H.F. No. 4717 Summary

• Expands the definition of "manufacturer" under Minnesota law to explicitly include entities that directly or indirectly own, control, are owned or controlled by, or share common ownership with a motor vehicle manufacturer.

• Prohibits manufacturers from failing to offer same line-make franchised dealers all manufactured models, including alternative fuel vehicles, unless the failure is due to lack of manufacturing capacity, strikes, labor difficulties, or other uncontrollable causes.

• Requires manufacturers to disclose sales volume formulas and specific calculations for rebate or incentive eligibility to inquiring dealers within 75 miles, allowing dealers to file civil action without proving injury if disclosure is refused.

• Prohibits manufacturers from requiring dealers to construct facility improvements or install new signs that substantially alter improvements completed within ten years, unless payments are lump sum amounts not dependent on vehicle sales or the program was in effect with multiple dealers as of August 1, 2018.

• Protects dealers from chargebacks or payment withholding solely due to unreasonable delays by state registrars in vehicle transfer or registration, with this protection expiring June 30, 2022.