP $19,280. Assumes $1,198 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,908.84. Initial fees = $469.70. Purchase option at lease end = $10,796.80. All leases incl. freight. Protégé/626/B2300 SE excl. CA/MA/NY emissions. $450 Acq. fee + taxes, title, license, & registration also due at lease signing. Early termination = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000, maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. Must
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 531
528 Complaint
take retail delivery by 4/1/96. See participating dealer for details & actual terms."](FCB Exhibit D)
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT VIOLATIONS COUNT I: MISREPRESENTATION IN LEASE ADVERTISING
5. Through the means described in paragraph four, respondent has represented, expressly or by implication, that the amount stated as "down" in respondent's lease advertisements is the total amount consumers must pay at lease inception to lease the advertised vehicles.
6. In truth and in fact, the amount stated as "down" in respondent's lease advertisements is not the total amount consumers must pay at lease inception to lease the advertised vehicles. Consumers must also pay additional fees beyond the amount stated as "down," such as the first month's payment, a security deposit, and/or an acquisition fee, at lease inception. Therefore, the representation as alleged in paragraph five was, and is, false or misleading.
7. Respondent knew or should have known that the representation set forth in paragraph five was, and is, false and misleading. 8. Respondent's practices constitute deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a).
COUNT II: FAILURE TO DISCLOSE ADEQUATELY IN LEASE ADVERTISING
9. In its lease advertisements, respondent has represented, expressly or by implication, that consumers can lease the advertised vehicles at the terms prominently stated in the advertisements, including but not necessarily limited to the monthly payment amount and/or amount stated as "down." These advertisements do not adequately disclose additional terms pertaining to the lease offer, including but not necessarily limited to a required security deposit, an acquisition fee, and/or the first month's payment due at lease inception. The existence of additional terms would be material to consumers in deciding whether to lease a Mazda vehicle. The failure to disclose adequately these additional terms, in light of the representation made, was, and is, a deceptive practice. 10. Respondent knew or should have known that the failure to disclose adequately material terms as set forth in paragraph nine was, and is, deceptive.
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
11. Respondent's practices constitute deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a).
COUNT III: CONSUMER LEASING ACT AND REGULATION M VIOLATIONS
12. Respondent's lease advertisements, including but not necessarily limited to FCB Exhibits A through D, state a monthly payment amount, the number of required payments, and/or an amount "down." The lease disclosures in these advertisements contain one or more of the following terms required by Regulation M: that the transaction advertised is a lease; the total amount of any payment such as a security deposit or capitalized cost reduction required at the consummation of the lease or that no such payments are required; the total of periodic payments due under the lease; a statement of whether or not the lessee has the option to purchase the leased property and at what price and time or the method of determining the purchase-option price; and a statement of the amount or method of determining the amount of any liabilities the lease imposes upon the lessee at the end of the term.
13. The lease disclosures in respondent's television lease advertisements, including but not necessarily limited to FCB Exhibits A through C, are not clear and conspicuous because they appear on the screen in small type for a very short duration, accompanied by background sounds or images. The lease disclosures in respondent's print lease advertisements, including but not necessarily limited to FCB Exhibit D, are not clear and conspicuous because they appear in small type.
14. Respondent's practices violate Section 184 of the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667c, as amended, and Section 213.5(c) of Regulation M, 12 CFR 213.5(c), as amended.
Commissioner Thompson and Commissioner Swindle not participating.
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 533 Complaint
EXHIBIT A
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING JOB#: MAZD-DTP-T3626 A Huntington Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 PRODUCT: Lease/Penny Down (714) 662-6500 LENGTH: :30 CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA TITLE: Penny Down-Protege/626/Miata/Trk-L- ORIGINAL ISCI:
As Produced: 3/10/96 NEW ISCI: JCDB 0832 Page 1 of 3 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEO AUDIO _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. OPEN ON MAN JUMPING THROUGH A 1. SINGERS: Mazda...One penny down. RAIN OF PENNIES.
SUPERS: MAZDA ONE PENNY DOWN ZOOMS IN AND FADES ON.
