(a) Notwithstanding the terms, provisions or conditions of any agreement or franchise or other terms or provisions of any novation, waiver or other written instrument, any person who is or may be injured by a violation of a provision of this chapter or any party to a franchise who is so injured in such party's business or property by a violation of a provision of this chapter relating to that franchise, or any person so injured because such person refuses to accede to a proposal for an arrangement which, if consummated, would be in violation of this chapter may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages and equitable relief including injunctive relief. Said person may recover damages in the amount equal to the actual pecuniary loss. In addition, said person may recover costs and reasonable attorney's fees as damages. Upon a prima facie showing by the person filing the petition or cause of action that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the burden of proof shall then be upon the opposing party to prove that such violation did not occur.
(b) Where the violation of a provision of this chapter can be shown to be wilful or wanton, or if continued multiple violations of a provision or provisions of this chapter occur, the court may award punitive damages, attorney's fees and costs in addition to any other damages under this chapter.
(c) A new motor vehicle dealer, if the dealer has not suffered any loss of money or property, may obtain final equitable relief if it can be shown that the violation of a provision of this chapter by a manufacturer may have the effect of causing such loss of money or property.
(d) Where there are continued violations of a provision or provisions of this chapter and it can be shown that the violations are wilful or wanton, the court, in addition to any other remedy or award of damages under this chapter, may assess monetary penalties.
(e) In addition to any other relief under this chapter, the court may assess monetary penalties against a manufacturer for violations of this chapter.
Structure Delaware Code
Chapter 49. MOTOR VEHICLE FRANCHISING PRACTICES
§ 4901. Declaration of purpose.
§ 4903. Sales incentives; warranty and predelivery obligations to new motor vehicle dealers.
§ 4904. Liability for transportation damages.
§ 4905. Product liability indemnification.
§ 4906. Termination, cancellation or nonrenewal of franchise — Requisites.
§ 4907. Termination, cancellation or nonrenewal of franchise — Compensation by manufacturer.
§ 4908. Termination, cancellation or nonrenewal of franchise — Dealership facilities assistance.
§ 4909. Succession to ownership of new motor vehicle dealer.
§ 4910. Sale of dealership franchise, notice to franchiser, and right of first refusal.
§ 4912. Written designation of succession unaffected.
§ 4913. Unlawful acts by manufacturers.
§ 4914. Validity of certain agreements.
§ 4915. Limitations on establishing or relocating dealers.
§ 4916. Civil actions for violations.
§ 4917. Applicability of chapter.