GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2021
S 2
SENATE BILL 342
Transportation Committee Substitute Adopted 5/5/21
Short Title: Clarify Motor Vehicle Franchise Laws. |
(Public) |
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Sponsors: |
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Referred to: |
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March 25, 2021
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to revise and clarify the laws governing new motor vehicle dealer franchises.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
DEALERSHIP TRANSFERS/RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL CLARIFICATION
SECTION 1.(a) G.S. 20‑305(4) reads as rewritten:
"(4) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, to prevent or refuse to approve the sale or transfer of the ownership of a dealership by the sale of the business, stock transfer, or otherwise, or the transfer, sale or assignment of a dealer franchise, or a change in the executive management or principal operator of the dealership, change in use of an existing facility to provide for the sales or service of one or more additional line‑makes of new motor vehicles, or relocation of the dealership to another site within the dealership's relevant market area, if the Commissioner has determined, if requested in writing by the dealer within 30 days after receipt of an objection to the proposed transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change, and after a hearing on the matter, that the failure to permit or honor the transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change is unreasonable under the circumstances.
a. No franchise may be transferred, sold, assigned,
relocated, or the executive management or principal operators changed, or the
use of an existing facility changed, unless the franchisor has been given at
least 30 days' prior written notice as to the of all of the
following:
1. The proposed transferee's name and address,
financial ability, and qualifications of the proposed transferee, a copy of the
purchase agreement between the dealership and the proposed transferee, the transferee.
2. The identity and qualifications of the
persons proposed to be involved in executive management or as principal operators,
and the operators.
3. The location and site plans of any proposed relocation or change in use of a dealership facility.
b. The If the franchisor objects to the
proposed transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change, the franchisor
shall send the dealership and the proposed transferee notice of objection, by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the proposed
transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change within 30 days after receipt
of notice from the dealer, as provided in this section. The notice of objection
shall state in detail all factual and legal bases for the objection on the part
of the franchisor to the proposed transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or
change that is specifically referenced in this subdivision. An objection to a
proposed transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change in the executive
management or principal operator of the dealership or change in the use of the
facility may only be premised upon the factual and legal bases specifically
referenced in this subdivision or G.S. 20‑305(11), as it relates to
change in the use of a facility. A manufacturer's notice of objection which is
based upon factual or legal issues that are not specifically referenced in this
subdivision or G.S. 20‑305(11) with respect to a change in the use
of an existing facility as being issues upon which the Commissioner shall base
his determination shall not be effective to preserve the franchisor's right to
object to the proposed transfer sale, assignment, relocation, or change,
provided the dealership or proposed transferee has submitted written notice, as
required above, as to the proposed transferee's name and address, financial
ability, and qualifications of the proposed transferee, a copy of the purchase
agreement between the dealership and the proposed transferee, the identity and
qualifications of the persons proposed to be involved in the executive
management or as principal operators, and the location and site plans of any
proposed relocation or change in the use of an existing facility.
c. Failure by the franchisor to send notice of
objection within 30 days shall constitute waiver by the franchisor of any right
to object to the proposed transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change. If
the franchisor requires additional information to complete its review, the
franchisor shall notify the dealership within 15 days after receipt of the proposed
transferee's name and address, financial ability, and qualifications, a copy of
the purchase agreement between the dealership and the proposed transferee, the
identity and qualifications of the persons proposed to be involved in executive
management or as principal operators, and the location and site plans of any
proposed relocation or change in use of the dealership facility. notice
to franchisor under sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision. If the
franchisor fails to request additional information from the dealer or proposed
transferee within 15 days of receipt of this initial information, the 30‑day
time period within which the franchisor may provide notice of objection shall
be deemed to run from the initial receipt date. Otherwise, the 30‑day
time period within which the franchisor may provide notice of objection shall
run from the date the franchisor has received the supplemental information
requested from the dealer or proposed transferee; provided, however, that
failure by the franchisor to send notice of objection within 60 days of the
franchisor's receipt of the initial information from the dealer shall
constitute waiver by the franchisor of any right to object to the proposed
transfer, sale, assignment, relocation, or change.
d. With respect to a proposed transfer of ownership, sale, or assignment, the sole issue for determination by the Commissioner and the sole issue upon which the Commissioner shall hear or consider evidence is whether, by reason of lack of good moral character, lack of general business experience, or lack of financial ability, the proposed transferee is unfit to own the dealership. For purposes of this subdivision, the refusal by the manufacturer to accept a proposed transferee who is of good moral character and who otherwise meets the written, reasonable, and uniformly applied business experience and financial requirements, if any, required by the manufacturer of owners of its franchised automobile dealerships is presumed to demonstrate the manufacturer's failure to prove that the proposed transferee is unfit to own the dealership.
e. With respect to a proposed change in the executive management or principal operator of the dealership, the sole issue for determination by the Commissioner and the sole issue on which the Commissioner shall hear or consider evidence shall be whether, by reason of lack of training, lack of prior experience, poor past performance, or poor character, the proposed candidate for a position within the executive management or as principal operator of the dealership is unfit for the position. For purposes of this subdivision, the refusal by the manufacturer to accept a proposed candidate for executive management or as principal operator who is of good moral character and who otherwise meets the written, reasonable, and uniformly applied standards or qualifications, if any, of the manufacturer relating to the business experience and prior performance of executive management required by the manufacturers of its dealers is presumed to demonstrate the manufacturer's failure to prove the proposed candidate for executive management or as principal operator is unfit to serve the capacity.
