This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17A-6-1c, to the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which would allow specific motor vehicle manufacturers to operate as new car dealers within the state. The legislation stipulates that a manufacturer must meet certain criteria to qualify for this licensing. Specifically, the manufacturer must have been producing zero emissions motor vehicles since at least 2008, exclusively manufacture or assemble zero emissions vehicles, and must not have sold its vehicles through a franchised dealer in West Virginia. Additionally, the manufacturer must not have any controlling interest in a franchisor or related entities.

The intent of this bill is to facilitate the direct sales of zero emissions motor vehicles by manufacturers that meet the outlined qualifications, thereby promoting the availability of environmentally friendly vehicles in West Virginia. The bill does not propose any deletions from existing law but introduces new provisions to support the operation of these manufacturers as new car dealers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-6-1c