Ford Should Be Fined for Web Sales, Judge Says

Ford Motor Co. should be fined $1.7 million for its part in selling used vehicles last year on the Internet, an administrative law judge in Texas recommended. Ford said it will appeal the Austin judge’s recommendation. The auto maker has until Monday to file an appeal, and the Texas Motor Vehicle Board will review the recommendation in January. The Texas Motor Vehicle Division’s enforcement section filed a complaint last year against the auto maker and its Fordpreowned.com Web site, claiming that the site violated a state law prohibiting auto makers from operating vehicle dealerships. The company shut down the Fordpreowned.com site in Houston last year after getting a letter from Texas regulators saying dealers participating in the online service could be fined as much as $10,000 a day. Ford shares fell 38 cents to close at $23.81 on the NYSE.