No no, didn't get the impression you were! To my knowledge I don't believe there's been any threatening comments from them, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were. There are absolutely loads of other victims out there that we haven't had a chance to speak with. Would be interesting to hear their story, although they do start to sound like a broken record! They don't like negative reviews because they lose business, hence why they spend probably hours writing false positive reviews to make up for the sub par.

Not sure re threatening, but I know when they try to make settlement agreements, one of their conditions is to remove all negative posts/not leave a bad review, etc. I just don't want to do anything at the moment that will take away from the point at hand, otherwise it might confuse my case. If they try to retaliate with claims of defamation then it'll get messy.

Well it was more so that I wasn't defaming their name and 'causing them monetary losses', which could be used against me. I still feel like I have every right to report them to Autotrader, but got that advice from 2 different people so have held off.

On Companies House Phev is listed at the Mytchett First Cars address... https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/12092707

I see Phev Ltd (Director Ahmed Al Waheeb) with a trading name Mytchett First Cars https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0010X00004bkzu9QAA Actually that's a lie - he's registered it under his FB name - Ammar Al-Waheib

I'm not sure to be honest. I sense any trading name that's linked might use the same stock of cars and they just store them on whichever lot they can, but that's not based on evidence. Just a hunch. I know at least most of the cars that were on the Swift Lane lot a month or so back are listed on GreatCars4You, but hadn't cross ref'd them to the other trading names.

Surely when registering as a director of a company, your name does need to be verified? So Ahmed Al-Waheeb should be his correct name? I think I've found Daniel Vladimirescu. He mentions someone named Drocan Fabian. A Fabian Dutan also 'liked' a post in GreatCars4You... could be a coincidence but the names seem similar enough. Also Ali Mohamad Hawatme may be Alex Hawatme - his FB page he's posted selling a car and is friends with 'Fabian Dutan'. He's shown up as a director on a couple, including this one CROWN CARS DIRECT https://www.facebook.com/daniel.vladimirescu https://www.facebook.com/corinafabian.dutan/ https://www.facebook.com/alex.hat.965 This is indeed a dodgy operation.. looks like it's been going on since at least 2012. Trading names aren't all under Swift Lane. Greatcars4You is, but they say viewings can only be by appointment only. I visited the site and they do have loads of cars on their lot, no signs or ads, and after checking a few of the plates online, they are selling them on their site. Chobham Central Garage GreatCars4You Mytchett First Cars are all still trading.. need to have a better look again to refresh my memory but at least those names I know are

I think some of the names we've come across are real, on social media they change the spelling slightly. Ie Ahmed Al-Waheeb may be Ammar Al-Waheib - he 'liked' a post that one of their new trading names posted - GreatCars4You Ammar's profile I've reported this company to Surrey Heath Council as the Swift Lane property should not be legally running this business, and were raided/shut down some time last year. Hoping to hear something soon.

I was planning on getting in touch with Autotrader, especially as they're still posting from several of their trading names on there. I was advised to hold off until I had a ccj. Just kills me knowing other people will be duped, and would've thought Autotrader would want to know about it.

Indeed, from what I've seen, the company names in this ring date back to 2012! I purchased mine from 8 Swift Lane Bagshot. List of known registered addresses below: 47-49, Park Royal Road, London, England, NW10 7LQ Bagshot Road, Chobham GU248BZ30 30 Chertsey Road, Woking, Surrey, England, GU21 5AJ8 Faraday Road RG14 2AD 8 Swift Lane, Bagshot, England, GU19 5NN A1 Brocket Business Park Hulfords Lane Hampshire RG27 8AG 16 Crane Court, College Town, Sandhurst, England, GU47 0YB 107a Oriental Road, Woking, GU22 7AS 30 Chertsey Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5AJ 240 London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, England, GU19 5EZ 20 Sagacity High Street, London, E15 2PP240 London Road, Bagshot, GU19 5EZ Unit 1b Cobbs, Station Road West, Aldershot, GU12 5QD102 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, England, GU16 6ET

No doubt this one is involved. One of the other victims in this group has this company added to her database already. The list is comprised of about 26 known alias company names, with more coming out of the woodwork all the time. There seems to be a collection of registered addresses that gets recycled between all of the company names. If it were possible to run an address search in Companies House the list will probably grow 10 fold!

