Your partner in automotive legal aid
Our automotive specialists have a real passion for the automotive sector. We translate that passion into tailor-made and practical advice for (large) brand dealers, dealer networks, dealer associations, industry associations, suppliers and franchise formulas.
The automotive sector is a dynamic and complex sector that is constantly changing. Consequently, a lot has changed at a rapid pace in recent years, think of electric cars, pop-up / flagship stores, digital products, self-driving cars, online sales and agency models.
As an entrepreneur in this sector, you may therefore encounter legal issues that require in-depth knowledge and experience. Be it contract negotiations, competition law, privacy issues or sustainability initiatives, the right legal support is essential.
Banning Advocaten is your trusted (talking) partner in the field of legal aid in the automotive sector, with in-depth expertise and a pragmatic approach to your legal issues.
What does legal aid in the automotive sector entail?
Legal aid in the automotive sector covers everything to do with the legal aspects of the automotive industry. This can range from advising on distribution agreements, agency contracts, financing and leasing agreements, competition law to assisting with acquisitions or advising on privacy compliance. Complex legal issues often arise in this sector, where specialised knowledge of both the industry and the law is essential.
In the automotive sector, lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring the (legal) stability of companies. Examples include:
- Contract negotiations: entering into, terminating or renewing dealer contracts between importers and dealers or, on the contrary, amending these contracts, as well as drafting/adapting the general terms and conditions applicable to these contracts or sales contracts with the dealers' end-customers.
- Competition law: Advising on restrictions of competition and cartels, especially in collaborations between car companies or new initiatives in the mobility sector.
- Privacy law: Complying with privacy regulations, particularly in relation to customer data and who is responsible for handling such data.
- Sustainability initiatives: Legal guidance on implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable initiatives within the industry.
- Litigation: conducting legal proceedings on, for example, non-conformity claims relating to vehicles.
Our experience and expertise
At Banning Lawyers, we have extensive experience in providing legal support to companies in the automotive sector. Our knowledge is based on years of working with both large brand dealers and smaller companies as well as assisting dealer associations, industry associations, suppliers and franchise organisations. We act not only as legal advisor, but also as a strategic sparring partner for our clients. Whether it is distribution, after-sales, joint ventures, agency, leasing, sustainability initiatives or privacy issues, we offer integrated legal solutions that seamlessly fit the specific needs of your business.
Some examples of our (recent) experience include:
- Supporting dealer(s/associations) in contract negotiations with importers: We have helped major brand dealers to enter into, terminate or extend dealer or agency contracts, often avoiding lengthy legal proceedings.
- Advice when car brands disappear from the Dutch market: We helped dealers restructure their business activities when a particular brand decided to leave the Dutch market.
- Strategic advice to industry associations: We advised dealer and industry associations on an ongoing basis on competition law, including the consequences of cooperation within the mobility sector, such as sustainable initiatives.
- Successful guidance on acquisitions and joint ventures: We recently guided a major notification to the Consumer & Market Authority regarding the acquisition of a major branded dealership and advise more frequently on mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures within the automotive sector.
- Guidance on privacy issues: We offer advice on who is responsible for customer data under privacy legislation, for example in private leasing or insurance products.
- Sustainability initiatives: We support companies focusing on sustainable mobility and environmentally friendly innovations.
- Real estate and lease constructions: We offer advice on real estate transactions for dealerships and legal issues surrounding lease constructions.
When should I engage a lawyer in the automotive sector?
Engaging a lawyer in the automotive sector is necessary when you face legal issues that may affect the continuity or operation of your business. This could be in cases such as:
- Contract questions: If you have questions about/problems with entering into, terminating or executing dealer contracts.
- Competition law: If you have doubts about the legal implications of collaborations within the sector, for example when it comes to dealer agreements, agency models, joint ventures or acquisitions.
- Privacy issues: When there are concerns about protecting customer data, especially in the context of new privacy legislation (AVG).
- Disputes with importers or suppliers: When legal disputes arise with suppliers or importers, for example over the supply of vehicles or parts.
- Sustainability initiatives: On legal issues surrounding sustainability initiatives and how they relate to laws and regulations.
How do we proceed?
At Banning Lawyers, we work with you to reach a solution that is both legally strong and commercially viable. Our process is transparent, client-focused and pragmatic:
- Intake and analysis: We start with an intake, clearly identifying your situation and the legal issues.
- Advice and strategy: Then, together with you, we develop a strategy that takes into account your business objectives and the legal challenges.
- Negotiation and guidance: We support you in any negotiations, drafting contracts and monitoring legal risks.
- Dispute resolution: If necessary, we can act as your representative in legal proceedings or dispute resolution.
- Sustainable advice: We think with you about the long term and advise on future legal issues, such as changing legislation or market conditions.
Why should you choose our lawyers with experience in automotive?
Our lawyers bring not only legal expertise, but also a deep understanding of the dynamics within the automotive sector. We offer more than just legal assistance; we are a strategic partner who thinks with you and proactively provides solutions. Some reasons to choose us:
- Specialist knowledge of the automotive sector: We understand the specific legal issues involved in the car ownership and mobility sector.
- Pragmatic approach: We always look for solutions that are both legally sound and commercially viable.
- Experience with large brand dealers: We have broad experience with large companies in the automotive sector, including dealers and trade associations.
- Legal and strategic advice: We offer not only legal guidance, but also strategic advice on competition, privacy and sustainability issues.
- Results-oriented: Our approach focuses on achieving concrete results, often avoiding lengthy legal proceedings.
Conclusion
Banning Advocaten offers you the necessary knowledge, expertise and support on legal issues in the automotive sector. Whether you have a legal issue around contracts, competition, privacy or sustainability, we are ready to guide you Please contact our specialists to receive more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation.