Sec. 2301.479. ADVERSE ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH EXPORT OF VEHICLE. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a manufacturer, distributor, or representative may not take an adverse action against a franchised dealer because the franchised dealer sells or leases a vehicle that is later exported to a location outside the United States.
(b) A franchise provision that allows a manufacturer, distributor, or representative to take adverse action against a franchised dealer because the franchised dealer sells or leases a vehicle that is later exported to a location outside the United States is enforceable only if, at the time of the original sale or lease, the dealer knew or reasonably should have known that the vehicle would be exported to a location outside the United States.
(c) A franchised dealer is presumed to have no actual knowledge that a vehicle the dealer sells or leases will be exported to a location outside the United States if, under the laws of a state of the United States:
(1) the vehicle is titled;
(2) the vehicle is registered; and
(3) applicable state and local taxes are paid for the vehicle.
(d) The presumption under Subsection (c) may be rebutted by direct, clear, and convincing evidence that the franchised dealer had actual knowledge or reasonably should have known at the time of the original sale or lease that the vehicle would be exported to a location outside the United States.
(e) Except as otherwise permitted by this section, a franchise provision that allows a manufacturer, distributor, or representative to take adverse action against a franchised dealer because the franchised dealer sells or leases a vehicle that is later exported to a location outside the United States is void and unenforceable.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 684 (H.B. 2640), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 14 - Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Transportation
Subtitle A - Regulations Related to Motor Vehicles
Chapter 2301 - Sale or Lease of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter J. Manufacturers, Distributors, and Representatives
Section 2301.451. Prohibition: Items Not Ordered
Section 2301.452. Delivery of Motor Vehicle or Part
Section 2301.453. Termination or Discontinuance of Franchise
Section 2301.454. Modification or Replacement of Franchise
Section 2301.456. Use of Advertising
Section 2301.457. Prohibition: Change of Franchised Dealer's Capital Structure
Section 2301.458. Prohibition: Change in Dealer Ownership
Section 2301.459. Prohibition: Use of Promissory Note, Security Agreement, or Insurance Policy
Section 2301.460. Warranty, Preparation, or Delivery Agreement Obligations
Section 2301.461. Liability of Franchised Dealer
Section 2301.462. Succession Following Death of Franchised Dealer
Section 2301.463. Prohibition: Payment of Rebate by Franchised Dealer
Section 2301.464. Relocation of Franchise
Section 2301.465. Payment to Franchised Dealer Following Termination of Franchise
Section 2301.4651. Additional Payment to Franchised Dealer in Certain Situations
Section 2301.468. Inequitable Treatment of Dealers or Franchisees
Section 2301.469. Costs of Product Recall
Section 2301.470. Prohibition: Conditions for Financing Motor Vehicle
Section 2301.471. Use of Financing Subsidiary
Section 2301.472. Addition of Line-Make
Section 2301.473. Models Within Line-Make
Section 2301.474. Payment of Costs for Administrative or Civil Proceeding
Section 2301.4749. Manufacturer or Distributor Incentive Programs: Payment to Dealer
Section 2301.475. Manufacturer or Distributor Incentive Programs: Audit or Chargeback
Section 2301.476. Manufacturer or Distributor Ownership, Operation, or Control of Dealership
Section 2301.477. Manufacturer Doing Business in This State
Section 2301.478. Action on Franchise
Section 2301.479. Adverse Action in Connection With Export of Vehicle
Section 2301.480. Disclosure of Certain Information
Section 2301.481. Property Use Agreement