f. With respect to a proposed change in use of a dealership facility to provide for the sales or service of one or more additional line‑makes of new motor vehicles, the sole issue for determination by the Commissioner is whether the new motor vehicle dealer has a reasonable line of credit for each make or line of motor vehicle and remains in compliance with any reasonable capital standards and facilities requirements of the manufacturer or distributor. The reasonable facilities requirements of the manufacturer or distributor shall not include any requirement that a new motor vehicle dealer establish or maintain exclusive facilities, personnel, or display space.
g. With respect to a proposed relocation or other proposed change, the issue for determination by the Commissioner is whether the proposed relocation or other change is unreasonable under the circumstances. For purposes of this subdivision, the refusal by the manufacturer to agree to a proposed relocation which meets the written, reasonable, and uniformly applied standards or criteria, if any, of the manufacturer relating to dealer relocations is presumed to demonstrate that the manufacturer's failure to prove the proposed relocation is unreasonable under the circumstances.
h. The manufacturer shall have the burden of proof before the Commissioner under this subdivision.
i. It is unlawful for a manufacturer to, in any way,
condition its do any of the following:
1. Condition its approval of a proposed transfer, sale, assignment, change in the dealer's executive management, principal operator, or appointment of a designated successor, on the existing or proposed dealer's willingness to construct a new facility, renovate the existing facility, acquire or refrain from acquiring one or more line‑makes of vehicles, separate or divest one or more line‑makes of vehicle, or establish or maintain exclusive facilities, personnel, or display space.
2. It is unlawful for a manufacturer to, in any
way, condition Condition its approval of a proposed relocation on
the existing or proposed dealer's willingness to acquire or refrain from
acquiring one or more line‑makes of vehicles, separate or divest one or
more line‑makes of vehicle, or establish or maintain exclusive
facilities, personnel, or display space. The opinion or determination of a
franchisor that the continued existence of one of its franchised dealers
situated in this State is not viable, or that the dealer holds or fails to hold
licensing rights for the sale of other line‑makes of vehicles in a manner
consistent with the franchisor's existing or future distribution or marketing
plans, shall not constitute a lawful basis for the franchisor to fail or refuse
to approve a dealer's proposed change in use of a dealership facility or relocation:
provided, however, that nothing contained in this subdivision shall be deemed
to prevent or prohibit a franchisor from failing to approve a dealer's proposed
relocation on grounds that the specific site or facility proposed by the dealer
is otherwise unreasonable under the circumstances. Approval of a relocation
pursuant to this subdivision shall not in itself constitute the franchisor's
representation or assurance of the dealer's viability at that location.
3. Condition, directly or indirectly, the approval of the sale or transfer of the ownership of a dealership by the sale of the business, stock transfer, or otherwise, or the transfer, sale, succession, or assignment of a dealer's franchise, or a change in the executive management or principal operator of the dealership upon the existing or proposed dealer's willingness to renovate, construct, or relocate the dealership facility, or to enroll in a facility program; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to or affect the validity of an ownership transfer or change in executive management or principal operator of the dealership that occurred prior to July 1, 2021.
4. Condition, directly or indirectly, the approval of the sale or transfer of the ownership of a dealership by the sale of the business, stock transfer, or otherwise, or the transfer, sale, succession, or assignment of a dealer's franchise, or a change in the executive management or principal operator of the dealership, or a dealer's proposed relocation of the dealership facility, or a dealer's satisfaction of the terms of any incentive program or contest, upon the existing or proposed dealer's willingness to enter into a right of first refusal in favor of the manufacturer."
SECTION 1.(b) G.S. 20‑305(7) reads as rewritten:
"(7) Notwithstanding the terms of any contract or agreement, to prevent or refuse to honor the succession to a dealership, including the franchise, by a motor vehicle dealer's designated successor as provided for under this subsection.
…
b. Any objections by a manufacturer or distributor to an owner's appointment of a designated successor shall be asserted in accordance with the following procedure:
…
3. The Commissioner shall
endeavor to hold the evidentiary hearing required under this sub‑subdivision
and render a determination within 180 days after receipt of the written request
from the owner or designated successor. In determining whether good cause
exists for rejection of the owner's appointed designated successor, the
manufacturer or distributor has the burden of proving that the designated
successor is a person who is not of good moral character or does not meet the
franchisor's existing written and reasonable standards and, considering the
volume of sales and service of the new motor vehicle dealer, uniformly applied
minimum business experience standards in the market area.area for the
proposed day‑to‑day principal operator of the dealership.
