Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 15-208
Refusal to deliver new motor vehicles, new two-stage vehicles, or truck component parts prohibited
Effective Oct 1, 2024Added by Acts 1977, c. 14, § 2, eff. July 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 1979, c. 299; Acts 1986, c. 472, § 1; Acts 1995, c. 629, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1995; Acts 2009, c. 747, § 1, eff. June 1, 2009; Acts 2023, c. 449, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2024, c. 658, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 659, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.State of Maryland
(a) A manufacturer may not refuse to deliver new motor vehicles, new two-stage vehicles, or truck component parts, as the case may be, to a licensed dealer or distributor, in reasonable quantities and within a reasonable time after receipt of a written or electronic order, if:
- (1) The manufacturer specifically advertises that these vehicles or truck component parts are available for immediate delivery; and
- (2) The dealer or distributor has a franchise or other contract with the manufacturer for the sale of these vehicles or truck component parts to the public.
(b) A distributor may not refuse to deliver new motor vehicles, or new two-stage vehicles, as the case may be, to a licensed dealer, in reasonable quantities and within a reasonable time after receipt of a written or electronic order, if:
- (1) The distributor specifically advertises that these vehicles are available for immediate delivery; and
- (2) The dealer has a franchise or other contract with the distributor for the sale of these vehicles to the public.
(c) A factory branch may not refuse to deliver new motor vehicles, or new two-stage vehicles, as the case may be, to a licensed dealer, in reasonable quantities and within a reasonable time after receipt of a written or electronic order, if:
- (1) The factory branch specifically advertises that these vehicles are available for immediate delivery; and
- (2) The dealer has a franchise or other contract with the factory branch for the sale of these vehicles to the public.
- (d) A failure to deliver vehicles because of a labor strike, government regulation, or other cause not the fault of the manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch is not a violation of this section.
(e) If a dealer has a franchise or other contract with a manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch for the sale of vehicles or truck component parts of a specific line or make, the manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch shall allow the dealer to:
- (1) Purchase the vehicles or truck component parts at the same price and on the same terms as all other dealers with a franchise or other contract for the sale of vehicles or truck component parts of the same line or make; and
- (2) Receive the same right to incentive payments that is given to all other dealers with a franchise or other contract for the sale of vehicles or truck component parts of the same line or make.
(f)
- (1) Any system operated by a manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch or its affiliate for the allocation of new vehicles to dealers shall be reasonable and fair for all dealers.
- (2) On the written request by any of its dealers, a manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch or its affiliate shall disclose to the dealer the method by which new vehicles are allocated to dealers of the same line make.
- (3) In any dispute over compliance with this subsection, a manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch or its affiliate has the burden of proving its compliance.
Added by Acts 1977, c. 14, § 2, eff. July 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 1979, c. 299; Acts 1986, c. 472, § 1; Acts 1995, c. 629, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1995; Acts 2009, c. 747, § 1, eff. June 1, 2009; Acts 2023, c. 449, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2024, c. 658, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 659, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.
Formerly Art. 66 ½, § 5-706.