Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Signs Auto Dealer Legislation Easing Multi-Make Dealerships

HARRISBURG, PA - September 4, 2009: Governor Edward G. Rendell signed into law yesterday the following bill:

Senate Bill 921 makes several changes to the state Board of Vehicles Act making it easier for car dealers to own two or more makes of vehicles at the same location or relocate and add a new make. With passage of this bill, manufacturers will now have 45 days, instead of the previous 60 days, to object to a dealer's request for adding another make of vehicle. This legislation sets out procedures for a dealer to respond to a denial of request by a manufacturer and prohibits manufacturers from requiring an unreasonable expansion, construction, or modification of a dealer's facilities in light of the market and economic conditions. It extends the time period when a dealer can return a car to the manufacturer after a franchise termination from 120 days to 18 months and increases the maximum number of miles registered on the odometer from 500 to 750. For larger vehicles, the time period is expanded to the past two model years.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.