2. CUT TO PROTEGE RUNNING 2. VO: One penny down. Great leases. Very FOOTAGE. CUT TO B2300 RUNNING little time. FOOTAGE. SUPER APPEARS AS LINE AT BOTTOM WITH PENNY SPINNING APPEARS.
SUPER: 36 MO. LEASES.
SUPER: ENDS APRIL 1ST DISC: Closed-end leases to qualified lessees. Approval of Mazda American Credit & insurance required. Offer on '96 Protege DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $14,720. Assumes $1,725 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $6,809.04. Initial fees = $439.13. Purchase option at lease end = $7,654.40. Offer on '96 B2300 SE Reg. Cab w/ AC
3. CUT TO PROTEGE BADGE. CUT TO 3. VO: On Protege. PROTEGE RUNNING FOOTAGE.
DISC: (cont) and Pkg. Equip. Grp., MSRP $14,605. Assumes $859 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,198.92. Initial fees = $449.98. Purchase option at lease end = $7,594.60. Offer on '96 626 DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,540. Assumes $1,241 dealer contribution. 36 mo. payments = $7,532.64. Initial fees
4. CUT TO PROTEGE RUNNING WITH 4. SINGERS: A penny (down). GRAPHIC OF A PENNY SPINNING INTO FRAME.
5. SUPER: $1,899 A MO. 5. VO: And one eighty-nine.
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
EXHIBIT A
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500 CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA
JOB#: MAZD-OTP-T3626 PRODUCT: Lease/Penny Down LENGTH: :30 TITLE: Penny Down-Protege/626/Miata/Trk-4- ORIGINAL ISCI:
NEW ISCI: JQDB 0832 Page 2 of 3
As Produced: 3/10/96 ________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEO: AUDIO:
6. CUT TO B2300 BADGE. CUT TO BOY 6. VO: The B2300 SE. JUMPING THROUGH RAIN OF PENNIES.
7. CUT TO RUNNING FOOTAGE OF 7. SINGERS: A penny down... TRUCK WITH GRAPHIC OF A PENNY SPINNING INTO FRAME.
DISC: (cont.) = $459.25. Purchase option at lease end = $9,471.60. Offer on '96 Miata w/ pwr. steering & mats, MSRP $19,280. Assumes $1,198 dealer contribution. 36 mo payments = $7,908.84 initial fees = $469.70. Purchase option at lease end = $10,796.80. All leases incl. freight. Protege/626/B2300 SE excl. CAM/ANY
8. SUPER: $199 A MO. 8. VO: and one ninety-nine.
9. CUT TO 626 BADGE. 9. VO: Six-two-six.
10. CUT TO MAN GRABBING PENNY. 10. SINGERS: A penny (down)...
11. CUT TO 626 RUNNING WITH 11. VO: and two-o-nine. GRAPHIC OF A PENNY WIPING ON SUPER.
DISC: (cont.) emissions. $450 Acq. fee plus taxes, title, license & registration due at lease signing. Early termination = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000, maintenance, repairs & excess wear. Must take retail delivery by 4/1/96. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALER FOR DETAILS AND ACTUAL TERMS.
SUPER: $209 A MONTH
12. RUNNING FOOTAGE OF MIATA. 12. VO: Miata.
13. CUT TO GIRL WITH HAT. 13. SINGERS: Mazda:
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 535 Complaint
EXHIBIT A
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500
CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA
As Produced: 3/10/96
JOB#: MAZD-OTP-T3625 PRODUCT: Lease,Penny Down LENGTH: :30 TITLE: Penny Down-Protage/626/Miata/Trk-L- ORIGINAL ISCI:
NEW ISCI: JQCB 0832 Page 3 of 3
VIDEO: AUDIO:
:14 CUT TO GIRL WITH HAT IN MIATA. 14. VO: A penny and two nickels. CUT TO MIATA RUNNING FOOTAGE WITH GRAPHIC OF SPINNING PENNY.
SUPER: $219 A MO.
:15 CUT TO PROTEGE DRIVING AWAY 15. SOLO: Passion for the road ... LOGO: MAZDA SINGERS: Put your penny down! PASSION FOR THE ROAD™
:16 16.
