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SUNL GROUP, INC., AND AUTO STOP, INC., D/B/A MOTORSPORTS DEPOT vs MOBILITY TECH, INC., D/B/A CHARLIE`S SCOOTER DEPOT, 08-003632 (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Jul. 24, 2008 Number: 08-003632 Latest Update: Apr. 30, 2009

The Issue The issue in these cases is whether an application for motor vehicle dealer licenses filed by SunL Group, Inc., and Auto Stop, Inc., d/b/a Motorsports Depot, should be approved.

Findings Of Fact There was no evidence presented at the hearing to establish that Scooter Depot has a franchise agreement to sell or service Chunl Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (CHUA) motor vehicles, a line-make to be sold by Motorsports Depot. There was no evidence presented at the hearing to establish that Scooter Depot has a franchise agreement to sell or service Shanghai Meitan Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (MEIT) motor vehicles, a line-make to be sold by Motorsports Depot. There was no evidence presented at the hearing that the Scooter Depot dealership is physically located so as to meet the statutory requirements for standing to protest the establishment of the new point franchise motor vehicle dealerships.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order dismissing the protests filed by Mobility Tech, Inc., d/b/a Charlie's Scooter Depot, in these cases. DONE AND ENTERED this 5th day of March, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of March, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael James Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32344 Mei Zhou SunL Group, Inc. 8551 Ester Boulevard Irving, Texas 75063 Carlos Urbizu Mobility Tech, Inc., d/b/a Charlie’s Scooter Depot 5720 North Florida Avenue, Unit 2 Tampa, Florida 33604 Robert L. Sardegna Auto Shop, Inc., d/b/a Motorsports Depot 17630 US 41 North Lutz, Florida 33549 Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room B-439 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57320.60320.61320.642
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CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES AND SIDECARS, INC., AND SCOOTER CITY USA, LLC vs JUDE A. MITCHELL, D/B/A JUDE'S CYCLE SERVICE, 09-004750 (2009)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Sep. 01, 2009 Number: 09-004750 Latest Update: Dec. 11, 2009

The Issue The issue is whether Petitioners are entitled to motor vehicle dealerships that are proposed to be located in Orange County, Florida.

Findings Of Fact Based on the Notices of Publication, Respondent's protest letters which were forwarded to DOAH, and the testimony presented at the final hearing, the following Findings of Fact are made: Respondent is an existing franchised dealer for motorcycles manufactured by Benzhou Vehicle Industry Group Company, Ltd. Petitioners have proposed the establishment of new dealerships to sell the same line-make of motorcycles as those sold by Respondent. Respondent's dealership is located at 3838 John Young Parkway, Orlando, Orange County, Florida. Petitioners' dealerships are proposed to be located in Orange County, Florida, at: 4535 34th Street, Orlando, Florida (Case No. 09-3489); and 2650 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, Florida (Case Nos. 09-3499 and 09-4750). The proposed dealerships are within a 12.5-mile radius of Respondent's dealership. Respondent has standing to protest the establishment of the proposed dealerships. No evidence was presented showing that Respondent was "not providing adequate representation" of the same line-make vehicles in the community or territory.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order denying the establishment of Petitioners' proposed franchise dealerships for Case Nos. 09-3489, 09-3499, and 09-4750. DONE AND ENTERED this 12th day of November, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S JEFF B. CLARK Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 12th day of November, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Electra Theodorides-Bustle, Executive Director Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Jennifer Clark Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-308 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0635 Jude A. Mitchell Jude's Cycle Service Post Office Box 585574 Orlando, Florida 32858 Beverly Fox Red Streak Scooters, LLC 427 Doughty Boulevard Inwood, New York 11096 Randy Lazarus Scooter City USA, LLC 4535 34th Street Orlando, Florida 32811 Bobbette Lynott Classic Motorcycles and Sidecars, Inc. Post Office Box 969 Preston, Washington 98050 Lou Ronka Scooter City USA, LLC 2650 West Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.57320.60320.642320.699320.70 Florida Administrative Code (1) 28-106.108
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SUNL GROUP, INC., AND COASTAL POWERSPORTS vs WHOLESALE NATION AUTOMOTIVE, INC., 07-003673 (2007)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Walton Beach, Florida Aug. 16, 2007 Number: 07-003673 Latest Update: May 05, 2008

The Issue The issue in this case is whether Petitioners are entitled to a motor vehicle dealership that is proposed to be located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Findings Of Fact The evidence showed that the dealership proposed by Petitioners would sell the same line and make of motorcycles as those sold by Respondent. The proposed dealership would also compete in the Respondent’s territory since it would be located in the same county as Respondent and would be within 20 miles of Respondent. Respondent has standing to protest the establishment of the proposed dealership. On September 18, 2007, a Notice of Hearing setting the date, time and location of final hearing was issued in this case. The Notice of Hearing was mailed to the last known, valid addresses of the Petitioners, which were also the addresses provided in Petitioners’ Notice of Publication. Neither Notice of Hearing was returned. This cause came on for hearing as noticed. After waiting more than an hour, the Petitioners failed to appear to prosecute their claim. There has been no communication from the Petitioners before, during, or since the hearing to indicate that they would not be attending the final hearing. Because of Petitioners’ failure to appear, there was no evidence to demonstrate that Petitioners are entitled to a franchise motor vehicle dealership in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Absent such evidence, the establishment of the proposed dealership should be denied.

Recommendation Accordingly, in consideration of the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles denying the establishment of Petitioners’ proposed franchise. DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of January, 2008, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DIANE CLEAVINGER Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of January, 2008. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael J. Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0635 Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room B-439 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0635 Judson M. Chapman, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 David Wray Wholesale Nation Automotive, Inc. 319 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548 Mei Zhou SunL Group, Inc. 8551 Esters Boulevard Irvine, Texas 75063 Curtis Mitchell Coastal Powersports 12 Eglin Parkway Southeast Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57320.60320.642320.70
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LS MOTORSPORTS, LLC AND MICHAEL J. KONCZAL, INC. vs SCOOTER ESCAPES, 08-004242 (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Aug. 27, 2008 Number: 08-004242 Latest Update: Jun. 02, 2009

The Issue The issue in the case is whether an application for a motor vehicle dealer license filed by LS Motorsports, LLC, and Michael J. Konczal, Inc., should be approved.

Findings Of Fact LS MotorSports is seeking to establish a new point motor vehicle dealership in St. Petersburg, Florida, for line- make CHOL. The Respondent is an existing franchise motor vehicle dealer for line-make CHOL, located within 12.5 miles of the proposed new point motor vehicle dealership location. The majority of the Respondent's vehicle sales come from within a 12.5-mile radius of the proposed dealership. The Respondent timely filed a protest of LS MotorSports’ proposed dealership. There is no evidence that the Respondent is not providing adequate representation within the territory of the motor vehicles at issue in this proceeding.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Finding of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order denying the application for establishment of the motor vehicle dealer franchise at issue in this case. DONE AND ENTERED this 3rd day of April, 2009 in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of April, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Electra Theodorides-Bustle, Executive Director Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Michael James Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32344 Chris Densmore Scooter Escapes, LLC, d/b/a Scooter Escapes 1450 1st Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33705 Michael Konczal Michael J. Konczal, Inc. 1801 28 Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33715 Mathu Solo LS Motorsports, LLC 10215 South Sam Houston Parkway West, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77071

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.57320.60320.61320.642320.699
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SUNL GROUP, INC., AND AUTO STOP, INC., D/B/A MOTORSPORTS DEPOT vs MOBILITY TECH, INC., D/B/A CHARLIE`S SCOOTER DEPOT, 08-003631 (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Jul. 24, 2008 Number: 08-003631 Latest Update: Apr. 30, 2009

The Issue The issue in these cases is whether an application for motor vehicle dealer licenses filed by SunL Group, Inc., and Auto Stop, Inc., d/b/a Motorsports Depot, should be approved.

Findings Of Fact There was no evidence presented at the hearing to establish that Scooter Depot has a franchise agreement to sell or service Chunl Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (CHUA) motor vehicles, a line-make to be sold by Motorsports Depot. There was no evidence presented at the hearing to establish that Scooter Depot has a franchise agreement to sell or service Shanghai Meitan Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (MEIT) motor vehicles, a line-make to be sold by Motorsports Depot. There was no evidence presented at the hearing that the Scooter Depot dealership is physically located so as to meet the statutory requirements for standing to protest the establishment of the new point franchise motor vehicle dealerships.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order dismissing the protests filed by Mobility Tech, Inc., d/b/a Charlie's Scooter Depot, in these cases. DONE AND ENTERED this 5th day of March, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of March, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael James Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32344 Mei Zhou SunL Group, Inc. 8551 Ester Boulevard Irving, Texas 75063 Carlos Urbizu Mobility Tech, Inc., d/b/a Charlie’s Scooter Depot 5720 North Florida Avenue, Unit 2 Tampa, Florida 33604 Robert L. Sardegna Auto Shop, Inc., d/b/a Motorsports Depot 17630 US 41 North Lutz, Florida 33549 Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room B-439 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57320.60320.61320.642
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CHUANL MOTORCYLE USA CO., LTD., AND USA WHOLESALE SCOOTERS, INC. vs POWER AND PLAY WAREHOUSE, INC., 08-001600 (2008)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Mar. 31, 2008 Number: 08-001600 Latest Update: Oct. 08, 2008

The Issue The issue in this case is whether Petitioners' proposed motorcycle dealership would serve a community or territory in which Respondent's dealership is not presently providing adequate representation of the same line-make vehicles that Petitioners would offer.

Findings Of Fact On March 14, 2008, an advertisement was published in the Florida Administrative Weekly, which gave notice that, unless a protest were timely filed, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ("Department") intended to approve the application of Petitioner USA Wholesale Scooters, Inc. ("Wholesale Scooters") for a license to establish a new dealership at 2902 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the "Proposed New Point"), where motorcycles manufactured by Petitioner Chuanl Motorcycle USA, Ltd. ("Chuanl") would be offered for sale. Respondent Power & Play Warehouse, Inc. ("Power & Play"), which is licensed to operate a dealership, under a franchise agreement, for the sale of Chuanl motorcycles in Pompano Beach, Florida (the "Existing Dealership"), timely filed a written complaint with the Department, protesting the intended approval of the Proposed New Point. The Proposed New Point and the Existing Dealership are both situated in Broward County, Florida. It is undisputed that the population of Broward County exceeds 300,000. At the final hearing, the parties stipulated that the Proposed New Point would be located within 12.5 miles of the Existing Dealership. Wholesale Scooters failed to present persuasive evidence demonstrating that the Existing Dealership is not providing adequate representation of Chuanl motorcycles in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Broward County, or any other conceivably relevant community or territory.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department enter a final order denying Wholesale Scooters' application for a license to operate a new dealership at 2902 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Chuanl motorcycles would be offered for sale. DONE AND ENTERED this 3rd day of September, 2008, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JOHN G. VAN LANINGHAM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.stae.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of September, 2008. COPIES FURNISHED: Noel Farbman USA Wholesale Scooters, Inc. 2902 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 Lingbin Chen Chuanl Motorcycle USA Co, Ltd. 9886 Chartwell Drive Dallas, Texas 75243 Thomas McMahon Power & Play Warehouse, Inc. 550 North Flagler Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Michael J. Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0635 Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room B-439 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500

Florida Laws (3) 120.569120.57320.642
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EL SOL TRADING, INC., AND TGT COMPANIES, INC., D/B/A EXTREME MOTOR SALES vs ACTION ORLANDO MOTORSPORTS, 09-001267 (2009)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Mar. 12, 2009 Number: 09-001267 Latest Update: Jul. 09, 2009

The Issue The issue is whether Petitioners are entitled to a motor vehicle dealership that is proposed to be located in Apopka, Florida.

Findings Of Fact Respondent is an existing franchised dealer of motorcycles manufactured by Chuanl Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (CHUA). Petitioners have proposed the establishment of a new dealership to sell the same line and make of motorcycles as those sold by Respondent. Respondent's dealership is located at 306 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712. Petitioners' proposed dealership would be located at 1918 South Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, Florida 32703. The proposed dealership is within a 12.5-mile radius of Respondent's dealership. Respondent has standing to protest the establishment of the proposed dealership.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order denying the establishment of Petitioners' proposed franchise. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of May, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S LAWRENCE P. STEVENSON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 29th day of May, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkland Building, Room B-439 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Jennifer Clark Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32344 James Sursely Action Orlando Motorsports 306 West Main Street Apopka, Florida 32712 Gloria Ma El Sol Trading, Inc., d/b/a Motobravo, Inc. 19877 Quiroz Court City of Industry, California 91789 Tina Wilson TGT Companies, Inc., d/b/a Extreme Motor Sales 1918 South Orange Blossom Trail Apopka, Florida 32703

