Bill > S05725

This bill aims to protect automobile dealerships from unfair practices by manufacturers and franchisors by amending various sections of the vehicle and traffic law. Key provisions include requiring manufacturers to disclose any interest in a dealership's franchise entity, clarifying when manufacturers can renew or issue certificates of registration for dealerships, and prohibiting manufacturers from coercing dealers into selling extended service contracts or similar products through threats or by tying sales performance to these products. The bill also restricts manufacturers from requiring dealers to renovate facilities too frequently, from forcing dealers to use specific vendors for renovations, and from terminating franchises without fairly compensating dealers for required facility upgrades or for inventory and equipment upon termination. Additionally, it addresses how warranty and incentive payments are handled, limiting chargebacks by manufacturers to a specific timeframe and requiring a clear explanation of allocation systems for new vehicle inventory.