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 explicitly prohibits actions such as requiring dealers to order vehicles or parts not voluntarily requested, imposing unreasonable advertising costs, and coercing dealers into unnecessary facility improvements. The legislation mandates that any changes to dealer agreements must be mutually agreed upon, and manufacturers are required to provide reasonable timelines for vehicle deliveries without penalizing dealers for sales quota failures caused by the manufacturers' actions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that prevent manufacturers from charging consumers for post-sale software or hardware upgrades, except for specific updates like navigation or entertainment systems. It also restricts manufacturers from directly selling vehicles to consumers, ensuring that all sales go through authorized dealers, and prohibits interference with dealers' negotiations with customers. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable and transparent relationship between motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers, safeguarding dealers from unreasonable practices and ensuring fair competition in the automotive sales industry.

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