Which of the following actions may consumer protection agencies take against motor vehicle manufacturers?

Consumer protection agencies are tasked with safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring that businesses adhere to regulations designed to protect the public. One significant action they can take against motor vehicle manufacturers is filing lawsuits for consumer rights violations. This power allows these agencies to hold manufacturers accountable for any misconduct, such as deceptive advertising, safety negligence, or failure to disclose important information about vehicles. By introducing legal actions, consumer protection agencies can seek remedies for consumers who have been harmed and compel manufacturers to rectify their practices, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in the market.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the typical actions undertaken by consumer protection agencies. Offering discounts to consumers is generally not within the scope of their responsibilities. Conducting market research might inform their actions but is more of a preliminary step rather than a direct enforcement action. Developing new vehicle technologies falls under the purview of manufacturers and engineers, rather than consumer advocates. Thus, the ability to file lawsuits effectively embodies the enforcement aspect of consumer protection agencies’ role in the motor vehicle industry.