Florida Laws (2) 320.642320.699
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CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC vs JERRY ULM DODGE, INC., D/B/A JERRY ULM DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP AND FERMAN ON 54, INC., D/B/A FERMAN CHRYSLER DODGE AT CYPRESS CREEK, 10-001969 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Apr. 14, 2010 Number: 10-001969 Latest Update: Apr. 20, 2012

The Issue The issue is whether Petitioner's establishment of North Tampa Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Inc. (North Tampa), as a successor motor vehicle dealer for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge line-makes (vehicles) in Tampa, Florida, is exempt from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3), Florida Statutes (2009),1 pursuant to Subsection 320.642(5)(a).

Findings Of Fact Petitioner manufactures and sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles to authorized Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers. Ulm is a party to Dealer Sales and Service Agreements with Petitioner for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Ulm sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 2966 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33607. Ferman is a party to Dealer Sales and Service Agreements with Petitioner for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Ferman sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 24314 State Road 54, Lutz, Florida 33559. It is undisputed that Petitioner has had four dealers in the Tampa metro market for a significant number of years. Petitioner's primary competitors also have had four or more dealers in the Tampa metro market. By appointing North Tampa as a successor dealer to Bob Wilson Dodge Chrysler Jeep (Wilson), Petitioner seeks to maintain the status quo of four Chrysler dealers in the Tampa metro market. In April 2008, Petitioner had four dealers in the Tampa metro market that each sold and serviced Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The four dealers were: Ulm, Ferman, Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, and Wilson. On April 25, 2008, Wilson filed a Chapter 11 petition in United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida (the Bankruptcy Court). At or about the same time, Wilson closed its doors and ceased selling and servicing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The filing of Wilson’s bankruptcy petition precipitated an automatic stay under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code. The automatic stay prevented Petitioner from terminating Wilson’s franchise and dealer agreements (dealer agreements). But for Wilson’s bankruptcy filing, Petitioner would have sent Wilson a notice of termination when Wilson closed its doors and ceased dealership operations. Wilson’s cessation of business adversely impacted Petitioner. In relevant part, Petitioner lost sales and lacked a necessary fourth dealer to provide service to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge customers in the Tampa metro market. Petitioner desired to reopen a dealership at or close to the former Wilson location as soon as possible to mitigate or eliminate the economic loss. During the automatic stay, Petitioner was legally precluded from unilaterally appointing a successor dealer to Wilson. Wilson still had valid dealer agreements for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles and, therefore, was still a dealer. During the automatic stay, Wilson attempted to sell its existing dealership assets, including the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer agreements. Any attempt by Petitioner to appoint a successor dealer or even negotiate with a successor dealer, would have undermined Wilson’s efforts to sell the dealerships and maximize the estate for the benefit of the creditors. A sale of the dealership required the consent of Wilson and Wilson’s largest creditor, Chrysler Financial. Petitioner did everything it could to accelerate a sale. However, Petitioner was not a party to the sale negotiations and had no ability to require or force Wilson to sell the dealership or its assets to any particular party or to do so within any particular time period. A preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that Petitioner did anything to intentionally, or inadvertently, delay or manipulate the timing of a sale. On July 30, 2008, Petitioner filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court to lift the automatic stay. The motion also sought the termination of Wilson’s dealer agreements. Petitioner filed the motion in the Bankruptcy Court in an attempt to hasten the sale negotiations. Petitioner also wanted to be able to terminate the dealer agreements as quickly as possible in the event that a sale was not consummated. The Bankruptcy Court did not initially grant Petitioner's motion. The court wanted to allow time for a sale of the dealership to proceed. During 2008 and early 2009, Wilson continued to negotiate with potential buyers for the dealership. On January 8, 2009, Wilson's motor vehicle dealer license expired. It became apparent to Petitioner that a sale of Wilson’s assets would be unlikely. Petitioner again asked the Bankruptcy Court to grant Petitioner's motion to lift the stay. On February 9, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order granting Petitioner's motion to lift the stay. However, the order did not terminate Wilson’s dealer agreements. On February 16, 2009, within a week of the entry of the order lifting the stay, Petitioner sent Wilson a notice of intent to terminate Wilson’s dealer agreements. Wilson received the notice of termination on February 23, 2009, and the termination became effective on March 10, 2009. A preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that Petitioner attempted to manipulate or delay the timing of the termination of Wilson’s dealer agreements. Petitioner began working on establishing a replacement dealership as soon as Wilson’s dealer agreements were terminated. Establishing a replacement dealership is a lengthy process that primarily involves finding a suitable dealer candidate, finding a suitable location and facility, and making sure that the candidate has the necessary capital to start and maintain the dealership. Petitioner talked to several potential candidates to replace the Wilson dealership, including Jerry Ulm, the principal of one of the complaining dealers in these cases. By letter dated June 24, 2009, Mr. Ulm advised Petitioner that he opposed the opening of a successor dealership for anyone else but wanted the successor dealership for himself should Petitioner decide to proceed. Petitioner determined that Petitioner would not be able to locate the successor dealership at the former Wilson facility. Petitioner considered several potential alternative locations for the successor dealership, including property offered by Ferman. Ferman had a vacant site on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, which Ferman leased from a third party unrelated to this proceeding. Ferman offered to sublease the property to Petitioner. In a letter to Petitioner's real estate agent dated July 17, 2009, Ferman stated Ferman's understanding that Petitioner intended to use the property to establish a Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership. Petitioner ultimately decided to locate the dealership at 10909 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida. It is undisputed that this location is less than two miles from the former Wilson location. Before establishing the successor dealership, however, Petitioner wrote a letter to the Department on February 5, 2010 (the letter). The letter requested the Department to confirm that the establishment of the successor dealership would be exempt under Subsection 320.642(5)(a)1. from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3). The letter explained that Wilson had filed bankruptcy and ceased operations and that the bankruptcy had prevented Petitioner from terminating Wilson and appointing a successor dealership. The letter also provided the relevant dates of the bankruptcy, the lifting of the stay, and the termination of Wilson dealer agreements and advised the Department of Petitioner's intent to locate the successor dealership within two miles of Wilson’s former location. The letter asked the Department to confirm that the establishment of a successor dealership would be exempt if it was established within one year of March 10, 2009, when Petitioner terminated the Wilson dealer agreements. By separate e-mails dated February 9 and 12, 2010, the Department twice confirmed that it had consulted with counsel and determined that the establishment of a successor dealership to Wilson in the manner outlined by Petitioner would be exempt. Petitioner relied on this confirmation by the Department before proceeding with the appointment of a successor dealership. On February 24, 2010, Petitioner sent a second letter to the Department, stating Petitioner's intention to appoint North Tampa as the replacement and successor dealer for Wilson (the second letter). In the second letter, Petitioner again asserted its understanding that the establishment of North Tampa was exempt from the relevant statutory requirements for notice and protest. On February 24, 2010, Petitioner also submitted to the Department an application for a motor vehicle dealer license for North Tampa. On March 3, 2010, the Department issued a license to North Tampa for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 10909 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida. On March 7, 2010, North Tampa opened for business. North Tampa has operated successfully and continuously and employs approximately 30 individuals at the site.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department enter a final order finding that the establishment of North Tampa as a successor motor vehicle dealer is exempt from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3) pursuant to Subsection 320.642(5)(a). DONE AND ENTERED this 11th day of October, 2010, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 11th day of October, 2010.

Florida Laws (5) 120.57320.011320.60320.641320.642
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ZONGSHEN, INC., AND SCOOTER CITY USA, LLC vs ACTION ORLANDO MOTORSPORTS, 09-000939 (2009)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Feb. 18, 2009 Number: 09-000939 Latest Update: Jul. 09, 2009

The Issue The issue is whether Petitioners are entitled to a motor vehicle dealership that is proposed to be located in Winter Park, Florida.

