COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford said Thursday actions similar to his spokesman's use of a Corvette for a week "won't happen again."

Asked if he had talked with his staff on accepting things of value from the private sector, Sanford said "we have taken some corrective action on that front. I can assure you it won't happen again," Sanford said.

Will Folks, Sanford's spokesman, had the use of a red 2001 convertible Corvette for eight days thanks to a Columbia car dealer who had advised the governor on overhauling the state Division of Motor Vehicles. Folks had taken his car into the dealership for new tires and the dealer allowed him to use the Corvette while he was on vacation.

Sanford said his response was "stern and strong" when he learned of the arrangement. At a staff meeting Wednesday, Folks "stood before the whole group and apologized to the team," he said.

The car dealer, Dodgeland of Columbia owner J.T. Gandolfo, isn't involved with the DMV now. The DMV is investigating Gandolfo's use of the dealer tag that was displayed on the car.

Gandolfo is a friend to Folks and sold him a car, Sanford said. "But perception can still be reality. And needless to say I did some fussing," he said.