[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 713 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 713

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 19, 2010.
Whereas auto dealers have deep roots in local communities and have helped 
        manufacturers with long-term customer relationships that create brand 
        loyalty and maintain customer convenience;
Whereas dealerships across the country provide jobs, give direct investments to 
        local economies, and supply tax revenue to State and local governments;
Whereas virtually all new cars and light trucks bought in the United States are 
        sold through franchised dealers;
Whereas dealers are independently owned, and combined, represent the largest 
        retail business in the United States, with approximately 
        $693,000,000,000 in revenues in 2007;
Whereas auto dealers are significant employers in local communities across the 
        country;
Whereas franchised dealers employ over 1,100,000 people, comprise nearly 20 
        percent of all retail sales in the United States, and, in total, pay 
        billions annually in state and local taxes;
Whereas the Nation's 20,700 independent franchised new car dealerships comprise 
        an industry that is largely privately held, with private ownership 
        accounting for 92 percent of the market;
Whereas the franchised dealership system in the United States is the independent 
        link between the manufacturer's assembly line and the consumer and its 
        functions include, but are not limited, to the following--

    (1) selling the product and providing information for consumers;

    (2) holding vehicle and parts inventory;

    (3) performing service and providing parts to fulfill manufacturer 
warranty obligations;

    (4) handling product safety recalls;

    (5) facilitating the exchange of used vehicles; and

    (6) arranging financing for consumers;

Whereas some restructuring of dealer networks was in the public interest and 
        necessary to increase the competitiveness of automobile manufacturers;
Whereas the economic downturn put thousands of jobs at risk, including those at 
        automobile dealerships and automobile manufacturers; and
Whereas auto dealers will play a key role in any effort to revive the United 
        States auto industry: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That--
            (1) the House of Representatives recognizes the significant 
        contributions of United States automobile dealerships; and
            (2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that automobile 
        dealerships which have been successful and are being closed not of their 
        own doing, but instead as a function of the auto market as a whole, 
        should be given consideration to obtain a dealership franchise when the 
        automobile market rebounds and stabilizes.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.