Findings Of Fact Respondent is an existing franchised dealer of motorcycles manufactured by Zongshen Industrial Group (ZONG). Petitioners have proposed the establishment of a new dealership to sell the same line and make of motorcycles as those sold by Respondent. Respondent's dealership is located at 306 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712. Petitioners' proposed dealership would be located at 2650 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789. The proposed dealership is within a 12.5-mile radius of Respondent's dealership. Respondent has standing to protest the establishment of the proposed dealership.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enter a final order denying the establishment of Petitioners' proposed franchise. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of May, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S LAWRENCE P. STEVENSON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings 29th day of May, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Carl A. Ford, Director Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkland Building, Room B-439 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Robin Lotane, General Counsel Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500 Michael James Alderman, Esquire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Neil Kirkman Building, Room A-432 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32344 James Sursely Action Orlando Motorsports 306 West Main Street Apopka, Florida 32712 Patricia Fornes Zongshen, Inc. 3511 Northwest 113th Court Miami, Florida 33178 Randy Lozanas Scooter City USA, LLC 2650 West Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789

Florida Laws (2) 320.642320.699
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CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC vs JERRY ULM DODGE, INC., D/B/A JERRY ULM DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP AND FERMAN ON 54, INC., D/B/A FERMAN CHRYSLER DODGE AT CYPRESS CREEK, 10-001968 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tallahassee, Florida Apr. 14, 2010 Number: 10-001968 Latest Update: Apr. 20, 2012

The Issue The issue is whether Petitioner's establishment of North Tampa Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Inc. (North Tampa), as a successor motor vehicle dealer for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge line-makes (vehicles) in Tampa, Florida, is exempt from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3), Florida Statutes (2009),1 pursuant to Subsection 320.642(5)(a).