:17 CUT TO FALLING PENNIES WITH 17. VO: Ends April 1st MAN HOLDING ON TO ONE.
SUPER: ENDS APRIL 1.
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
EXHIBIT B
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING JOB#: MAZD-NTP-T3632 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 PRODUCT: '96 626 DX (714) 662-6500 LENGTH: :30 CLIENT MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA TITLE: Passion -626 DX-0 Down/209 L-30
ORIGINAL ISCI: JODB 0816 AS PRODUCED: 3/28/96 NEW ISCI: JONE 0840 Page 1 of 2 ________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEO AUDIO ________________________________________________________________________________
1. OPEN ON QUICK CUTS OF DRIVER 1. SONG: I got a passion. STARTING CAR AND 626 WITH EXPLOSION.
2. QUICK CUTS OF LOCKED FENCE, 2. VO: Six two six. 626 DRIVING ACROSS GRAPHIC WITH RUNNER FOLLOWED BY MORE EXPLOSIONS.
SUPER: 626
3. 626 DRIVES OVER FRAME AS 3. SONG: Passion. WOMAN APPEARS IN SKY WITH 626 IN BACKGROUND.
4. CUT TO RUNNING FOOTAGE OF 4. VO: Total luxury. 626.
5. CUT TO GEAR SHIFT WITH 5. SFX: (THUNDER CRASH.) LIGHTENING AS CAR DRIVES VO: Priced like a base Altima. THROUGH TUNNEL.
DISC:
See dealer for limited-warranty details. Based on MSRP.
6. QUICK CUTS OF 626 EXITING 6. VO: Best basic warranty in its class. TUNNEL AND DRIVING ACROSS DESERT WITH MAN LOOKING ON.
7. SUPER: MAZDA 7. SONG: Mazda! FLOATS ACROSS SCREEN AS CAR DRIVES THROUGH DESERT.
8. QUICK CLOSE UPS OF 626. QUICK 8. VO: Six two six. CUT OF 626 BADGE.
9. QUICK CUTS OF 626 DRIVING IN 9. SONG: Passion for the Road. [illegible] WITH [illegible] IN THE [illegible] WITH [illegible] APPEARING [illegible]
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 537 Complaint EXHIBIT B
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500 CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA JOB#: MAZD-NTP-T3632 PRODUCT: '96 626 DX LENGTH: :30 TITLE: Passion -626 DX-0 Down/209 L-3"
ORIGINAL ISCI: JQDB 0816 AS PRODUCED: 3/28/96 NEW ISCI: JQNB 0840 Page 2 of 2
VIDEO AUDIO
10. QUICK CUTS OF RUNNING FOOTAGE OF 626. 10. VO: Lease a 626 ...
11. CUT TO TITLES.
SUPER: From $0 DOWN $209 A MO.
36 MONTHS.
11. zero down. two-o-nine a month.
12. CUT TO 626 DRIVING ACROSS DESERT.
DISC: 626 LX shown, net MSRP $17,695. Closed-end lease to qualified lessees on a '96 626 DX with Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,540 incl. freight, excl. CAMV/MA emissions. Assumes $1,241 dealer contribution. Approval of Mazda 12. SONG: Ooh, ooh Mazda!
13. CONTINUE RUNNING FOOTAGE ACROSS DESERT AS SCREEN SPLITS AS CAR DRIVES ON AND MATCH IS BLOWN OUT. DISC: (cont.) American Credit & Insurance required. 36 monthly payments = $7,331. Initial fees = $439.75 plus $450 acq. fee, taxes, title, license & registration. Early termination fee = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mi over 36,000. 13.
14. CONTINUE RUNNING FOOTAGE OF 626 AS SUPER COMES UP. SUPER: 626 DISC: (cont.) maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. Purchase option at lease end = $9,471.60. Must take delivery by 4/30/96. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALERS FOR DETAILS AND ACTUAL TERMS. Prices slightly higher in HI. 14. VO: Six two six.
