Senate committee urges auto dealers to group against manufacturers
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Senate committee urges auto dealers to group against manufacturers

Date: February 2, 2010
By: Allie Spillyards
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB724

Intro:  A Senate committee suggests to auto dealers that they band together to solve franchise problems in their industry.
RunTime:  0:46
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: A bill that would provide safeguards for auto dealers after a year filled with bankruptcy filings and job losses spurred conversation in a Senate committee hearing Thursday.

Bill supporters say current laws don't protect dealers and many don't have a say in the industry.

Columbia dealership owner David Drane testified about poor relationships with manufacturers.

Actuality:  DRANE1.WAV
Run Time:  00:13
Description: "Here we are dealing with manufacturers that our relationship is dealt with by demands and threats and then coercion."

Republicans sitting on the Senate commerce committee contend asking government to fix the problems in the auto industry is the wrong thing to do.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Allie Spillyards.

Intro:  Senate members tell auto dealers that government can't solve their problems.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Some auto dealers back a bill that would provide more regulations to help protect their businesses.

Republicans on the Senate Commerce Committee urged business owners to group together and approach the dealers on their own terms.

They said modifying government won't help.

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Spokesperson Amy Brink opposes any change to franchise laws.

Actuality:  BRINK1.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "We wholeheartedly believe that the franchise agreement, this private business contract, should have the opportunity to operate on its own. That there is no need for the legislation."

One senator added that strengthening franchise laws may just send business to other states.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Allie Spillyards.