This bill amends New Jersey law to facilitate the direct sale of zero emission light-duty trucks by manufacturers to consumers, removing previous restrictions that limited such sales to franchised dealerships. It modifies Section 5 of P.L.1999, c.45 (C.56:10-7.4) to allow motor vehicle franchisors to own or operate retail facilities for servicing these vehicles without being constrained by existing franchise agreements. The bill introduces new definitions for "zero emission light-duty truck" and clarifies that a "place of business" includes locations where these trucks are sold, thereby promoting the sale and servicing of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Under the new provisions, motor vehicle franchisors can directly buy from and sell zero emission light-duty trucks to consumers, provided they operate no more than four business locations in New Jersey and maintain at least one retail facility equipped for warranty servicing of the vehicles sold. The bill also updates definitions in Section 1 of P.L.1985, c.361 (C.56:10-26) to include zero emission light-duty trucks and specifies that it is a violation for franchisors to sell vehicles directly to consumers, except under the new provisions. This legislation aims to enhance the availability of zero emission vehicles in New Jersey while allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in engaging with consumers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 56:10-7.4, 56:10-26, 56:10-27, 56:10-28