15. CUT TO 626 DRIVING AWAY ACROSS DESERT. SUPER:
DISC:
15. SONG: Passion for the Road.
Complaint
EXHIBIT C
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500
JOB#: MAZD-DTP-T3631 PRODUCT: 626, Protege, B2300 SE-5 LENGTH: :30 TITLE: Jump-626/Prot/SE-5-L-30
CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA TYPE OF SCRIPT:
___X___ NATIONAL _______ REGIONAL
ORIGINAL ISCI:
NEW ISCI: JQNB 0900 Page 1 of 4
As Produced: 5/9/96
VIDEO AUDIO
1. OPEN ON BIG MAZDA LOGO. 1. MUSIC UP LOGO ZOOMS IN, AWAY FROM CAMERA. SINGERS: MAZDA...
2. CUT TO MAN JUMPING INTO 2. SINGERS: ...JUMP! FRAME, IN FRONT OF LOGO.
3. EVENT TITLE BUILDS OVER HYPER 3. ANNOUNCER VO: It's Mazda Jump... STREET.
4. SUPER: 4. ANNOUNCER VO: ...On Summer. MAZDA JUMP ON SUMMER
5. CAR PUSHES THROUGH EVENT 5. ANNOUNCER VO: Zero down leases. TITLE.
SUPER:
ZERO DOWN LEASES 36 MONTHS
6. SUPER: 6. ANNOUNCER VO: Ends June 3rd. ENDS JUNE 3RD
7. CUT TO WOMAN BY VEHICLE. SHE 7. SINGERS: JUMP! DOES A "PSYCHED" JUMP.
8. CUT TO PROTEGE BADGE. 8. ANNOUNCER VO: On Protege.
9. MAZDA PROTEGE RUNNING 9. ANNOUNCER VO: Zero. FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
[illegible]
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 539 Complaint EXHIBIT C
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500 JOB#: MAZD-DTP-T3631 PRODUCT: 626, Protege, B2200 SE-5 LENGTH: :30 TITLE: Jump-626/Prot/SE-5/L-30
CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA TYPE OF SCRIPT:
X NATIONAL REGIONAL
ORIGINAL ISCI:
As Produced: 5/9/96 NEW ISCI: JQNB 0900 Page 2 of 4
VIDEO AUDIO
10. PROTEGE RUNNING FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
$189 A MONTH WELL-EQUIPPED DISC: Closed-end leases to qualified lessees. Approval of Mazda American Credit & Insurance required. Offer on '96 Protege DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $14,720. Assumes $1,325 dealer conscription. 36 mo. pymts = $6,836.04. Initial fees = $439.89. Purchase option at lease end = $7,507.20. Offer on '96 B2300 SE Reg Cab w/ A/C &
10. ANNCR VO: and one eighty-nine.
11. CUT TO MAN 11. SINGERS:
JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!
12. CUT TO B2300 BADGE.
12. ANNCR VO:
B2300 SE-5.
13. MAZDA B2300 RUNNING FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
$0 DOWN PYMT.
13. ANNCR VO:
Zero.
14. B2300 RUNNING FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
$199 A MONTH FULLY LOADED SE-5 DISC: 60 mo. closed end lease. Offer on '96 B2300 SE-5 w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,545. Assumes $1,325 dealer conscription. 60 mo. pymts = $11,940. Initial fees = $439.89. Purchase option at lease end = $7,545. Offer on '96 626 DX w/ Conv. Pkg., MSRP $17,545. Assumes $1,325 dealer conscription. 36 mo. pymts = $7,164. Initial fees = $439.89. Purchase option at lease end = $8,545.
14. ANNCR VO: and one ninety-nine.
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
EXHIBIT C
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING 4 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 662-6500 JOB#: MAZD-DTP-T3631 CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA PRODUCT: 626, Protege, B2200 SE-5 TYPE OF SCRIPT:
LENGTH: :30 ___X___ NATIONAL TITLE: Jump-626/Prot/SE-5-L-30 _______ REGIONAL ORIGINAL ISCI:
As Produced: 5/9/96 NEW ISCI: JQNB 0900 Page 3 of 4
VIDEO AUDIO
15. WOMAN JUMPING OFF BED OF TRUCK ONTO GUY'S BACK.
15. SINGERS: JUMP!
16. CUT TO 626 BADGE.
16. ANNOUNCER VO:
six-two-six.
