The bill clarifies that manufacturers must provide one year's notice prior to attempting to modify a franchise agreement if the attempted modification substantially and adversely affects the motor vehicle dealer's rights, obligations, investments or returns on investments. This clarification provides the dealer with adequate notice to respond to the proposed modification.

The bill confirms that the right to succeed to ownership of a franchise by family members and others identified in the statute applies to retirement as well as death or disability.

The bill amends the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 10, section 1178, which is intended to be broadly construed to cover all agreements, directives or edicts by a manufacturer.