HB1041 Relative to permitting motor vehicle manufacturers to operate dealerships in market areas also served by franchise dealers.
Relative to permitting motor vehicle manufacturers to operate dealerships in market areas also served by franchise dealers.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Increased competition between manufacturer-owned and franchise dealerships could lower vehicle prices and service costs for some consumers, though effects depend on market dynamics and are not guaranteed.
Your Community
No direct stated impact on local communities, schools, or public services.
Your Freedom
Allows manufacturers greater freedom to structure their sales operations, though reduces existing protections for independent franchise dealers who currently operate without manufacturer competition.
Status
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 03/11/2026 House Journal 7 P. 3
Sponsor
Samuel Farrington (R)
The Short Version
This bill repeals the state law that prohibited motor vehicle manufacturers from directly operating dealerships in the same market areas where their franchised dealers operate. The change allows manufacturers like Tesla or other automakers to compete directly with their own franchise networks in New Hampshire.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Motor vehicle manufacturers seeking direct market access
- ▲ Consumers potentially benefiting from increased competition and lower prices
- ▲ Manufacturer-operated dealership employees
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Existing franchised motor vehicle dealers who lose exclusive protection against manufacturer competition
- ▼ Independent dealership owners and employees facing direct competition from manufacturers
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.