17. CUT TO WOMAN DOING HIGH FIVE.
17. SINGERS: MAZDA ...
18. 626 RUNNING FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
50 DOWN PYMT.
18. ANNOUNCER VO:
Zero.
19. 626 RUNNING FOOTAGE.
SUPER:
$209 A MONTH WELL-EQUIPPED.
DISC: (cont) All leases incl. freight, excl. CA/MA/NY emissions. $450 Acq.
Fee plus taxes, title, license & registration also due at lease signing. Early termination = $200. Lessee liable for $.10/mile over 36,000. maintenance, repairs & excess wear/tear. Must take retail delivery by 6/3/96. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALERS FOR DETAILS AND ACTUAL TERMS.
19. ANNOUNCER VO:
and two-o-nine.
20. MAZDA LOGO COMES UP OVER DESERT ROAD.
SUPER:
MAZDA PASSION FOR THE ROAD™ 20. SINGERS:
...PASSION FOR THE ROAD.
FOOTE, CONE & BELDING ADVERTISING, INC. 541 Complaint
EXHIBIT C
FCB FOOTE, CONE & BELDING A Huntington Centre Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 962-6500
CLIENT: MAZDA MOTOR OF AMERICA JOB#: MAZD:DTP:T3631 TYPE OF SCRIPT: PRODUCT: 626, Protege, B2300 SE-5 X NATIONAL LENGTH: :30 REGIONAL TITLE: Jump-626/Prot/SE-5-L-30
ORIGINAL ISCI:
As Produced: 5/9/96 NEW ISCI: JQNB 0900 Page 4 of 4 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEO AUDIO _____________________________________________________________________________________________
22. CLOSE UP OF WOMAN JUMPING 22. ANNCR VO: INTO AIR TOWARDS CAMERA. Jump on it.
23. SUPER: 23. SINGERS: ZERO DOWN LEASES Jump 36 MONTHS
24. SUPER: 24. ANNCR VO: Zero down... ENDS JUNE 3RD. ends June 3rd.
25. TITLE JUMPS IN SYNC WITH 25. SINGERS: JUMP! MUSIC.
Complaint EXHIBIT D
THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
MAZDA PENNY DOWN GREAT LEASES OR BUY 4.8% / 48 MOS.
MAZDA PROTEÉ BUY 1¢ 4.8% 48 DOWN APR MOS.
$1000 CASH BACK LEASE 1¢ $189 36 DOWN MO.
Protect LX sport sedan.
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MAZDA 323 BUY 1¢ 4.8% 48 DOWN APR MOS.
$1000 CASH BACK LEASE 1¢ $199 36 DOWN MO.
$2100 SE sport truck.
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MAZDA 626 BUY 1¢ 4.8% 48 DOWN APR MOS.
$1000 CASH BACK LEASE 1¢ $209 36 DOWN MO.
$26 LX sport sedan.
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MAZDA MX-6 BUY 1¢ 4.8% 48 DOWN APR MOS.
LEASE 1¢ $219 36 DOWN MO.
MX-6 LX. The world's best-selling sports car. 1.8L engine, 5-speed, short-throw shifter.
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AND UP TO $1000 CASH BACK
OFFERS END APRIL 1ST mazda IT JUST FEELS RIGHT.
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528 Decision and Order
DECISION AND ORDER
The Federal Trade Commission having initiated an investigation of certain acts and practices of the respondent named in the caption hereof, and the respondent having been furnished thereafter with a copy of a draft of complaint which the Bureau of Consumer Protection proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration and which, if issued by the Commission, would charge the respondent with violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act; and The respondent, its attorneys, and counsel for the Commission having thereafter executed an agreement containing a consent order, an admission by the respondent of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of complaint, a statement that the signing of said agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the respondent that the law has been violated as alleged in such complaint, or that the facts as alleged in such complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true and waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission's Rules; and The Commission having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it had reason to believe that the respondent has violated the said Act, and that a complaint should issue stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon accepted the executed consent agreement and placed such agreement on the public record for a period of sixty (60) days, now in further conformity with the procedure prescribed in Section 2.34 of its Rules, the Commission hereby issues its complaint, makes the following jurisdictional findings and enters the following order:
1. Respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc. is a Delaware corporation with its principal office or place of business located at 101 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois. 2. The Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction of the subject matter of this proceeding and of the respondent, and the proceeding is in the public interest.