…
d. Within 60 days after the
death or incapacity of the owner or principal operator, a designated successor
appointed in substantial compliance with this section shall give the affected
manufacturer or distributor written notice of his or her succession to the
position of owner or principal operator of the new motor vehicle dealership;
provided, however, that the failure of the designated successor to give the
manufacturer or distributor written notice as provided above within 60 days of
the death or incapacity of the owner or principal operator shall not result in
the waiver or termination of the designated successor's right to succeed to the
ownership of the new motor vehicle dealership unless the manufacturer or
distributor gives written notice of this provision to either the designated
successor or the deceased or incapacitated owner's executor, administrator,
guardian or other fiduciary by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, and said written notice grants not less than 30 days time days
within which the designated successor may give the notice required
hereunder, provided the designated successor or the deceased or incapacitated
owner's executor, administrator, guardian or other fiduciary has given the
manufacturer reasonable notice of death or incapacity. Within 30 days of
receipt of the notice by the manufacturer or distributor from the designated
successor provided in this sub‑subdivision, the manufacturer or
distributor may request that the designated successor complete the application forms
generally utilized by the manufacturer or distributor to review the designated
successor's qualifications to establish a successor dealership. Within 30 days
of receipt of the completed forms, the manufacturer or distributor shall send a
letter by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, advising the
designated successor of facts and circumstances which have changed since the
manufacturer's or distributor's original approval of the designated successor,
and which have caused the manufacturer or distributor to object to the
designated successor. Upon receipt of such notice, the designated successor may
either designate an alternative successor or may file a request for evidentiary
hearing in accordance with the procedures provided in sub‑subdivisions
b.2. –5. of this subdivision. In any such hearing, the manufacturer or
distributor shall be limited to facts and circumstances which did not exist at
the time the designated successor was originally approved or evidence which was
originally requested to be produced by the designated successor at the time of
the original request and was fraudulent.
…."
SECTION 1.(c) G.S. 20‑305(18) reads as rewritten:
"(18) To prevent or attempt
to prevent a dealer from receiving fair and reasonable compensation for the
value of the franchised business transferred in accordance with G.S. 20‑305(4)
above, or to prevent or attempt to prevent, through the exercise of any
contractual right of first refusal refusal, option to purchase, or
otherwise, a dealer located in this State from transferring the franchised
business to such persons or other entities as the dealer shall designate in
accordance with G.S. 20‑305(4). The opinion or determination of a
manufacturer that the existence or location of one of its franchised dealers
situated in this State is not viable or is not consistent with the
manufacturer's distribution or marketing forecast or plans shall not constitute
a lawful basis for the manufacturer to fail or refuse to approve a dealer's
proposed transfer of ownership submitted in accordance with G.S. 20‑305(4),
or "good cause" for the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of
the franchise under G.S. 20‑305(6) or grounds for the objection to
an owner's designated successor appointed pursuant to G.S. 20‑305(7)."
ELECTRIC VEHICLES/FACILITATE SALES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
SECTION 2.(a) G.S. 20‑305(6)g. reads as rewritten:
"g. A franchise shall continue in full force and operation notwithstanding a change, in whole or in part, of an established plan or system of distribution of the motor vehicles offered for sale under the franchise. The appointment of a new manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch for motor vehicles offered for sale under the franchise agreement or the establishment of a separate franchise that sells or distributes exclusively or primarily electric vehicles shall be deemed to be a change of an established plan or system of distribution.
Upon the
occurrence of the change, the Division shall deny an application of a
manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch for a license
or license renewal unless the applicant for a license as a manufacturer,
factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch offers to each motor vehicle
dealer who is a party to a franchise for that line make line make,
without any separate or additional fee or charge, a new franchise agreement
containing substantially the same provisions which were contained in the
previous franchise agreement or files an affidavit with the Division acknowledging
its undertaking to assume and fulfill fulfill, without any separate
or additional fee or charge to its dealers, the rights, duties, and
obligations of its predecessor under the previous franchise agreement.
Should the Division fail to deny an application following the change, as
required by this subsection, the Division shall then deny any subsequent
renewal of such license until such time as the manufacturer, factory branch,
distributor, or distributor branch offers to each motor vehicle dealer who is a
party to a franchise for that line make a new franchise agreement on
substantially the same provisions which were contained in the previous
franchise agreement."
SECTION 2.(b) G.S. 20‑305(9) reads as rewritten:
"(9) To require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any new motor vehicle dealer in this State to purchase or lease a specific dealer management computer system for communication with the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch or any computer hardware or software used for any purpose other than the maintenance or repair of motor vehicles, to participate monetarily in an advertising campaign or contest, or to purchase unnecessary or unreasonable quantities of any promotional materials, training materials, training programs, showroom or other display decorations, materials, computer equipment or programs, charging stations, or special tools at the expense of the new motor vehicle dealer, provided that nothing in this subsection shall preclude a manufacturer or distributor from including an unitemized uniform charge in the base price of the new motor vehicle charged to the dealer where such charge is attributable to advertising costs incurred or to be incurred by the manufacturer or distributor in the ordinary courses of its business.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, policy, or incentive program, it is unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any of its franchised dealers in this State to (i) purchase or lease any electric vehicle charging stations at the dealer's expense unless the dealer has indicated to the manufacturer or distributor the dealer's intention to begin offering for sale to the public or providing warranty service on electric vehicles manufactured or distributed by that manufacturer or distributor; or, (ii) if the dealer is offering for sale to the public or providing warranty service on electric vehicles manufactured or distributed by that manufacturer or distributor, purchase or lease, at the dealer's expense, either (a) more than the number of electric vehicle charging stations for use by service technicians and customer education than would reasonably be necessary for the dealer to have for these purposes during the following three‑year period; or (b) any electric vehicle charging stations for use anywhere other than the dealer's service area.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, policy, or incentive program, it is unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to require that any of its franchised dealers in this State purchase or lease any diagnostic equipment or tool for the maintenance, servicing, or repair of electric vehicles if the dealer has other diagnostic equipment or tools available for servicing another brand or line make of vehicle manufactured or distributed by that manufacturer or distributor that can perform the work to the standards required by the applicable manufacturer or distributor.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, a franchised dealer that sells fewer than 250 new motor vehicles per year may request approval from the manufacturer to enter into a tool loaner agreement with another dealer, in lieu of purchasing or leasing any special tools required by any manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, provided, however, that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
…."
