(1) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise, the manufacturer is liable for any and all damage to new motor vehicles before delivery to a carrier or transporter.
(2) Whenever a new motor vehicle is damaged in transit, the dealer shall:
(a) Notify the manufacturer of the damage within three business days from the date of delivery to the dealer or within any additional time as specified in the franchise; and
(b) Request from the manufacturer authorization to replace the components, parts and accessories damaged or to otherwise repair the damage.
(3) If the manufacturer refuses or fails to authorize repair of any damage within 10 days after receipt of notification under subsection (2) of this section, or within any additional time as specified in the franchise, ownership of the new motor vehicle shall revert to the manufacturer, and the new motor vehicle dealer shall have no obligation, financial or otherwise, with respect to the motor vehicle.
(4) A manufacturer shall disclose in writing to a dealer, at the time of delivery of a new motor vehicle, the nature and extent of any and all damage and post-manufacturing repairs.
(5) If the total value of repairs to a new motor vehicle by the manufacturer’s authorized agent and a dealer equals or exceeds the amount specified under subsection (6) of this section, the manufacturer may either repurchase the motor vehicle from the dealer, or provide reasonable and adequate compensation to the dealer to assist in sale or disposition of the new motor vehicle, as long as the dealer has complied with all other contractual agreements with regard to damaged vehicles. If the manufacturer repurchases the motor vehicle, the dealer shall have no obligation, financial or otherwise, with respect to the motor vehicle.
(6) A dealer shall disclose, in writing, to a purchaser of the new motor vehicle prior to entering into a sales contract that the new motor vehicle has been damaged and repaired if the damage to the new motor vehicle exceeds $500, as calculated at the rate of the dealer’s authorized warranty rate for labor and parts. Replacement of glass, tires, bumpers or any comparable nonwelded component is not considered damage and repair for purposes of this section. For purposes of this subsection, “comparable nonwelded component” does not include a fender, hood, trunk lid or door. [1989 c.716 §3; 1999 c.660 §4; 2003 c.411 §3]
Section: Previous 650.100 650.120 650.130 650.140 650.145 650.150 650.153 650.155 650.158 650.160 650.162 650.165 650.167 650.170 650.200 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008