ORDER
DEFINITIONS
1. "Clearly and conspicuously" as used herein shall mean: 1) video or written disclosures must be made in a manner that is readable and understandable to a reasonable consumer and 2) audio or oral disclosures must be made in a manner that is audible and understandable to a reasonable consumer.
544 \hfill FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION DECISIONS
\begin{center} Decision and Order \hfill 125 F.T.C.
\end{center}
2. \textit{"Total amount due at lease signing or delivery"} as used herein shall mean the total amount of any initial payments required to be paid by the lessee on or before consummation of the lease or delivery of the vehicle, whichever is later. The total amount due at lease signing or delivery may 1) exclude third-party fees, such as taxes, licenses, and registration fees, and disclose that fact or 2) provide a total that includes third-party fees based on a particular state or locality as long as that fact and the fact that fees may vary by state or locality are disclosed.
3. Unless otherwise specified, \textit{"respondent"} as used herein shall mean Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc., its successors and assigns, and its officers, agents, representatives, and employees.
4. \textit{"Commerce"} as used herein shall mean as defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 44.
\begin{center} I.
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\textit{It is ordered}, That respondent, directly or through any corporation, subsidiary, division, or any other device, in connection with any advertisement to aid, promote, or assist, directly or indirectly, any consumer lease involving motor vehicles in or affecting commerce, as "advertisement" and "consumer lease" are defined in Section 213.2 of revised Regulation M, 61 Fed. Reg. 52,246, 52,258 (Oct. 7, 1996) and 62 Fed. Reg. 15,364 (April 1, 1997)(to be codified at 12 CFR 213.2) ("revised Regulation M"), as amended, shall not, in any manner, expressly or by implication:
A. Misrepresent the total amount due at lease signing or delivery, the amount down, and/or the downpayment, capitalized cost reduction, or other amount that reduces the capitalized cost of the vehicle (or that no such amount is required).
B. Make any reference to any charge that is part of the total amount due at lease signing or delivery or that no such charge is required, not including a statement of the periodic payment, more prominently than the disclosure of the total amount due at lease signing or delivery.
C. State the amount of any payment or that any or no initial payment is required at lease signing or delivery unless all of the following items are disclosed clearly and conspicuously, as applicable:
1. That the transaction advertised is a lease; 2. The total amount due at lease signing or delivery; 3. Whether or not a security deposit is required; 4. The number, amount, and timing of scheduled payments; and
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5. That an extra charge may be imposed at the end of the lease term in a lease in which the liability of the consumer at the end of the lease term is based on the anticipated residual value of the vehicle.
II.
It is further ordered, That an advertisement that complies with subparagraph I.C shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Section 184(a) of the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667c(a), as amended by Title II, Section 2605 of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1997, Pub. L. No. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-473 (Sept. 30, 1996) ("revised CLA"), as amended, and Section 213.7(d)(2) of revised Regulation M, 61 Fed. Reg. at 52,261 and 62 Fed. Reg. at 15,368 (to be codified at 12 CFR 213.7(d)(2)), as amended.
III.
It is further ordered, That if the revised CLA, as amended, or revised Regulation M, as amended, are amended in the future to alter definition 2 of this order ("total amount due at lease signing or delivery") or to require or permit advertising disclosures that are different from those set forth in subparagraphs I.B or I.C of this order, then the change or changes shall be incorporated in subparagraph I.B, subparagraph I.C, and/or definition 2 for the purpose of complying with subparagraphs I.B and I.C only, as appropriate; provided however, that all other requirements of this order, including definition 1 ("clearly and conspicuously"), will survive any such revisions.
IV.
It is further ordered, That respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc., and its successors and assigns, shall, for five (5) years after the date of service of this order, maintain and upon request make available to the Commission for inspection and copying all records that will demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this order.
V.
