South Carolina Code 56-15-65. Requiring change of location or alteration of dealership
(1) the manufacturer demonstrates that such change or alteration is reasonable in light of the current market and economic conditions; and
Terms Used In South Carolina Code 56-15-65
- Motor vehicle: means any motor driven vehicle required to be registered pursuant to § 56-3-110. See South Carolina Code 56-15-10
- Sale: shall include the issuance, transfer, agreement for transfer, exchange, pledge, hypothecation, mortgage in any form, whether by transfer in trust or otherwise, of any motor vehicle or interest therein or of any franchise related thereto; and any option, lease, subscription or other contract, or solicitation, looking to a sale, or offer or attempt to sell in any form, whether spoken or written. See South Carolina Code 56-15-10
(2) the motor vehicle dealer has been provided written assurance from the manufacturer or distributor of a sufficient supply of motor vehicles to justify such change or alteration.
(B)(1) It is unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, factory representative, or distributor representative to require, coerce, or attempt to coerce any motor vehicle dealer to change the location of the dealership, or to make any substantial alterations to its dealership premises or facilities if:
(a) the dealer changed the location of the dealership or made substantial alterations to the same signs, franchisor image elements, or other improvements to its premises or facilities within the preceding ten years; and
(b) the change in location or alteration was made pursuing compliance with a facility initiative or program that was sponsored or supported by the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch, with the approval of the manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch.
(2) This subsection does not apply if the required facility alteration or improvement is necessary to comply with health and safety requirements or are necessary in order to sell and service a motor vehicle offered for sale by the dealer.