Pub. 2 2023-2024 Directory

72 | 2024 Membership Directory provision of the franchise which is both reasonable and of material significance to the franchise relationship, provided the dealer has been notified in writing of the failure within 180 days after the franchisor first acquired knowledge of such failure or after the dealer is given a reasonable opportunity to correct such failure for a period of not less than 180 days. (c) If the failure by the dealer, as defined in subsection (b) of this Code section, relates to the performance of the dealer in sales or service, then in this Code section the term “good cause” means the failure of the dealer to comply with reasonable performance criteria established by the franchisor in light of the existing circumstances, including but not limited to current and forecasted economic conditions, provided the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The dealer was notified by the franchisor in writing of such failure; (2) Said notification stated that notice was provided of failure of performance pursuant to this Code section; (3) The performance criteria established by the franchisor was: (A) Reasonable, fair, and equitable; (B) Based on accurate information; (C) Inclusive of relevant and material local and regional data considered by the franchisor that was provided by the dealer that was beyond the control of the dealer and that adversely affected the dealer’s performance; and (D) Based on a statistically and valid random sample, if such performance criteria included a survey; and (4) The dealer was afforded a reasonable opportunity, for a period of not less than six months, to comply with such criteria. (d) The franchisor shall have the burden of proof under this Code section. (e) (1) Notwithstanding franchise terms to the contrary, prior to the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of any franchise, the franchisor shall furnish notification, as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, of such termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal to the dealer as follows: (A) Not less than 90 days prior to the effective date of such termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal; (B) Not less than 15 days prior to the effective date of such termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal with respect to any of the following: (i) Insolvency of the dealer, or filing of any petition by or against the dealer under any bankruptcy or receivership law; (ii) Failure of the dealer to conduct its customary sales and service operations during its customary business hours for seven consecutive business days, except for acts of God or circumstances beyond the direct control of the dealer; (iii) Conviction of the dealer, general manager, or managing executive or any owner with a substantial interest therein of any crime which materially relates to the operation of the dealership or any felony which is punishable by imprisonment; (iv) Suspension for a period of more than 14 days or revocation of any license which the dealer is required to have to operate a dealership; or (v) Fraud or intentional misrepresentation by the dealer which materially affects the franchise, provided the franchisor gives notice within one year of the time when the fraud or misrepresentation occurred or was discovered, whichever is later; or

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