# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 15. Vehicle Laws -- Licensing of Businesses and Occupations

### Subtitle 2. Manufacturers, Distributors, and Factory Branches

#### Section 15-201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(a-1) "Dealer association" means a business entity that:

  (1) Is primarily owned by or composed of dealers that collectively represent a majority of the franchised dealers in the State; and

  (2) Primarily represents the interests of dealers.

(b)

  (1) "Distributor" means a distributor who is authorized by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized importer to enter into franchise agreements with dealers of:

    (i) New motor vehicles constructed or assembled outside of the United States; or

    (ii) New two-stage vehicles completed outside of the United States by a second-stage manufacturer.

  (2) "Distributor" does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in Sec. 15-901 of this title.

(c)

  (1) "Factory branch" means a branch office of a manufacturer from which the manufacturer:

    (i) Sells or promotes the sale to dealers in this State of a particular brand or make of new motor vehicles, or new completed two-stage vehicles;

    (ii) Directs and supervises its representatives in this State; or

    (iii) Supervises or contacts its dealers or prospective dealers in this State.

  (2) "Factory branch" does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in Sec. 15-901 of this title.

(d) "License" means a manufacturer's, distributor's, or factory branch's license issued by the Administration under this subtitle.

(e)

  (1) "Manufacturer" means:

    (i) A manufacturer of new motor vehicles constructed or assembled in the United States;

    (ii) A second-stage manufacturer of new two-stage vehicles completed in the United States; and

    (iii) In the case of trucks, a person engaged in the business of manufacturing truck component parts.

  (2) "Manufacturer" does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in Sec. 15-901 of this title.

(f) "Manufacturer association" means a business entity that:

  (1) Is primarily owned by or composed of manufacturers that collectively represent a majority of the manufacturers in the State; and

  (2) Primarily represents the interests of manufacturers.

(g) "Second-stage manufacturer" has the meaning stated in Sec. 13-113.2 of this article.

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Md. Code Ann., Transp. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)