GeekEV
Well-known member
I know this is primarily a LEAF forum (but we like all EVs don't we?). Tesla needs your help!
http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/help-overturn-franchise-laws-success-future" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/elon-takes-texastweets-help" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/tesla-approach-distributing-and-servicing-cars" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/help-overturn-franchise-laws-success-future" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/tesla-approach-distributing-and-servicing-cars" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Tesla Blog said:The U.S. automotive industry has been selling cars the same way for over 100 years and there are many laws in place to govern exactly how that is to be accomplished. We do not seek to change those rules and we have taken great care not to act in a manner contrary to those rules.
Automotive franchise laws were put in place decades ago to prevent a manufacturer from unfairly opening stores in direct competition with an existing franchise dealer that had already invested time, money and effort to open and promote their business. That would, of course, be wrong, but Tesla does not have this issue. We have granted no franchises anywhere in the world that will be harmed by us opening stores.
Regrettably, two lawsuits have nonetheless been filed against Tesla that we believe are starkly contrary to the spirit and the letter of the law. This is supported by the nature of the plaintiffs, where one is a Fisker dealer and the other is an auto group that has repeatedly demanded that it be granted a Tesla franchise. They will have considerable difficulty explaining to the court why Tesla opening a store in Boston is somehow contrary to the best interests of fair commerce or the public.
It is further worth noting that these franchise laws do not even exist in the rest of the world, where almost three quarters of premium sedan sales take place.