SECTION 2.(c) G.S. 20‑286(10) reads as rewritten:
"(10) Motor vehicle. – Any motor propelled vehicle, regardless of the size and type of motor or source of power, trailer or semitrailer, required to be registered under the laws of this State. This term does not include mopeds, as that term is defined in G.S. 20‑4.01.
…."
REQUIREMENT TO PURCHASE PRE‑OWNED VEHICLES
SECTION 3.(a) G.S. 20‑305(9) reads as rewritten:
"(9) To require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any new motor vehicle dealer in this State to purchase or lease a specific dealer management computer system for communication with the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch or any computer hardware or software used for any purpose other than the maintenance or repair of motor vehicles, to participate monetarily in an advertising campaign or contest, to purchase off‑lease or other pre‑owned vehicles, or to purchase unnecessary or unreasonable quantities of any promotional materials, training materials, training programs, showroom or other display decorations, materials, computer equipment or programs, or special tools at the expense of the new motor vehicle dealer, provided that nothing in this subsection shall preclude a manufacturer or distributor from including an unitemized uniform charge in the base price of the new motor vehicle charged to the dealer where such charge is attributable to advertising costs incurred or to be incurred by the manufacturer or distributor in the ordinary courses of its business.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, policy, or incentive program, it is unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any of its franchised dealers in this State to either (i) purchase or lease any electric vehicle charging stations at the dealer's expense unless the dealer is actually offering for sale to the public or providing warranty service on electric vehicles manufactured or distributed by that manufacturer or distributor or (ii) purchase or lease, at the dealer's expense, more than one electric vehicle charging station per dealership location owned by the dealer.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, policy, or incentive program, it is unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to require that any of its franchised dealers in this State purchase or lease any diagnostic equipment or tool for the maintenance, servicing or repair of electric vehicles if the dealer has other diagnostic equipment or tools available that can perform the work to the standards required by the applicable manufacturer or distributor. To the extent practicable, manufacturers and distributors having franchised dealers in this State that sell or service multiple brands of electric vehicles manufactured or distributed by the same manufacturer or distributor are required to design, manufacture and distribute diagnostic equipment, tools and parts that can be used interchangeably with all brands of electric vehicles sold or distributed to their dealers in this State.
Notwithstanding the terms or conditions of any franchise or other agreement, a franchised dealer that sells fewer than 250 new motor vehicles per year may request approval from the manufacturer to enter into a tool loaner agreement with another dealer, in lieu of purchasing or leasing any special tools required by any manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, provided, however, that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
…."
SECTION 3.(b) G.S. 20‑305(28) reads as rewritten:
"(28) To require, coerce, or
attempt to coerce any new motor vehicle dealer to purchase or order any purchase,
order, or accept any pre‑owned or new motor vehicle as a precondition
to purchasing, ordering, or receiving any other new motor vehicle or vehicles.
Nothing herein shall prevent a manufacturer from requiring that a new motor
vehicle dealer fairly represent and inventory the full line of current model
year new motor vehicles which are covered by the franchise agreement, provided
that such inventory representation requirements are not unreasonable under the
circumstances."
CLARIFICATION OF DEALER'S RIGHT TO CONTROL LOCATION
SECTION 4. G.S. 20‑305(12) reads as rewritten:
"(12) To require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any new motor vehicle dealer in this State to change location of the dealership, or to make any substantial alterations to the dealership premises or facilities, when to do so would be unreasonable, or without written assurance of a sufficient supply of new motor vehicles so as to justify such an expansion, in light of the current market and economic conditions. If a dealer is required by the manufacturer to change the location of the dealership and has not sold its existing dealership facility and real estate within 90 days of listing the property for sale, then, upon the written request of the dealer, the manufacturer shall purchase the dealer's existing dealership facility and real estate at its fair market value as determined by an independent appraiser agreed upon by the dealer and manufacturer. If a manufacturer or distributor purchases a dealership facility and real estate, then it shall be entitled to sole ownership, possession, use, and control of any items, buildings, or property that were included in the contract to purchase."
GRANDFATHER EXTENSION
SECTION 5. G.S. 20‑305(30) reads as rewritten:
"(30) To vary the price charged to any of its franchised new motor vehicle dealers located in this State for new motor vehicles based on the dealer's purchase of new facilities, supplies, tools, equipment, or other merchandise from the manufacturer, the dealer's relocation, remodeling, repair, or renovation of existing dealerships or construction of a new facility, the dealer's participation in training programs sponsored, endorsed, or recommended by the manufacturer, whether or not the dealer is dualed with one or more other line makes of new motor vehicles, or the dealer's sales penetration. Except as provided in this subdivision, it shall be unlawful for any manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, or any field representative, officer, agent, or any representative whatsoever of any of them to vary the price charged to any of its franchised new motor vehicle dealers located in this State for new motor vehicles based on the dealer's sales volume, the dealer's level of sales or customer service satisfaction, the dealer's purchase of advertising materials, signage, nondiagnostic computer hardware or software, communications devices, or furnishings, or the dealer's participation in used motor vehicle inspection or certification programs sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer.
