Modificación del área de responsabilidad de los concesionarios de vehículos

Explicación Simple

Los fabricantes de autos no pueden cambiar la zona donde trabaja un concesionario sin avisar. Tienen que dar un aviso de al menos dos meses y explicar por qué lo hacen.

Es como si un profesor decidiera cambiar tu grupo de amigos en la escuela sin avisarte. Necesitaría explicarte por qué y darte tiempo para adaptarte.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan tiene un concesionario de autos en una ciudad. Un día, la empresa que le suministra los autos decide que Juan ya no puede vender en su área. Deben avisarle con dos meses de anticipación y explicarle la razón. Si Juan no está de acuerdo, puede ir a la corte para detener el cambio.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

SECTION 56-15-98. Alteration of area of responsibility; notice; appeal and injunction; time for performance. (A) A manufacturer or distributor, officer, agent, or any representative of a manufacturer or distributor may not unreasonably alter a new motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility. (B) To alter a new motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility, a manufacturer or distributor, officer, agent, or any representative of a manufacturer or distributor must provide advance notice to the motor vehicle dealer including an explanation of the basis for the alteration at least sixty days before the effective date of the alteration. (C)(1) At any time prior to the effective date of an alteration of a new motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility, and after the completion of any internal appeal process pursuant to the manufacturer's or distributor's policy manual, the motor vehicle dealer may petition the court to enjoin or prohibit the alteration. (2) The court shall enjoin or prohibit the alteration of a motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility unless the franchisor shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the alteration is reasonable and justifiable in light of market conditions. (3) If a motor vehicle dealer petitions the court, no alteration to a motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility shall become effective until a final determination by the court. (D) If a new motor vehicle dealer's area of responsibility is altered, the manufacturer shall allow twenty-four months for the motor vehicle dealer to become sales effective prior to taking any action claiming a breach or nonperformance of the motor vehicle dealer's sales performance responsibilities. HISTORY:2013 Act No. 44, SECTION 7, eff June 7, 2013.