CONTACT:
Robert J. Schmitt Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (703) 620-6003 ext. 358 rschmitt@rvia.org
RV Industry Supports Lemon Law Reform Consideration By Wisconsin Legislature
RESTON, Va. (February 17, 2004) --- The nation's recreation vehicle manufacturers and their representative, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), are pleased to support efforts currently underway in Wisconsin to consider amendments to that state's lemon law. "Wisconsin's lemon law originally was designed to provide assistance to consumers who purchased vehicles that experienced frequent warranty repairs," commented RVIA President David J. Humphreys. "Unfortunately, however, a few provisions of this law have shown themselves to be unfair and unreasonable, especially regarding motor homes." The pending legislation seeks to make select amendments to the lemon law in an effort to address these inequities. The lemon law was designed primarily with passenger automobiles in mind. Motorhomes are covered under the current lemon law because they are also a type of vehicle, but their unique purpose and use as part-time camping vehicles are not taken into account. For example, while the lemon law addresses warranty repairs, it inadvertently also includes repairs to things on a motorhome that have nothing at all to do with vehicles, such as household appliances, furniture, or plumbing facilities. RVIA believes that these items are outside the intended scope of the lemon law. The amendments will properly focus the lemon law on repairs to motor vehicle systems. In a similar vein, -more-
the law currently presumes that motorhomes are driven daily, just like cars. The amendments will use more accurate figures that reasonably reflect the actual part-time use pattern of motor homes. Most importantly, this bill will recognize those vehicle manufacturers that have a State of Wisconsin-approved, third party dispute resolution process. Such programs are proven to provide streamlined relief to consumers, without the expense and delays involved in litigation. "The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association thanks the sponsors for their support, as well as all members of the Wisconsin legislature for their consideration of this effort to make fair and reasonable contributions to the Wisconsin lemon law," Humphreys added. RVIA is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
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2/17/04