The price of the vehicle, for purposes of this subdivision shall include the manufacturer's use of rebates, credits, or other consideration that has the effect of causing a variance in the price of new motor vehicles offered to its franchised dealers located in the State.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this subdivision shall be deemed to preclude a manufacturer from establishing sales contests or promotions that provide or award dealers or consumers rebates or incentives; provided, however, that the manufacturer complies with all of the following conditions:
a. With respect to manufacturer to consumer rebates and incentives, the manufacturer's criteria for determining eligibility shall:
1. Permit all of the manufacturer's franchised new motor vehicle dealers in this State to offer the rebate or incentive; and
2. Be uniformly applied and administered to all eligible consumers.
b. With respect to manufacturer to dealer rebates and incentives, the rebate or incentive program shall:
1. Be based solely on the dealer's actual or reasonably anticipated sales volume or on a uniform per vehicle sold or leased basis;
2. Be uniformly available, applied, and administered to all of the manufacturer's franchised new motor vehicle dealers in this State; and
3. Provide that any of the manufacturer's franchised new motor vehicle dealers in this State may, upon written request, obtain the method or formula used by the manufacturer in establishing the sales volumes for receiving the rebates or incentives and the specific calculations for determining the required sales volumes of the inquiring dealer and any of the manufacturer's other franchised new motor vehicle dealers located within 75 miles of the inquiring dealer.
Nothing contained in this subdivision shall prohibit a manufacturer from providing assistance or encouragement to a franchised dealer to remodel, renovate, recondition, or relocate the dealer's existing facilities, provided that this assistance, encouragement, or rewards are not determined on a per vehicle basis.
It is unlawful for any manufacturer to charge or include the cost of any program or policy prohibited under this subdivision in the price of new motor vehicles that the manufacturer sells to its franchised dealers or purchasers located in this State.
In the
event that as of October 1, 1999, a manufacturer was operating a program that
varied the price charged to its franchised dealers in this State in a manner
that would violate this subdivision, or had in effect a documented policy that
had been conveyed to its franchised dealers in this State and that varied the
price charged to its franchised dealers in this State in a manner that would
violate this subdivision, it shall be lawful for that program or policy,
including amendments to that program or policy that are consistent with the
purpose and provisions of the existing program or policy, or a program or
policy similar thereto implemented after October 1, 1999, to continue in effect
as to the manufacturer's franchised dealers located in this State until June
30, 2022.2024.
In the
event that as of June 30, 2001, a manufacturer was operating a program that
varied the price charged to its franchised dealers in this State in a manner
that would violate this subdivision, or had in effect a documented policy that
had been conveyed to its franchised dealers in this State and that varied the
price charged to its franchised dealers in this State in a manner that would
violate this subdivision, and the program or policy was implemented in this
State subsequent to October 1, 1999, and prior to June 30, 2001, and provided
that the program or policy is in compliance with this subdivision as it existed
as of June 30, 2001, it shall be lawful for that program or policy, including
amendments to that program or policy that comply with this subdivision as it
existed as of June 30, 2001, to continue in effect as to the manufacturer's
franchised dealers located in this State until June 30, 2022.2024.
Any manufacturer shall be required to pay or otherwise compensate any franchise dealer who has earned the right to receive payment or other compensation under a program in accordance with the manufacturer's program or policy.
The provisions of this subdivision shall not be applicable to multiple or repeated sales of new motor vehicles made by a new motor vehicle dealer to a single purchaser under a bona fide fleet sales policy of a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch."
MINIMUM VEHICLE ALLOCATION
SECTION 6. G.S. 20‑305(14) reads as rewritten:
"(14) To delay, refuse, or fail to deliver motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts or accessories in reasonable quantities relative to the new motor vehicle dealer's facilities and sales potential in the new motor vehicle dealer's market area as determined in accordance with reasonably applied economic principles, or within a reasonable time, after receipt of an order from a dealer having a franchise for the retail sale of any new motor vehicle sold or distributed by the manufacturer or distributor, any new vehicle, parts or accessories to new vehicles as are covered by such franchise, and such vehicles, parts or accessories as are publicly advertised as being available or actually being delivered. The delivery to another dealer of a motor vehicle of the same model and similarly equipped as the vehicle ordered by a motor vehicle dealer who has not received delivery thereof, but who has placed his written order for the vehicle prior to the order of the dealer receiving the vehicle, shall be evidence of a delayed delivery of, or refusal to deliver, a new motor vehicle to a motor vehicle dealer within a reasonable time, without cause. Additionally, except as may be required by any consent decree of the Commissioner or other order of the Commissioner or court of competent jurisdiction, any sales objectives which a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch establishes for any of its franchised dealers in this State must be reasonable, and every manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch must allocate its products within this State in a manner that does all of the following:
a. Provides each of its
franchised dealers in this State an adequate supply of vehicles by series,
product line, and model in a fair, reasonable, and equitable manner based on
each dealer's historical selling pattern and reasonable sales standards as
compared to other same line‑make dealers in the State.planning
potential.
…
f. If, during the immediately preceding 12 calendar months, a new motor vehicle dealer located in this State sold a total of 225 or fewer of any brand of new motor vehicles manufactured or distributed by a particular manufacturer or distributor, that manufacturer or distributor shall be required to allocate and deliver to the dealer within the following 60 days and on a model by model or series basis, no fewer than the number of new motor vehicles of each such model or series that dealer sold at retail during the immediately previous calendar month; provided, however, that nothing contained in this subdivision or in any franchise shall prevent or prohibit any dealer from refusing to accept all or any portion of any allocation of vehicles made available to the dealer by the manufacturer or distributor pursuant to this subdivision to the extent that accepting additional inventory would cause the dealer to exceed the dealer's floor plan allowance.
g. Provides each of its franchised dealers in this State a process that allows a dealer to appeal the dealer's vehicle allocation if the dealer believes it was not allocated or did not receive vehicle inventory in a manner that complies with both this section and the manufacturer's or distributor's allocation formula. In order to comply with this section, the appeal process established by a manufacturer or distributor must include both manufacturer representatives and dealer representatives.
h. Provides in writing to each of its franchised dealers in this State the manufacturer's formula used for allocating motor vehicles as well as a monthly summary of the number of motor vehicles allocated to each of its franchised dealers in this State by series, product line, and model.
This subsection is not violated, however, if such failure is caused solely by the occurrence of temporary international, national, or regional product shortages resulting from natural disasters, unavailability of parts, labor strikes, product recalls, and other factors and events beyond the control of the manufacturer that temporarily reduce a manufacturer's product supply. The willful or malicious maintenance, creation, or alteration of a vehicle allocation process or formula by a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch that is in any part designed or intended to force or coerce a dealer in this State to close or sell the dealer's franchise, cause the dealer financial distress, or to relocate, update, or renovate the dealer's existing dealership facility shall constitute an unfair and deceptive trade practice under G.S. 75‑1.1."
LOANER/RENTAL CAR REIMBURSEMENT
SECTION 7. G.S. 20‑305(33) reads as rewritten:
"(33) To fail to reimburse a
dealer located in this State in full for the actual cost cost,
including applicable taxes and third‑party fees, of providing a
loaner or rental vehicle to any customer who is having a vehicle
serviced at the dealership if the provision of such a loaner or rental vehicle
is required by the manufacturer. It is unlawful for a manufacturer to fail
to reimburse the dealer in full as provided above (i) whether or not the dealer
provides the customer with a model vehicle similar to the vehicle the customer
brought in for service, in the event the dealer does not have a similar model
loaner or rental vehicle available, or (ii) in the event that all or any
portion of the time the dealer has provided the customer with a loaner or
rental vehicle is due to the unavailability of one or more parts sold or
distributed by the manufacturer or through a supplier designated or approved by
the manufacturer."
FACILITY EXPENDITURES
SECTION 8. G.S. 20‑305(50) reads as rewritten:
"(50) To require, coerce, or
attempt to coerce any new motor vehicle dealer located in this State to change
location of its dealership, or to make any substantial alterations to its
dealership premises or facilities, if the dealer (i) has changed the location
of its dealership or made substantial alterations to its dealership premises or
facilities within the preceding 10 years at a cost of more than two hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), indexed to the Consumer Price Index, over
this 10‑year period, and (ii) the change in location or alteration was
made toward compliance with a facility initiative or facility program that was
sponsored or supported by the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or
distributor branch, with the approval of the manufacturer, factory branch,
distributor, or distributor branch. If a manufacturer, factory branch,
distributor, or distributor branch offers incentives, or other payments under a
program that are in any part conditioned on a dealer's construction of a new
facility, facility improvements, or installation of signs or other image
elements, a dealer that constructed a new facility, made facility improvements,
or installed signs or other image elements required by or approved by the manufacturer
that were completed at a cost of more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars
($250,000), indexed to the Consumer Price Index, within the preceding 10 years
shall be deemed to be in compliance with any applicable facility requirements
included in the manufacturer's program, and the dealer shall be entitled to
receive all such incentives or other payments awardable under the program. If,
during the 10‑year period, the manufacturer revises or discontinues an
existing program, standard, or policy or establishes a new program, standard,
or policy or other benefit relating to construction or substantial alteration
of a dealership, a motor vehicle dealer that completed construction or
alteration of a dealership at a cost of more than two hundred fifty thousand
dollars ($250,000) as part of a prior program, standard, or policy and elects
not to participate in the new or revised program, standard, or policy shall not
be entitled to the facility bonus incentive portion of the new or revised
program but shall remain entitled to all facility benefits under the prior
program, standard, or policy according to the terms of the prior program,
standard, or policy. If the prior program, standard, or policy under which the
dealer completed a construction or alteration does not contain a specific
period of time during which the manufacturer or distributor must provide
payments or benefits to a dealer, then the manufacturer or distributor may not
deny the dealer payment or benefits under the terms of that prior program, as
it existed when the dealer began to perform under the prior program, for the
balance of the 10‑year term, regardless of whether the manufacturer's or
distributor's program, standard, or policy has been revised or discontinued. For
any dealer that did not change the location of its dealership or make
substantial alterations to its dealership premises or facilities within the
preceding 10 years at a cost of more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars
($250,000), indexed to the Consumer Price Index, the dealer's obligation to
change location of its dealership, or to make any substantial alteration to
its dealership premises or facilities, at the request of a manufacturer,
factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, or to satisfy a requirement
or condition of an incentive program sponsored by a manufacturer, factory
branch, distributor, or distributor branch, shall be governed by the applicable
provisions of subdivisions (4), (11), (12), (25), (30), (32), and (42) of this
section. This section shall not apply to any facility or premises improvement
or alteration that is voluntarily agreed to by the new motor vehicle dealer and
for which the dealer receives facilities‑related compensation from the
manufacturer or distributor for the facility improvement or alteration
equivalent to at least a majority of the cost incurred by the dealer for the
facility improvement or alteration."
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 9. G.S. 20‑305.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 20‑305.1. Automobile dealer warranty and recall obligations.
(a) Each motor vehicle
manufacturer, factory branch, distributor or distributor branch, shall specify
in writing to each of its motor vehicle dealers licensed in this State the
dealer's obligations for preparation, delivery, warranty, manufacturer‑sponsored
maintenance programs, manufacturer extended warranty, parts exchange programs, and
recall service on its products. The disclosure required under this subsection
shall include the schedule of compensation to be paid the dealers for parts,
work, and service in connection with preparation, delivery, warranty, and
recall service, and the time allowances for the performance of the work and
service. In no event shall the schedule of compensation fail to include
reasonable compensation for diagnostic work work, shipping, if
required by the manufacturer or distributor, and for battery disposal or other
disposal charges and all other associated fees that were actually incurred by
the dealer, and associated administrative requirements as well as repair
service and labor. Time allowances for the performance of preparation,
delivery, warranty, and recall work and service shall be reasonable and
adequate for the work to be performed. The compensation paid under this section
shall be reasonable, provided, however, that under no circumstances shall the
reasonable compensation under this section for warranty and recall service be
in an amount less than the dealer's current retail labor rate and the amount
charged to retail customers for the manufacturer's or distributor's original
parts for nonwarranty work of like kind, provided the amount is competitive
with the retail rates charged for parts and labor by other franchised dealers
of the same line‑make located within the dealer's market. If there is no
other same line‑make dealer located in the dealer's market or if all
other same line‑make dealers in the dealer's market are owned or operated
by the same entities or individuals as the dealership being compared, the
retail rates charged for parts and labor by other franchised dealers located in
the dealer's market that sell competing line‑make motor vehicles as the
dealer may be considered when determining whether the dealer's rates are
competitive.
(a1) The retail rate
customarily charged by the dealer for parts and labor may be established at the
election of the dealer by the dealer submitting to the manufacturer or
distributor 100 sequential nonwarranty customer‑paid service repair
orders which contain warranty‑like parts, or 60 consecutive days of
nonwarranty customer‑paid service repair orders which contain warranty‑like
parts, whichever is less, covering repairs made no more than 180 days before
the submission and declaring the average percentage markup. The average of the
parts markup rate and the average labor rate shall both be presumed to be
reasonable, however, a manufacturer or distributor may, not later than 30 days
after submission, rebut that presumption by reasonably substantiating that the
rate is unfair and unreasonable in light of the retail rates charged for parts
and labor by all other franchised motor vehicle dealers located in the
dealer's market relevant market area offering the same line‑make
vehicles. In the event there are no other franchised dealers offering the same
line‑make of vehicle in the dealer's market, relevant market
area, the manufacturer or distributor may compare the dealer's retail rate
for parts and labor with the retail rates charged for parts and labor by other same
segment franchised dealers who are selling competing line‑makes of
vehicles within the dealer's market. relevant market area. The
retail rate and the average labor rate shall go into effect 30 days following
the manufacturer's approval, but in no event later than 60 days following the
declaration, subject to audit of the submitted repair orders by the
manufacturer or distributor and a rebuttal of the declared rate as described
above. If the declared rate is rebutted, the manufacturer or distributor shall
propose an adjustment of the average percentage markup based on that rebuttal
not later than 30 days after such audit, but in no event later than 60 days
after submission. If the dealer does not agree with the proposed average
percentage markup, the dealer may file a protest with the Commissioner not
later than 30 days after receipt of that proposal by the manufacturer or
distributor. If such a protest is filed, the Commissioner shall inform the
manufacturer or distributor that a timely protest has been filed and that a
hearing will be held on such protest. In any hearing held pursuant to this
subsection, the manufacturer or distributor shall have the burden of proving by
a preponderance of the evidence that the rate declared by the dealer was
unreasonable as described in this subsection and that the proposed adjustment
of the average percentage markup is reasonable pursuant to the provisions of
this subsection. If the dealer prevails at a protest hearing, the dealer's
proposed rate, affirmed at the hearing, shall be effective as of 60 days after
the date of the dealer's initial submission of the customer‑paid service
orders to the manufacturer or distributor. If the manufacturer or distributor
prevails at a protest hearing, the rate proposed by the manufacturer or
distributor, that was affirmed at the hearing, shall be effective beginning 30
days following issuance of the final order.
