Treadz Auto sued in $5M class action along with AMVIC

The province's automotive industry watchdog AMVICis being sued for negligence along with Treadz Auto, a now defunct vehicleconsignment company, in a $5-million dollarclass-action lawsuit.

• Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council sued for negligence

• Treadz Auto's provincial business licence cancelled by regulator

• Treadz Auto complaints greater than police realized

The lawsuit allegesTreadz failed to pay owners after their vehicles were soldanddid not remove liens from the vehicles.

"Let's just say I'm not in a great place financially because of this," said Jesse Hare, who is part of the class action.

He consigned a truck to Treadz in June,2014. He no longer has the truck, but owes $10,000dollars on it, andhas been making $550 monthly payments on the vehiclefor the past year.

"I don't have a vehicle. Obviously, I don't want to decline my payments because my credit's going to be shot after that," said Hare, who has not received any money from Treadz.

The lawsuit also takes aim atService Alberta.It alleges the provincefailed to properly overseethe Alberta Motor VehicleIndustry Council (AMVIC). It claimsAMVIC didn't investigate consumers' concerns properly anddidn't compensate them adequately.

AMVIChas declined comment.

When asked about the case in the Alberta Legislature Monday,Service Alberta Minister Deron BiloussaidAMVIC would be reviewed as part of the new government's ongoing review of all the province's agencies, boards and commissions.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.