For the purpose of broadening the diversity of its dealer body and enhancing opportunities for qualified persons who are part of a group who have historically been underrepresented in its dealer body, or other qualified persons who lack the resources to purchase a dealership outright, but for no other purpose, a manufacturer or franchisor may temporarily own an interest in a dealership if the manufacturer’s or franchisor’s participation in the dealership is in a bona fide relationship with a franchised vehicle dealer who:

(1) Has made a significant investment in the dealership, subject to loss;

(2) Has an ownership interest in the dealership; and

(3) Operates the dealership under a plan to acquire full ownership of the dealership within a reasonable time and under reasonable terms and conditions.

Source: SL 2000, ch 151, § 4.