Hi Honeybee13, Indeed they have just a few...! Unfortunately I'm more than aware. Thank you for removing!

Hi all, Please find my story and timeline below - for ease I've just grabbed this from my Money Claim docs. If there's any references to evidence documentation that you want me to post here, just let me know. Robyn Claim amount: £4,351.01 Reason for claim: A vehicle, which was proven in 2 separate diagnostics, to not be of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose, and which was purchased from Eden Motor Company (EMC) Car Sales, which is a trading name of Crown Motor Direct (CMD) Limited. An attempt to invoke my rights as a consumer, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, to request a refund for the faulty vehicle, within 30 days of purchase, was denied by the business. A formal complaint was lodged with The Motor Ombudsman immediately after. After a very long process, a Final Decision was made on the 1st February 2019 by the Senior Ombudsman in my favour, but the company has refused to comply with The Motor Ombudsman's process. They have now been removed from the organisation's list of accredited businesses, due to their dubious practices and having many more, similar complaints since mine was first raised. I am now seeking the help of the courts to claim the refund rightfully owed to me. Date What happened 31 December 2017 I enquired with Eden Motor Company (EMC Car Sales) about purchasing the Grey Volkswagen Golf SE TDI 105 DPF S-A Estate 2008, Registration Number [removed - HB]. During the initial test drive, it was made aware to EMC that the Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability Programme, and Brake System warning lights on the dash were on. An agreement was reached and a £300 deposit (out of £3300 purchase total) was paid, subject to the repair of the various issues that were raised (noted above), and as per the deposit slip outlining they would 'sort lights in dash'. *Please refer to Receipt Evidence: 1. Deposit Receipt* 05 January 2018 After running the MOT service and allegedly fixing the issues, I received a phone call from EMC advising that the car was ready to be picked up that afternoon. 06 January 2018 I went to collect the vehicle from EMC, as well as to complete the purchase, but I was advised the vehicle was in fact not ready for sale, and wouldn’t be for several more days. Vehicle Insurance for Registration [removed - HB] purchased with Admiral for £652.72 *Please refer to Email Evidence: 2. Vehicle Insurance Payment* 09 January 2018 I received another phone call advising that the car was ready to be collected. I went to EMC that evening, and paid the residual amount of £3000 (plus £300 deposit paid 31st December for £3300 total). *Please refer to Receipt Evidence: 3. Purchase Receipt* 10 - 13 January 2018 Within the few days following the purchase of the vehicle, several problems began to arise. The warning lights on the dash had reappeared (photo evidence taken on 12th January 08:06) and the car struggled to accelerate and shift through the gears (automatic gearbox), to the extent that I had to pull the car over on the A3 during rush hour, on 2 separate occasions. *Please refer to Photo Evidence: 4. Dash Warning Lights 12 Jan 18* 14 January 2018 The vehicle was returned to EMC in the afternoon. The issues that had arisen in the first few days of ownership were expressed to the owner/associate, whom I believe is named Noel Quail, told me these were ‘merely common issues with similar Volkswagen models’, but that they would look into it. 22 January 2018 After the vehicle had been in EMC's possession for eight days, I received a phone call notifying me that the car had been suitably fixed and was ready to collect once again. Upon arriving that evening, I was then told that none of the issues had been repaired, but was assured that the car would be safe for me to continue driving it until a required part had arrived at their garage. 23-25 January 2018 After having given EMC ample opportunity to repair the concerning and persisting issues with the vehicle, and despite being told the vehicle was safe to drive, I felt it would be in my best interest to have a diagnostic run by a third party professional mechanic. The diagnostic was run by a Volkswagen master technician, Jeff Clapp at J&A Motors in Woking. The costs to repair the car to a roadworthy standard were estimated to be between £2000-3000 including parts and labour, but assuming the work could be done without dismantling the affected parts, which would increase the cost of repairs. Please note that I unfortunately can't remember the exact date of the diagnostic - but I can confirm that it was after picking the car up from EMC on the 22nd January, and before the 26th when it was subsequently returned to EMC. This diagnostic report was also provided to EMC in my request for refund letter on the 26th January. *Please refer to Other Evidence: 5. Diagnostic Report #1* 26 January 2018 Considering the costs vastly exceeded the £500 amount that EMC's warranty program would cover, in addition to the lack of trust in EMC's integrity, the car was returned to them. A full refund was requested, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, in a posted letter via recorded delivery, and received by them within the 30 days of purchase. *Please refer to Letter Evidence: 6. Letter for Request of Refund* 05 February 2018 A letter of rejection was received by the EMC Car Sales Complaint Team via post, and email ([email protected]), advising that they had rejected my request for refund, and that I would need to take my complaint to The Motor Ombudsman. