JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Many customers of a car dealership that has abruptly closed its doors fear that their car could be repossessed through no fault of their own.
American Car Center, a Memphis-based company, fired more than 300 employees at its headquarters for the first time last Friday. It also closed its doors at its three Jacksonville locations on Atlantic Boulevard, Cassat Avenue and Blanding Boulevard.
The News4JAX I-TEAM learned that the American Car Center has 45 dealerships in 10 states and, according to multiple reports, closed its doors the day after it struck a deal that could have helped the company’s finances.
Customers who spoke to the I-TEAM said they had no warning that the company was closing and that they didn’t know where to send their car payments.
Janet Steward leased a 2016 Ford Escape through the dealership and worries about the repercussions if she can’t pay her bill.
“When I tried to log into my account to enter the information, it was deleted. My account has been deleted. The page has been deleted. Everything was gone,” said Steward.
According to the steward, all American Car Center vehicles have tracking devices and kill switches that can disable the vehicle if the bill is unpaid.
“If you’re driving and let’s say you’ve stopped somewhere, into the store. If you haven’t paid anything, they can turn off the starter where you can’t start your car at all,” she said.
Steward said she received a text message from Westlake Portfolio Management Group on Wednesday night, which reads in part:
“The best way to manage your car lease is through your MyAccount portal,” which requires her to enter her personal information.
Steward and other American Car Center customers who News4JAX spoke to questioned the company’s legitimacy.
Tennessee officials said Westlake Financial Services is buying the loans, which were made through American Car Center’s subsidiary.
The American Car Center has an updated website for customers to make payments that includes a payment gateway, a pay-by-phone option, and a place to pay by check.
If you are one of hundreds of clients who have received an SMS from Westlake Portfolio Management you can contact them, just give them your account number and have a representative provide you with your personal information.
CFO Noah Logan reportedly sent the following email to employees:
“We have worked incredibly hard for many months to avoid this outcome but at this point we have no choice. Effective as of close of business today, February 24, 2023, employment of all Company employees will be terminated. On behalf of the company, I thank you for your efforts and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
The American Car Center is also now facing a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of its employees who have not received notification that they are unemployed.
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