What We Do
At Gentry Locke, we help motor vehicle dealerships navigate the legal and regulatory issues that impact their businesses every day. Whether you are buying or selling a dealership, responding to a manufacturer dispute, addressing a licensing issue, or planning for the future of your business, we provide practical legal guidance that supports your goals.
Motor vehicle dealerships operate in a highly regulated environment. Success requires more than understanding the law. It requires counsel that understands how dealerships operate and the challenges owners face. Our attorneys work with dealerships across Virginia and beyond on transactions, franchise matters, regulatory compliance, litigation, and business planning.
Greg Habeeb, chair of our Franchise Practice, has represented franchisees for nearly twenty years with a special focus on the automobile industry. As a member of the National Association of Dealer Counsel and a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Greg brings a unique understanding of Virginia’s dealer franchise laws and the legislative process that shapes them.
Our team also works closely with attorneys across Gentry Locke in areas such as real estate, employment, tax, commercial litigation, government and regulatory affairs, and corporate law. This collaborative approach allows us to provide comprehensive legal support throughout the life of your dealership.
Who We Help
We represent clients across the motor vehicle dealership industry, including:
- Individual motor vehicle dealerships
- Multi-location dealer groups
- Automobile franchise owners
- Buyers and sellers of dealerships
- Family-owned dealerships planning for succession
- Commercial vehicle and specialty vehicle dealers
- Automotive businesses navigating franchise relationships
- Lenders and financial institutions involved in dealership transactions
Common Scenarios
We assist clients with matters such as:
- Dealership acquisitions and sales
- Franchise transfers and approvals
- Buy/sell agreements
- Succession and ownership planning
- Manufacturer and distributor disputes
- Motor Vehicle Dealer Board proceedings
- Virginia DMV licensing and compliance matters
- Floor plan financing and lending arrangements
- Consumer protection claims
- Commercial litigation involving dealership operations
- Regulatory investigations
- Employee policies and compliance programs
- Real estate transactions involving dealership properties
Representative Experience
Our attorneys have helped motor vehicle dealerships and franchisees with matters including:
- Advising clients on dealership acquisitions, sales, and ownership transitions
- Representing dealers in disputes with manufacturers involving franchise rights and operations
- Assisting dealerships with Motor Vehicle Dealer Board proceedings and Virginia DMV regulatory matters
- Developing compliance programs, policies, and employee training to address changing legal requirements
- Counseling dealerships on licensing, operational, and regulatory issues affecting day-to-day business
- Coordinating legal support for employment, tax, real estate, financing, and commercial matters affecting dealership operations
FAQ
Q: When should I contact a motor vehicle dealership attorney?
A: The earlier, the better. Involving legal counsel before signing agreements, transferring ownership, responding to manufacturer concerns, or addressing regulatory issues can help reduce risk and avoid costly disputes.
Q: What is the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board?
A: The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board oversees many aspects of dealership licensing, franchise relationships, and dealer-manufacturer disputes in Virginia. We represent dealerships in matters before the Board and help clients navigate its processes.
Q: Can you help with dealership buy/sell transactions?
A: Yes. We advise buyers and sellers throughout the transaction, including due diligence, purchase agreements, manufacturer approvals, financing issues, and closing.
Q: What happens if I have a dispute with a vehicle manufacturer?
A: Disputes involving franchise agreements, facility requirements, market representation, warranty reimbursement, or termination can have significant business consequences. We help dealerships understand their rights and pursue practical solutions.
Q: How do you help dealerships stay compliant?
A: We monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting dealerships and help clients develop compliance programs, prepare policies and forms, train employees, and respond to regulatory inquiries.
