MO HB2198

Expands the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act (MVFP Act) to include detailed definitions of key terms and establishes comprehensive protections for motor vehicle franchisees against franchisor misconduct.

Increases "relevant market area" radius for new dealer protections from 6 to 8 miles in counties with populations over 100,000 and from 10 to 15 miles in smaller counties, with enhanced notice and hearing procedures before franchisors can establish competing dealerships.

Establishes successor manufacturer obligations to offer franchise redemption to former franchisees within two years of acquiring a predecessor manufacturer's line-make, with fair market value compensation calculated on the highest value date.

Expands unlawful franchisor practices to 42 enumerated violations including restrictions on capital structure changes, ownership transfers, multi-line operations, and imposes affirmative duties for fair compensation on warranty work, parts, and facility maintenance.

Strengthens franchisee remedies by establishing mandatory administrative hearing procedures, allowing prevailing franchisees to recover damages plus litigation expenses and attorney fees, and prohibiting mandatory arbitration, jury trial waivers, and out-of-state dispute resolution in franchise agreements.