By Robert A. Bass
Over the last year, the selling and buying of franchised motor vehicle dealerships has been robust. While indicators point to and continue to suggest a seller’s market, stores don’t sell themselves. There are several items an astute seller should always consider...
FORD SEPARATES ITS LEGACY AND EV BUSINESSES
Written by admin on . Posted in 2022, Franchise News, Newsletter.
By: Andrew G. Thomas
Ford recently announced that it is creating a separate company for its EVs. But for dealers, this exciting news is tempered by potential concerns. Will Ford’s separation of its EV products impact dealers’ Ford franchise agreements? Is this an issue covered by state...
Diligently Responding to OEM Deficiency/Poor Performance Claims
Written by admin on . Posted in 2022, Compliance, Newsletter.
By Micah A. Andrews
As a regular practice, OEMs commonly calendar and send letters to franchisees summarizing the dealership’s past sales, service, and customer satisfaction performance as well as any asserted issues the OEM has with the dealership’s facility compliance or staff...
Mercedes-Benz Issuing Framework Agreements to Smaller Dealership Groups
Written by admin on . Posted in 2022, Newsbrief, Newsletter.
It appears that Mercedes-Benz may be issuing new framework agreements to dealer organizations which have not previously been asked to agree to framework terms. These agreements have historically been issued only to publicly-traded and large privately held dealership groups with a significant...
Dealerships’ Obligations under the FTC Safeguards Rule Increase and Expand
Written by admin on . Posted in 2022, Compliance, Newsletter.
By W. Kirby Bissell
At this point, all dealerships should be familiar with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information” or the FTC’s Safeguards Rule. That rule originally took effect in 2003 and has required dealerships to develop and maintain a...