Dealer and manufacturer agreement bill submitted in Michigan
LIVONIA, Mich. – On May 24, Michigan Senator Beverly Hammerstrom (R-Temperance) submitted SB 531, the “Watercraft Manufacturer & Dealer Act” which outlines legislation to ensure a fair and balanced approach to dealer/manufacturer agreements, the Michigan Boating Industries Association reported in a recent statement.
SB 531 has additional refinements to last year’s House Bill 4808 submitted by, Representative Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), which last year passed out of the House Regulatory Reform Committee, but through a political maneuver, was sent back to the committee where it remained without action.
The MBIA continues efforts to pass dealer and manufacturer agreement legislation.
“The MBIA’s Board of Directors feels strongly that in order to move the industry forward with the multifaceted Grow Boating Initiative, a balanced and fair approach to dealer/manufacturer agreements must be part of the initiative,” stated Van Snider, CAE, MBIA president. “We understand that there has been some movement by the manufacturers, through the leadership of David Slikkers from Tiara Yachts, Holland, Michigan, to adopt a voluntary approach to dealer/manufacturer agreements. The MBIA Board has reviewed the proposed contract language. Even though there has been some progress, the MBIA Board feels the proposal leaves many unanswered questions and voids.”
MBIA’s effort to enact a legislative solution is spurred by membership and consumer concerns over unjust cancellations, desire to improve the manufacturer/dealer distribution system and interest to increase customer satisfaction through improvements in service, the association stated.
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