Section 143.02. Definitions.

  Words and phrases defined in ch. 340 , Stats. , have the same meaning in this chapter unless a different definition is specified. In this chapter:

(1)  "Certified mechanism" is a manufacturer's informal dispute settlement procedure for resolving consumer allegations of non-conformities in motor vehicles covered under the provisions of s. 218.0171 (2) (b) , Stats., which has been reviewed and approved by the department of transportation as meeting the requirements specified in this chapter.

(2)  "Consumer" means any of the following:

(a) The purchaser of a new motor vehicle, if the motor vehicle was purchased from a motor vehicle dealer for purposes other than resale;

(b) A person to whom the motor vehicle is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle;

(c) A person who may enforce the warranty;

(d) A person who leases a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle lessor under a written lease.

(3)  "Demonstrator" has the meaning set forth in s. 218.0171 (1) (bd) , Stats.

(4)  "Decision maker" means the person or persons within a certified mechanism actually deciding disputes.

(5)  "Dispute" means an unresolved complaint initiated by a consumer which alleges a non-conformity in a motor vehicle covered under the provisions of s. 218.0171 (2) (b) , Stats.

(6)  "Executive" has the meaning set forth in s. 218.0171 (1) (bp) , Stats.

(7)  "Manufacturer" means a manufacturer as defined by s. 218.0101 (20) , Stats., and agents of the manufacturer, including an importer, a distributor, factory branch, distributor branch and any warrantors of the manufacturer's motor vehicles, but not including a motor vehicle dealer.

(8)  "Mechanism" means an informal dispute settlement procedure of a manufacturer.

(9)  "Motor vehicle" has the meaning set forth in s. 218.0171 (1) (d) , Stats.

(10)  "Nonconformity" has the meaning set forth in s. 218.0171 (1) (f) , Stats.

(11)  "On the face of the warranty" means:

(a) The page on which the warranty text begins, if the warranty is a single sheet with printing on both sides of the sheet, or if the warranty is comprised of more than one sheet; or,

(b) If the warranty is included as a part of a longer document, such as a use and care manual, the page on which the warranty text begins; or,

(c) The first page of a supplemental document issued by the manufacturer for the purpose of complying with this chapter.

(12)  "Reasonable attempt to repair" has the meaning set forth in s. 218.0171 (1) (h) , Stats.

(13)  "Warrantor" means any person with the authority to give or offer to give a written warranty which incorporates a certified mechanism.

(14)  "Written warranty" means any written affirmation of fact or written promise made in connection with the sale of a motor vehicle.

History: Cr. Register, July, 1988, No. 391 , eff. 8-1-88; corrections in (1), (3), (5) to (7), (9), (10), (12) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register March 2012 No. 675 .