Notwithstanding any agreement, the following alone does not constitute good cause for the termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance of a dealer agreement under 17A-6A-4 of this code.
(1) A change in ownership of the new motor vehicle dealers dealership. This section does not authorize any change in ownership which would have the effect of a sale or an assignment of the dealer agreement or a change in the principal management of the dealership without the manufacturers or distributors prior written consent which may not be unreasonably or untimely withheld.