[venning]

I agree. As an avid "car guy" and a student of regulation, I cannot think of any reason for car dealers, as a whole, to be protected in the long-term. I am, however, perplexed with how we should address the possibility of established manufacturers attempting to cannibalize the sales of their most profitable franchises by building neighboring dealerships with their considerable capital.

I believe the California model actually offers a lot of hope: manufacturers can compete, but they must observe a 10 mile radius from existing franchises.

[AnimalMuppet]

Pick a model - say, Chevrolet. Is there anywhere within the LA basin that isn't already within 10 miles of a Chevy dealership? Does this rule leave the manufacturer any place to be in a place like LA?

[venning]

This is why I am perplexed.