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 7A. Email of Refund Rejection; and Letter Evidence: 7B. EMC Letter of Refund Rejection* 22 February 2018 I sent a Consumer Enquiry Form, along with all supporting documents, to The Motor Ombudsman (TMO). Please note: The delay in sending this was due to my being out of the country for 3 weeks on holiday. *Please refer to Correspondence Evidence: 8. TMO Consumer Enquiry Form* 06 April 2018 I received an email from TMO advising that my case required further investigation by an adjudicator. TMO had also requested details from EMC Car Sales, to provide evidence to the contrary. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 9. Email for TMO Notification of Adjudication* 19 April 2018 A letter was sent to TMO by EMC stating their position with regards to my complaint. *Please refer to Letter Evidence: 10. EMC Response to TMO Adjudication* 09 May 2018 A preliminary decision, or Outcome of Adjudication, was received, advising my complaint could not be upheld unless a full diagnostic report was provided by a TMO approved garage. Please Note: The adjudicator designated to my case ceased working at TMO shortly after the above outcome was received. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 11. Outcome of Adjudication* 15 May 2018 I sent my response to the Outcome of Adjudication. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 12A. Email Response to Outcome of Adjudication; and Letter Evidence: 12B. Letter of Response to Outcome of Adjudication* 20 May 2018 The vehicle was picked up from EMC, after being in their possession since the end of January. Scratches down both sides of the vehicle, as well as a broken side mirror were noted, and photos taken for evidence. This was also provided to TMO for their records and consideration. Please note: EMC later attempted to use this against the refund owed to me as per the final decision in February 2019 from TMO. *Please refer to highlighted text in Email Evidence: 13A. Email Notification of Damage to Vehicle; Photo Evidence: 13B. Proof of Vehicle in Question for Damage, 13C. Damage to Driver Side Mirror – Broken, 13D. Damage to Driver Side – Scratch, and 13E. Damage to Passenger Side – Scratch* 23 May 2018 The vehicle was taken to Lookers Volkswagen Guildford for a full diagnostic. 29 May 2018 The diagnostic reported a number of faults, including those that should have caused a failed MOT, as well as confirming that 'the vehicle is not safe to drive due to the ABS issue'. The results of the report estimated anywhere between £4000 to £5500 worth of parts and labour, still not guaranteed to fix all complaints, until confirmed by further investigation. Please note: The 24 month warranty with WMS Group through EMC Car Sales, under plan type 3, only covers up to a maximum of £500. The total cost for this diagnostic was £85 *Please refer to Other Evidence: 14A. Diagnostic Report #2, 14B. Invoice for Diagnostic #2 (1), and 14C. Invoice for Diagnostic #2 (2)* 31 May 2018 Diagnostic findings were sent via email to TMO, making note of the damage found to the vehicle on 20th May, as well as providing details for costs incurred for cancelled insurance. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 15. Email of Second Diagnostic* 01 February 2019 I received a Final Decision notice from the Senior Motor Ombudsman, Natasha Gasson, granting a full refund of the purchase price of the car, plus the cost of tax and early cancellation fee of insurance. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 16A. Email of Final Decision; and Letter Evidence: 16B. Letter of Final Decision* 05 February 2019 I emailed my Final Decision Acceptance to TMO. *Please refer to Correspondence Evidence: 17. Final Decision Acceptance Form* 06 February 2019 An email was received from TMO notifying me that EMC had accepted the Ombudsman's final decision. This, however, came with an attempt to request a reduction in the refund amount to factor in the damage to the driver's side mirror and scratches on both sides of the vehicle, which occurred in the time it was in their possession. This was countered by myself, via email, alluding to the evidence that I had already provided to TMO many months earlier, and as soon as the vehicle had been collected from EMC. