News In Brief

FTC used-car campaign draws criticism in agency

The Federal Trade Commission's new used-car education campaign is generating some rumblings of discontent from inside the agency as well as from consumer groups. Commissioner Michael Pertschuk and the Consumers Union question if the program - which includes radio spots and brochures - is a weak replacement for the FTC's embattled used-car rule, which would require disclosure of known defects.

The nationwide campaign, announced Wednesday, is designed to alert consumers to the risks involved in buying used cars. An FTC spokesman said surveys had shown that there was great confusion among consumers about their rights when buying used cars as well as about the mechanical condition of the vehicles.