The dealer's viewpoint, and for that matter, Moomba's viewpoint if indeed its represented accurately in your post (via the dealer) may constitute some sort of restraint of trade violation. This is very, very serious business. Generally, unless schooled properly, local and regional businessmen can get way afoul of the law and not even know it. If you have access to a commercial attorney, maybe through your workplace, you might try to get a read from them laws that might apply.