Over the past decade, automotive OEMs have increasingly expanded what are known as "factory
image" programs: requirements that franchise dealers have to follow regarding the size and appearance of
their dealerships. These programs dictate (often in highly specific ways) how owners should expand or construct
dealerships, usually at a fairly high cost to the dealership. Owners have increasingly complained about the cost of
these programs, arguing that they receive very little (if any) return on their substantial
investments.