Bill > S0430

This bill modifies regulations for motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and importers, primarily by establishing new rules regarding incentive payments to dealers for facility upgrades, clarifying procedures for auditing and recouping payments, and prohibiting certain actions by manufacturers. Specifically, it mandates that if a manufacturer offers incentives for facility improvements, dealers who complete these improvements are considered compliant with related requirements for 10 years, and subsequent changes in manufacturer policies won't affect their eligibility for benefits under the original program during that period. The bill also sets stricter time limits for manufacturers to audit warranty and incentive claims, generally 12 months after payment, and requires manufacturers to provide dealers with detailed explanations and opportunities to respond before imposing any "chargebacks" (recouping previously paid funds), with dealers having the right to protest such actions to the department. Furthermore, manufacturers are prohibited from withholding payments for temporary replacement vehicles provided by dealers, and they cannot coerce dealers into purchasing goods or services from specific vendors without offering a comparable alternative from a dealer-chosen vendor, with exceptions for certain items like signage and specialized tools. Finally, manufacturers are barred from forcing dealers to pay for advertising costs or join advertising groups, and cannot take adverse actions against dealers who refuse to participate, although dealers can voluntarily form their own advertising groups.