It is further ordered, That respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc., and its successors and assigns, shall:
A. Within thirty (30) days after the date of service of this order, distribute a copy of this order to all current principals, officers,
Decision and Order 125 F.T.C.
directors, managers, employees, agents, and representatives having responsibilities involving motor vehicle lease advertising; and B. For a period of ten (10) years from the date of service of this order, distribute a copy of this order to all future principals, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, and representatives having responsibilities involving motor vehicle lease advertising, within thirty (30) days after the person or entity assumes such position or responsibilities.
VI.
It is further ordered, That respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc. and its successors and assigns shall notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any change in the corporation(s) that may affect compliance obligations arising under this order, including but not limited to a dissolution, assignment, sale, merger, or other action that would result in the emergence of a successor corporation; the creation or dissolution of a subsidiary, parent, or affiliate that engages in any acts or practices subject to this order; the proposed filing of a bankruptcy petition; or a change in the corporate name or address. Provided, however, that, with respect to any proposed change in the corporation about which respondent learns less than thirty (30) days prior to the date such action is to take place, respondent shall notify the Commission as soon as is practicable after obtaining such knowledge. All notices required by this Part shall be sent by certified mail to the Associate Director, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.
VII.
It is further ordered, That respondent Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising, Inc. and its successors and assigns shall, within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of service of this order, and at such other times as the Federal Trade Commission may require, file with the Commission a report, in writing, setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they have complied with this order.
VIII.
This order will terminate on April 6, 2018, or twenty (20) years from the most recent date that the United States or the Federal Trade Commission files a complaint (with or without an accompanying consent decree) in federal court alleging any violation of the order,
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whichever comes later; provided, however, that the filing of such a complaint will not affect the duration of:
A. Any Part in this order that terminates in less than twenty (20) years;
B. This order's application to any respondent that is not named as a defendant in such complaint; and C. This order if such complaint is filed after the order has terminated pursuant to this Part.
Provided, further, that if such complaint is dismissed or a federal court rules that the respondent did not violate any provision of the order, and the dismissal or ruling is either not appealed or upheld on appeal, then the order will terminate according to this Part as though the complaint had never been filed, except that the order will not terminate between the date such complaint is filed and the later of the deadline for appealing such dismissal or ruling and the date such dismissal or ruling is upheld on appeal.
Commissioner Thompson and Commissioner Swindle not participating.
Complaint 125 F.T.C.
IN THE MATTER OF
GREY ADVERTISING, INC.
CONSENT ORDER, ETC., IN REGARD TO ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE CONSUMER LEASING ACT, REGULATION M, TRUTH IN LENDING ACT, REGULATION Z AND SEC. 5 OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT
Docket C-3793. Complaint, April 6, 1998--Decision, April 6, 1998
This consent order prohibits, among other things, the New York-based advertising agency of Mitsubishi Motor of America from misrepresenting in any motor vehicle lease advertisement the total amount due at lease signing or delivery, the amount down, and/or the down payment, capitalized cost, reduction, or other amounts that reduce the capitalized cost of the vehicle (or that no such amount is required). The consent order also prohibits the respondent, in any closed-end credit advertisement involving motor vehicles, from misrepresenting the existence and amount of any balloon payment or annual percentage rate.
Appearances
For the Commission: Rolando Berrelez, Sally Pitofsky and David Medine.
For the respondent: Leonard Orkin, Kay, Collyer & Boose, New York, N.Y.
COMPLAINT
The Federal Trade Commission, having reason to believe that Grey Advertising, Inc., a corporation ("respondent" or "Grey"), has violated the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45-58, as amended, the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667-1667e, as amended, and its implementing Regulation M, 12 CFR 213, as amended, and the Truth in Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601-1667, as amended, and its implementing Regulation Z, 12 CFR 226, as amended, and it appearing to the Commission that this proceeding is in the public interest, alleges:
1. Respondent Grey Advertising, Inc. is a Delaware corporation with its principal office or place of business at 777 Third Avenue, New York, New York.
2. Respondent, at all times relevant to this complaint, was an advertising agency of Mitsubishi Motor of America, Inc. ("Mitsubishi"). Respondent has disseminated advertisements to the public that promote consumer leases, as the terms "advertisement"