(AP) -- Michigan lawmakers are examining possible ways to help protect auto dealerships when financial trouble hits vehicle manufacturers. Committees in both the Senate and House were scheduled to discuss dealership-related legislation Wednesday. The bills have both Republican and Democratic sponsors.
Supporters say some of the legislation is a direct response to dealership closings that resulted from Chrysler and General Motors bankruptcy proceedings.
Auto manufacturers would have to meet certain requirements when opening a dealership in a market within five years of closing one in the same territory. One bill proposes the previous dealer must be offered compensation or the new dealership before it is offered to anyone else.
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