Maddocks is acting for multinational automobile manufacturer, Nissan, on the development and implementation of a new dealer agreement.

Maddocks worked collaboratively with the Nissan legal and commercial teams to develop and implement the agreement.

This agreement has been established in compliance with the amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct and will align with the Nissan global template.

In 2021, the Australian Government announced a suite of reforms to the automotive industry in conjunction with the amendments of the Franchising Code of Conduct. The reforms transform the existing voluntary principles into mandatory obligations under the Franchising Code of Conduct.

Maddocks was responsible for drafting the new dealer agreement and disclosure document, advising on all aspects of competition and regulatory law, including on pricing and cartel conduct and exclusive dealing, training the Nissan management team on the new regulatory requirements and the structure of the new agreement and negotiating with the dealer representative council.

The Maddocks team advising Nissan includes Greg Hipwell, Elizabeth Lilley, Mira Martin and Hannah Hopper.