New Hampshire's Broad New Protections for Auto Dealers Is Law

Concord New Hampshire June 26, 2013; The AIADA newsletter reported that auto dealers gained sweeping new legal protections yesterday when Gov. Maggie Hassan signed legislation expanding the state's existing "Dealer Bill of Rights".

According to the Concord Monitor the bill passed both the Democratic-led House and Republican-led Senate this spring with overwhelming majorities. "Local control is a hallmark of the New Hampshire way of life," Gov. Hassan said. "By preventing costly mandates that have driven up costs for New Hampshire's vehicle and equipment dealers, (Senate Bill) 126 creates clear rules that return much-needed control to local owners, ensuring that both sides have rights."

The bill expands the existing protections offered under state law for locally owned franchises that sell automobiles and farm or construction equipment. Among other things, it bans manufacturers from requiring their dealerships to upgrade their facilities except every 15 years, requires automakers to pay higher reimbursement rates for repair work made under warranty, and allows dealers greater access to the files manufacturers keep on them.

Pete McNamara, president of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association said, "It (the Bill) provides balance in the one-sided relationship between car dealers and car manufacturers."

Read More Here about New Hampshire's new legislation that protects dealers.