The Connecticut State Legislature passed the law that allows Tesla to do direct sales within the state yesterday! This means that the Milford, CT Service Center wlll probably become a full service Sales and Service Center! Waa-Hooo!
On a related note, CT will also offer $3000 incentive to purchasers of EVs. http://www.courant.com/business/hc-connecticut-rebate-electric-cars-0520-20150519-story.html Unfortunately it does not apply to MS or MX since it must be sold in CT (when this legislation becomes law that will be remedied), and the car has to be less than $60k. Better hurry up with Model 3 to take advantage of incentives.
Laws like this are poorly crafted. The "cliff edge" incentive in the CT bill creates distortionary incentives to get the price just below $60,000. Why does the government have an interest in giving $3,000 to someone buying a car for $59,999, but nothing if it costs $60,000? The answer, of course, is it's simple and populist. A slightly more complex but better formula would be that the full $3,000 is available up to, say, $50,000. Then reduce the subsidy by $0.20 for each $1 by which the price exceeds $50,000. (This formula drives the subsidy to $0 at $65,000.)
Just wrote emails to two local State Senators, Kelly and Slossberg of Stratford, and Milford asking for their support on House Bill 6682 which is coming up for vote on June 3rd. All CT Tesla fans, please do the same if time allows.... Thanks Art
If I read this right, it passed through the senate today! The site shows "senate passed" in the list of action on 6/3/2015. (C G A)
Shelbri is correct. HB6820 is still not passed =( HB6820 which passed today was just the dealers getting more protection from manufacturers from what I can tell. Sorry to spread confusion.
Here's a news article published today that updates Tesla's efforts to proceed with sales and showrooms in CT. I subscribe to a digital edition of the Hartford Courant (I'm a CT native), but this link should work. Tesla Not Giving Up on Lobbying Effort In Connecticut - Hartford Courant
BTW, there is a Founder's Model X in the Milford, CT SC getting ready for delivery... You can see it from afar. Not as tall or large as I had envisioned it.
The article I linked has a slide show available at the top. Surprised that the photographer didn't get a shot of that X! Found a video link to the same press conference. Tesla renews push to sell cars in CT | News 12 Connecticut The Nissan dealer being interviewed sounds like he's been well prepared by NADA or perhaps a fresh screening of "Merchants of Doubt".
I was at the Milford Service Center having my seatbelt checked. We saw the Model X and got to walk over near it. We were not allowed closer than about 10 ft and told no pictures. The tech was working on getting it ready for delivery but demo'd how the falcon-winged doors operate. Faster than I expected. Looked great.
They are holding a public hearing on March 2nd (tomorrow) at 10:30 a.m. Anyone available to attend? "Tesla Supporters and Enthusiasts: On March 2nd at 10:30AM at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, the Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that will allow Tesla to sell its cars in Connecticut. This is a step in the right direction. And while we've been fortunate to gain the support of Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Transportation Committee House Chair Tony Guerrera, we need your help to show the Committee and legislature that opening the doors to investment by Tesla is good for Connecticut. We invite you to get involved, and let legislators in Hartford know how you feel by appearing at the hearing or submitting written comments to the Transportation Committee members who will participate in the hearing. You can find their contact details at www.cga.ct.gov/tra. You can also contact your local Senator or Representative to let them know you support Tesla and its desire to invest in Connecticut with direct sales of clean, zero emission electric vehicles. As with all communications to legislators, please be polite and respectful. And if you want to stay updated with our progress, visit www.TeslaCT.com " Thanks in advance for your support! Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue Room 2E Hartford, CT 06106"
I am unable to attend tomorrow but have written to my representatives. If enacted, it will not be effective until Oct, 2016. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/TOB/s/2016SB-00003-R00-SB.htm Here is the full Committee Bill: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/TOB/s/2016SB-00003-R01-SB.htm
I listened to the first 4 hours of testimony on the CT bill. No idea how much longer it went on, or what the eventual outcome will be. Same debate. CARA is afraid of losing market share, insists bill gives an unfair advantage to Tesla. They claim they want a level playing field. IMO, Tesla did a fantastic job. Milford's Alan Woolmer talked about how ICE dealers saw service as a profit center, and how franchise dealers pay mechanics (commission) vs. Tesla's business model. The debate went to irrelevant, though interesting, topics (considering they acknowledged Tesla can do business in CT, but just must be a franchise): Jim Chen was asked questions about home charging installation costs. Other questions included anxiety range, Tesla stock fluctuation, recalls, Takata air bags, Model 3 anticipated deposits, and even a mention of DeLorean's fate. And of course, CARA had 4 of their EV offerings outside for display & test drives (link to video: courant.com/tesla0302). If there is another hearing, I'll mark off the whole day and definitely attend!