The bill amends section 17A-6A-10 of the Code of West Virginia to enhance protections for motor vehicle dealers against unfair practices by manufacturers and distributors. It prohibits unreasonable requirements, such as forcing dealers to order vehicles or parts not requested, coercing facility improvements, or unilaterally altering dealer agreements. Manufacturers are required to provide reasonable justifications for changes to capital structures or financial requirements and must not engage in practices that disadvantage dealers, such as withholding consent for dealership sales or transfers. The bill also mandates timely vehicle delivery, transparency in distribution methods, and prohibits price increases on vehicles ordered before a price change notification.

Additionally, the legislation clarifies that manufacturers cannot charge consumers for post-sale software or hardware upgrades, except for specific updates, and restricts coercion regarding the sale of extended service contracts. It requires written communication of any changes to a dealer's area of responsibility at least 60 days in advance, allowing for legal appeals. The bill further ensures that manufacturers do not interfere with dealers' negotiations with retail buyers on pricing, financing, and trade-in values, and prohibits direct sales of new vehicles through subscription services without dealer involvement. Overall, the bill aims to foster a fair and transparent relationship between dealers and manufacturers in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-6A-10