Findings Of Fact Petitioner manufactures and sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles to authorized Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers. Ulm is a party to Dealer Sales and Service Agreements with Petitioner for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Ulm sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 2966 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33607. Ferman is a party to Dealer Sales and Service Agreements with Petitioner for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Ferman sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 24314 State Road 54, Lutz, Florida 33559. It is undisputed that Petitioner has had four dealers in the Tampa metro market for a significant number of years. Petitioner's primary competitors also have had four or more dealers in the Tampa metro market. By appointing North Tampa as a successor dealer to Bob Wilson Dodge Chrysler Jeep (Wilson), Petitioner seeks to maintain the status quo of four Chrysler dealers in the Tampa metro market. In April 2008, Petitioner had four dealers in the Tampa metro market that each sold and serviced Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The four dealers were: Ulm, Ferman, Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, and Wilson. On April 25, 2008, Wilson filed a Chapter 11 petition in United States Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida (the Bankruptcy Court). At or about the same time, Wilson closed its doors and ceased selling and servicing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The filing of Wilson’s bankruptcy petition precipitated an automatic stay under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code. The automatic stay prevented Petitioner from terminating Wilson’s franchise and dealer agreements (dealer agreements). But for Wilson’s bankruptcy filing, Petitioner would have sent Wilson a notice of termination when Wilson closed its doors and ceased dealership operations. Wilson’s cessation of business adversely impacted Petitioner. In relevant part, Petitioner lost sales and lacked a necessary fourth dealer to provide service to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge customers in the Tampa metro market. Petitioner desired to reopen a dealership at or close to the former Wilson location as soon as possible to mitigate or eliminate the economic loss. During the automatic stay, Petitioner was legally precluded from unilaterally appointing a successor dealer to Wilson. Wilson still had valid dealer agreements for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles and, therefore, was still a dealer. During the automatic stay, Wilson attempted to sell its existing dealership assets, including the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer agreements. Any attempt by Petitioner to appoint a successor dealer or even negotiate with a successor dealer, would have undermined Wilson’s efforts to sell the dealerships and maximize the estate for the benefit of the creditors. A sale of the dealership required the consent of Wilson and Wilson’s largest creditor, Chrysler Financial. Petitioner did everything it could to accelerate a sale. However, Petitioner was not a party to the sale negotiations and had no ability to require or force Wilson to sell the dealership or its assets to any particular party or to do so within any particular time period. A preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that Petitioner did anything to intentionally, or inadvertently, delay or manipulate the timing of a sale. On July 30, 2008, Petitioner filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court to lift the automatic stay. The motion also sought the termination of Wilson’s dealer agreements. Petitioner filed the motion in the Bankruptcy Court in an attempt to hasten the sale negotiations. Petitioner also wanted to be able to terminate the dealer agreements as quickly as possible in the event that a sale was not consummated. The Bankruptcy Court did not initially grant Petitioner's motion. The court wanted to allow time for a sale of the dealership to proceed. During 2008 and early 2009, Wilson continued to negotiate with potential buyers for the dealership. On January 8, 2009, Wilson's motor vehicle dealer license expired. It became apparent to Petitioner that a sale of Wilson’s assets would be unlikely. Petitioner again asked the Bankruptcy Court to grant Petitioner's motion to lift the stay. On February 9, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order granting Petitioner's motion to lift the stay. However, the order did not terminate Wilson’s dealer agreements. On February 16, 2009, within a week of the entry of the order lifting the stay, Petitioner sent Wilson a notice of intent to terminate Wilson’s dealer agreements. Wilson received the notice of termination on February 23, 2009, and the termination became effective on March 10, 2009. A preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that Petitioner attempted to manipulate or delay the timing of the termination of Wilson’s dealer agreements. Petitioner began working on establishing a replacement dealership as soon as Wilson’s dealer agreements were terminated. Establishing a replacement dealership is a lengthy process that primarily involves finding a suitable dealer candidate, finding a suitable location and facility, and making sure that the candidate has the necessary capital to start and maintain the dealership. Petitioner talked to several potential candidates to replace the Wilson dealership, including Jerry Ulm, the principal of one of the complaining dealers in these cases. By letter dated June 24, 2009, Mr. Ulm advised Petitioner that he opposed the opening of a successor dealership for anyone else but wanted the successor dealership for himself should Petitioner decide to proceed. Petitioner determined that Petitioner would not be able to locate the successor dealership at the former Wilson facility. Petitioner considered several potential alternative locations for the successor dealership, including property offered by Ferman. Ferman had a vacant site on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, Florida, which Ferman leased from a third party unrelated to this proceeding. Ferman offered to sublease the property to Petitioner. In a letter to Petitioner's real estate agent dated July 17, 2009, Ferman stated Ferman's understanding that Petitioner intended to use the property to establish a Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership. Petitioner ultimately decided to locate the dealership at 10909 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida. It is undisputed that this location is less than two miles from the former Wilson location. Before establishing the successor dealership, however, Petitioner wrote a letter to the Department on February 5, 2010 (the letter). The letter requested the Department to confirm that the establishment of the successor dealership would be exempt under Subsection 320.642(5)(a)1. from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3). The letter explained that Wilson had filed bankruptcy and ceased operations and that the bankruptcy had prevented Petitioner from terminating Wilson and appointing a successor dealership. The letter also provided the relevant dates of the bankruptcy, the lifting of the stay, and the termination of Wilson dealer agreements and advised the Department of Petitioner's intent to locate the successor dealership within two miles of Wilson’s former location. The letter asked the Department to confirm that the establishment of a successor dealership would be exempt if it was established within one year of March 10, 2009, when Petitioner terminated the Wilson dealer agreements. By separate e-mails dated February 9 and 12, 2010, the Department twice confirmed that it had consulted with counsel and determined that the establishment of a successor dealership to Wilson in the manner outlined by Petitioner would be exempt. Petitioner relied on this confirmation by the Department before proceeding with the appointment of a successor dealership. On February 24, 2010, Petitioner sent a second letter to the Department, stating Petitioner's intention to appoint North Tampa as the replacement and successor dealer for Wilson (the second letter). In the second letter, Petitioner again asserted its understanding that the establishment of North Tampa was exempt from the relevant statutory requirements for notice and protest. On February 24, 2010, Petitioner also submitted to the Department an application for a motor vehicle dealer license for North Tampa. On March 3, 2010, the Department issued a license to North Tampa for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles at 10909 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida. On March 7, 2010, North Tampa opened for business. North Tampa has operated successfully and continuously and employs approximately 30 individuals at the site.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department enter a final order finding that the establishment of North Tampa as a successor motor vehicle dealer is exempt from the notice and protest requirements in Subsection 320.642(3) pursuant to Subsection 320.642(5)(a). DONE AND ENTERED this 11th day of October, 2010, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 11th day of October, 2010.

Florida Laws (5) 120.57320.011320.60320.641320.642
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