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 18A. EMC Acceptance of Final Decision, and 18B. Re Prior Proof of Damage* 20 February 2019 As per the request of EMC via TMO, a photo was provided to show the updated odometer reading. Please note: Delay on sending this was due to requiring adequate jumper cables to be able to turn the battery on long enough to take a photo of the reading, due to it having been sat idle since May 2018. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 19A. Email of Odometer Reading; and Photo Evidence: 19B. Odometer Reading* 04 March 2019 An email confirming receipt of all requested documents/photos was received from Natasha Gasson, Senior Motor Ombudsman who advised would 'be in touch shortly'. 12 Apr 2019-present Multiple follow up attempts via email and phone with TMO to obtain an update on my case, all being unsuccessful. 01 June 2020 I reached out to the Managing Director of TMO, Bill Fennell, on LinkedIn in a desperate attempt to receive an update on my case. He advised that 'the business is one that has continually failed to engage in our process' and that a 'formal notification of expulsion' from TMO's Independent Compliance Panel would be sent that week to EMC. They were also looking to 'report them to Trading Standards'. *Please refer to Correspondence Evidence: 20. TMO MD Bill Fennell* 03 June 2020 I posted a Letter Before Court Claim to advise that if the business was unable to resolve my complaint within 14 days, that I would proceed with a small claims suit against CROWN MOTOR DIRECT T/A EMC CAR SALES. The letters were sent via recorded delivery to the five addresses I was able to find, using data from various sources including Companies House, ICO, and the FCA, all of which strongly suggested to be associated with EMC Car Sales and/or Crown Motor Direct and/or Chobham Central Garage. *Please refer to Letter Evidence: 21A. Letter Before Court Claim (1), 21B. Letter Before Court Claim (2), 21C. Letter Before Court Claim (3), 21D. Letter Before Court Claim (4), 21E. Letter Before Court Claim (5); and Other Evidence: 22. Companies House Registered Data, 23. ICO Registered Data, and 24. FCA Registered Data 08 June 2020 I sent a follow up email to my letter on the 5th June to EMC Car Sales ([email protected]), EMC Complaints Team ([email protected]), as well as Central Chobham Garage ([email protected]) who appear to be another trading name of Crown Motor Direct, based on information found on Companies House, ICO, and the FCA, as well as EMC Car Sales own Terms and Conditions Document My email was to confirm, without doubt, to all associated, that they would have until the 17th June to resolve our dispute before I would proceed with taking them to court. I received an email from a Mikael Shamir shortly after advising that I ‘contact or escalate this matter with EMC directly’. He also suggested that ‘Crown Motor Direct is the supplier and EMC is not it’s subsidiary. Chobham [Central Garage] is it’s subsidiary.’ Please Note: The email address which Mr Shamir sent this from is the same as that which sent me the letter of refund rejection on 05 February 2018. Please Note: EMC Car Sales Terms and Conditions Document clearly outlines that EMC is a trading name of Crown Motor Direct *Please refer to Email Evidence: 25A. Follow Up to Letter, and 25B. Denying EMC-CMD Affiliation; and Other Evidence: 25C. EMC Car Sales T&Cs* 17 June 2020 In an attempt to obtain further details with regards to the MOT performed on the vehicle on the 3rd January, I phoned 4 Wheeler Ltd (Unit 5 Watchmoor Trade Centre, Camberley GU15 3AJ), who was named as the MOT provider. Whilst the gentleman I spoke with was reluctant to provide me with any details in print, he did confirm that the MOT service on the vehicle with registration [removed - HB] was invoiced to CROWN MOTOR DIRECT LIMITED. I also spoke with the WMS Group (warranty provider), who confirmed that my policy #VGS 931060, to vehicle registration [removed - HB], which would have covered up to a maximum claim of £500 (not nearly sufficient to the amounts estimated by either diagnostic reports) was issued via 'EMC Car Sales/Chobham Central Garage'. It is to my knowledge that the WMS Group still provide this warranty coverage service to 'EMC Car Sales/Chobham Central Garage'. *Please refer to Email Evidence: 26. WMS Group Confirmation* 18 June 2020 I phoned the Financial Conduct Authority to confirm the trading names for this small claims suit are indeed correct and up to date as per their records. Gloria at FCA kindly confirmed that Crown Motor Direct Limited T/A EMC Car Sales (with several other trading names within it), has a Principle Address of Bagshot Road, Chobham, Woking GU24 8BS. Their Complaints Address is 47-49 Park Royal Road, London NW10 7LQ, however she advised I should log my claim under their Principle address instead.

