The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning manufacturer and dealer franchise agreements, particularly focusing on enhancing consumer protection and ensuring fair practices in the motor vehicle market. Key changes include a broadened definition of "manufacturer" to include entities that control or are controlled by others in the vehicle manufacturing process, as well as the introduction of terms like "distributor," "factory branch," and "factory representative." The bill also clarifies the definition of "temporary subagency," allowing for licensing up to 10 days for promotional activities, with a maximum of six licenses issued annually. Additionally, it outlines unlawful practices in vehicle sales, such as misleading advertising and improper fee incorporation, while establishing conditions for documentary service fees and addressing the "bushing" practice to enhance transparency for consumers.

Further amendments focus on the relationship between manufacturers and dealers, emphasizing fairness and transparency. The bill prohibits manufacturers from coercing dealers regarding the acquisition of other vehicle lines and mandates that any significant facility alterations must be uniformly applied. It also requires manufacturers to provide written notice for rejecting changes in executive management and prohibits denial of claims based solely on clerical errors. New requirements for incentive programs ensure equal opportunities for all dealers, while stipulations regarding warranty compensation aim to ensure dealers are fairly compensated for their services. Overall, the bill seeks to balance power dynamics, promote fair competition, and protect consumer interests in the motor vehicle market.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.70.011, 46.70.180, 46.96.010, 46.96.105, 46.96.140, 46.96.185, 46.96.230