The 2016 Legislative Session is down to the final few weeks and MADA is one chamber closer to strengthening our dealer franchise rights.  Last week, the House of Delegates passed HB 525 by a vote of 136-0.  This bill prohibits a manufacturer from taking adverse action against a dealer for disclosure of any known technical service bulletin while the customer's vehicle is in for any repair.  HB 525 also requires a manufacturer to compensate it's franchised dealer if the manufacturer mandates a stop sale on used car inventory.  The compensation in the House of Delegates bill is 1% of used vehicle inventory or any national compensation plan established by the manufacturer.  MADA wants to set a floor for compensation, but also allow dealers to benefit from any other program a manufacturer establishes to cover dealer losses.  HB 525 is now in the Senate Chamber.  MADA will spend the final weeks of this session ensuring Senate approval of the language adopted by the House.

Another key piece of legislation in the Senate is the application of trade difference tax credit to all vehicle transactions regardless of whether it's a sale or a lease.  This legislation will eliminate the two step process of buying out a lease before trading in the vehicle to obtain the tax credit.  Any customer with a trade-in of value will be entitled to a tax credit at the same time the vehicle is traded for a new one.

MADA has not relied on our incredibly strong dealer grassroots lobbying network as of yet.  However, we may need to use that political capital in the next couple of weeks.  The manufacturers are very much opposed to mandating compensation for used car stop sales.  The manufacturers have hired many more lobbyists this year as opposed to other years, so our dealers may be needed to secure this essential franchise protection.  Please pay attention to MADA legislative alert's and respond to our call when requested.

The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association regrets to announce the passing of Mary Lynch, wife of MADA dealer member, Tom Lynch, Sr. of Academy Ford, on March 23, 2016.  She is survived by her husband, Tom, and her six children; Mary Galinet, Caryn Bacon, Annie Lynch, Katie Lynch, Michael Lynch, and and Tom Lynch, Jr.

A viewing will take place on Monday, March 28th, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. W., Silver Spring, MD 20901.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, March 29th  at 11:00AM at St. Louis Catholic Church, 12500 State Route 108, Clarksville, MD 21029.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Mary's honor to Gilchrist Hospice of Columbia or St. Louis Catholic Church.