Car dealers slam franchise agreement inaction, warn motorists could be left high and dry

The future of new-car dealerships in Australia – and long-term certainty on parts, warranty, and service back-up for motorists and fleets – received a major setback last week. After a two-year investigation into the power imbalance between multi-national car companies and new-car dealers – many of which are small family businesses – the Federal Government has decided not to introduce a special franchise code for the motor vehicle industry.