@RudeDog13 are you on the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/133249464788808 ?

My receipt actually says 'Eden Motor Company', but all correspondence with them regarding my claim is from 'EMC Car Sales' Ok - what is an SAR? And do you mean to TMO?

Thank you, and apologies that car was £3300 and purchased from EMC Unit 8 Swift Lane Bagshot. I've done a lot of investigating and have found some leads, but as you say if TMO are unable to enforce, and only way is possibly going via HCEO after another long and drawn out process, it all seems to be in vain. The reason it's taken this long is because TMO have lagged and I was so reluctant to take to court and invest more money, without seeing what TMO could do first. I definitely regret not trying to take it into my own hands more, but the whole process I've felt helpless. My only viable option now seems to be just to sell the car for whatever parts still function.. to whatever extent.

Yes, The Motor Ombudsman. To be honest, I don't know a huge amount about how exactly they operate. It was just the route I was recommended. I've been in touch with one of their board of directors to get more answers about my case, and it was exactly what I'd feared, so am trying to investigate as much as possible myself to find out exactly who can be held financially accountable to either provide them with those details and/or know who to take to court. Whole story is quite long, but essentially I purchased the vehicle back in January 2018. Within a week faults became apparent - faults that they knew about but said it was just a 'dash light malfunction' and it would be fixed before they handed it over. Took it back to them to fix once I realised I couldn't drive it in that condition. They had it for a week or two despite calling me a couple times to say it was ready to pick up. Finally got it back and had the same gearbox issues but even worse. Took the car to another garage who estimated damages to be £2500+, so took the car back and requested refund. That kicked off the whole process and of course they denied refund saying I should go through their 'warranty program', which wouldn't cover it all anyways. I then took it to TMO, who then decided I needed to get another opinion so we went straight to a VW specialist as the car was VW - they estimated min £3000. Resubmitted that to TMO and it's been ongoing. Received a final decision on 01 Feb 2019 in my favour granting full refund, but I have had no contact or update since then, despite attempting to call and email numerous times. I've brought my case to the attention of two MPs, however imagine they are extremely busy at the moment given the current climate. I have then called Citizen's Advice to find out what further steps I can take, and they've recommended small claims court. I wanted to get all the information from TMO first before I consider/start going down this route so I've reached out via LinkedIn to some of the board of directors for TMO which has been successful and I've actually received an update, although it's what I feared and expected. That said, he assured me they would be meeting about it today to investigate further who can be held accountable/whether they're still trading, etc. I can't trust a speedy investigation given it's been 28 months already so I'm now trying to look into it to find more information. I gather the parent and registered company is under Crown Motors Direct Limited, which might be owned by Ahmed Al-Waheeb and/or Nadjeem Kheloufi. They do still look to be actively trading locally under Chobham Central Garage. I've been in touch enquiring about a car and asked for Nadjeem, who they said I must mean 'Nathan'. On companycheck it reckons the below, this is the company linked to director Ahmed Al-Waheeb. Not sure how reliable that information is. Another interesting link is https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/09967993/filing-history - confirmation statement was made on 31 Jan 2020, and 17 Jan director Ahmed changed his DOB and address.

Hi all, I have had an ongoing case open with TMO since Feb 2018 against EMC. Decision was made in my favour in Feb 2019, but I am yet to receive any of the refund. I have just followed this up for the 1,000,000th + time with TMO and am now finding out that they are struggling to get the company to comply (not surprised!). Has anyone had any luck either receiving refund or getting in contact with the owner? TMO have removed them from their list of accredited dealers and reported them to Trading Standards and looking into what extent they are still trading, but I'm hoping to get names/contacts for anyone affiliated. I gather the owner of the parent company - Crown Motor Direct is Nadjeem Kahloufi - has anyone managed to contact him successfully? I also gather they are still trading as Chobham Central Garage - has anyone had contact with them recently? Citizens Advice recommended I go through small claims now, which I'm reluctant to do as decision already made in my favour. Issue seems to be more in holding someone accountable. Any help/advice/details even if seem minor are greatly appreciated! If anyone wants to get in touch to discuss compiling details/evidence, etc feel free to email me at