The bill amends the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission Act to clarify the conditions under which a manufacturer can own, operate, or control a motor vehicle dealer. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that allows a manufacturer to own or control up to five locations licensed as motor vehicle dealers for the sale of new motor vehicles, as well as an unlimited number of locations dedicated solely to the repair of the manufacturer's line of zero-emission vehicles.

To qualify for this ownership, the manufacturer must exclusively manufacture or assemble zero-emission vehicles and must not have previously sold its vehicles through a franchised dealer in Arkansas. Additionally, the manufacturer must not have acquired or transferred a controlling interest in a franchisor or any related entities. This amendment aims to promote the sale and repair of zero-emission vehicles while establishing clear guidelines for manufacturers' involvement in the dealership market.

Statutes affected:
SB 395: 23-112-403(a)