…
(b) Notwithstanding the
terms of any franchise agreement, it is unlawful for any motor vehicle
manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch to fail to
perform any of its warranty or recall obligations with respect to a motor
vehicle, to fail to fully compensate its motor vehicle dealers licensed in this
State for a qualifying used motor vehicle pursuant to subsections (i) and (j)
of this section or warranty and recall parts other than parts used to repair
the living facilities of recreational vehicles, including motor homes, travel
trailers, fifth‑wheel trailers, camping trailers, and truck campers as
defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(32b), at the prevailing retail rate
according to the factors in subsection (a) of this section, or, in service in
accordance with the schedule of compensation provided the dealer pursuant to
subsection (a) of this section, or to otherwise recover all or any portion of
its costs for compensating its motor vehicle dealers licensed in this State for
warranty or recall parts and service or for payments for a qualifying used
motor vehicle pursuant to subsections (i) and (j) of this section either by
reduction in the amount due to the dealer, or by separate charge, surcharge, or
other imposition, and to fail to indemnify and hold harmless its franchised
dealers licensed in this State against any judgment for damages or settlements
agreed to by the manufacturer, including, but not limited to, court costs and
reasonable attorneys' fees of the motor vehicle dealer, arising out of
complaints, claims or lawsuits including, but not limited to, strict liability,
negligence, misrepresentation, express or implied warranty, or recision or
revocation of acceptance of the sale of a motor vehicle as defined in
G.S. 25‑2‑608, to the extent that the judgment or settlement
relates to the alleged defective or negligent manufacture, assembly or
design of new motor vehicles, parts or accessories or other functions by the
manufacturer, factory branch, distributor or distributor branch, beyond the
control of the dealer. Any audit, other than an audit conducted for cause, for
warranty or recall parts or service compensation, or compensation for a qualifying
used motor vehicle in accordance with subsections (i) and (j) of this section
may only be conducted one time within any 12‑month period 24‑month
period and shall only be for the 12‑month period immediately
following the date of the payment of the claim by the manufacturer, factory
branch, distributor, or distributor branch. Any audit, other than an audit
conducted for cause, for sales incentives, service incentives, rebates, or
other forms of incentive compensation may only be conducted one time within any
12‑month period 24‑month period and shall only be for
the 12‑month period immediately following the date of the payment of the
claim by the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch
pursuant to a sales incentives program, service incentives program, rebate
program, or other form of incentive compensation program. Provided, however,
these limitations shall not be effective in the case of fraudulent claims. For
purposes of this subsection, the term "audit conducted for cause" is
defined as an audit based on any of the following: (i) statistical evidence
that the dealer's claims are unreasonably high in comparison to other dealers
similarly situated or the dealer's claim history, (ii) that the dealer's
claims submissions violate reasonable claims documentation or other
requirements of the applicable manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or
distributor branch, dealer cannot reasonably substantiate the claim
either in accordance with the manufacturer's reasonable written procedures or
by other reasonable means, (iii) a follow up to an earlier audit in which
the dealer was notified of a claim documentation procedure violation that
occurred within the prior 12‑month period, provided the audit and any chargeback
are in compliance with subdivision (b1) or (b2) of this section and are
limited in scope to just the specific violation determined previously, or (iv)
reasonable evidence of malfeasance or fraud. In the event a manufacturer,
factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch elects to perform an audit
conducted for cause, the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or
distributor branch, simultaneously with providing the affected dealer with
written notice of the audit, shall further be required to explain in detail in
the notice the data or other foundation upon which the cause is based.
…
(c) In the event there is a dispute between the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, and the dealer with respect to any matter referred to in subsection (a), (b), (b1), (b2), (b3), (b4), (d), or (i) of this section, either party may petition the Commissioner in writing, within 30 days after either party has given written notice of the dispute to the other, for a hearing on the subject and the decision of the Commissioner shall be binding on the parties, subject to rights of judicial review and appeal as provided in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall give the Commissioner any authority as to the content of any manufacturer's or distributor's warranty. Upon the filing of a petition before the Commissioner under this subsection, any chargeback to or any payment required of a dealer by a manufacturer relating to warranty or recall parts or service compensation, or to sales incentives, service incentives, rebates, other forms of incentive compensation, or the withholding or chargeback of other compensation or support that a dealer would otherwise be eligible to receive, shall be stayed during the pendency of the determination by the Commissioner.
…."
CLARIFY DEFINITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER
SECTION 10. G.S. 20‑286(11)a. reads as rewritten:
"a. A person who does any of the following:
1. For commission, money, or other thing of value, buys, sells, leases at retail, offers for subscription, or exchanges, whether outright or on conditional sale, bailment lease, chattel mortgage, or otherwise, five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the motor vehicles.
2. On behalf of another and for commission, money, or other thing of value, arranges, offers, attempts to solicit, or attempts to negotiate the sale, purchase, or exchange of an interest in five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the motor vehicles.
3. Engages, wholly or in
part, in the business of selling selling, leasing at retail, or
offering for subscription new motor vehicles or new or used motor vehicles,
or used motor vehicles only, whether or not the motor vehicles are owned by
that person, and sells five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive
months.
4. Offers to sell, displays, or permits the display for sale for any form of compensation five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months.
5. Primarily engages in the leasing or renting of motor vehicles to others and sells or offers to sell those vehicles at retail."
DEALERSHIP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 11. G.S. 20‑305(20) reads as rewritten:
"(20) To release to any outside party, except under subpoena or as otherwise required by law or in an administrative, judicial or arbitration proceeding involving the manufacturer or new motor vehicle dealer, any confidential business, financial, or personal information which may be from time to time provided by the new motor vehicle dealer to the manufacturer, without the express written consent of the new motor vehicle dealer. A manufacturer shall not require, or include in any incentive program, a requirement that any of its motor vehicle dealers in this State provide an exclusive financial statement for a franchise or line make when the dealer company operates more than one franchise or sells more than one line make."
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
SECTION 12. If any section or provision of this act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by the courts, it does not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any part other than the part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 13. This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to all current and future franchises and other agreements in existence between any new motor vehicle dealer located in this State and a manufacturer or distributor as of the effective date of this act.