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Urgent ! - OADA Backed Franchise Law Legislation Needs Your Help!

Dear OADA Member:

I am writing each and every member of this association and asking that you assist me and our staff with the most pressing issue we have faced in many years - the passage of an update to Ohio's motor vehicle dealer franchise law. This bill is absolutely critical to each and every member of our association whether you are a car, truck or motorcycle dealer.

Thirty years ago OADA-backed legislation created Ohio's dealer franchise law. This body of law then and now plays a critical role in leveling the playing field between you and your franchisor. As you know the manufacturers hold all the cards, write our agreements, dictate standards, implement programs, etc. In such a one sided relationship there needs to be some mechanism that ensures some level of fairness to the relationship between the parties.

While Ohio's law has served dealers well, it has become evident that changes in the industry and overreaching by some manufacturers require an updating of the statute. That is precisely what SB 204 and HB 364 do. This legislation brings Ohio's law in line with the franchise law of other states around the country. Did you know that 38 states address termination assistance, 28 states address exclusive facilities/dualing, and 36 states have addressed audit periods in their state franchise law? These as well as other changes are what we seek through this legislation.

While the provisions of this proposed law already exist in other states' franchise laws in the same or similar language, understand Ohio is a battleground state. As the country's #2 motor vehicle manufacturer, Ohio has a huge manufacturer presence. The manufacturers are expending any and all resources to create further delay. It is absolutely critical that these bills move now so that they become the law of Ohio!

Your voice is critical now! If you have never contacted your state representative, state senator, or the governor on an issue it is absolutely essential you contact all three now on this issue. If you have contacted them on this issue previously, do it again. Our grassroots efforts have always been our strength. Attached you will find talking points and a list of key provisions and contact information. Please contact each of these people today!

Sincerely,

Tim Doran

President

TO DOWNLOAD THE TALKING POINTS CLICK HERE.