it would be GREAT to get a second SuperCharger in Richmond...and showroom...and service center....one can dream!
Richmond Showroom Approved by local county Government
News article Richmond-Times Dispatch
Potential site of Tesla dealership in Henrico approved by supervisors
If Tesla Motors Inc. prevails in being allowed to open a company-owned dealership in the Richmond region, its location has been approved. The Henrico County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Tuesday to amend the conditions of a 2015 rezoning case to allow for the sales and service of the company's all-electric vehicles. The proposed Tesla dealership at a former Bassett furniture store along Stillman Parkway north of West Broad Street — would feature a showroom,
outdoor charging stations and an
indoor maintenance facility. The charging stations would be available 24 hours a day, according to county documents.
county documents. Although the location has been approved, progress on the dealership hinges on a decision from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association has opposed the California-based company's request to seek an exception to state law that bars vehicle manufacturers in most circumstances from owning dealerships. The dealers association argues that Tesla should have to sell vehicles through independent dealers like other manufacturers. An administrative hearing on the request concluded July 1. A decision could take up to
five months. Tesla, founded by tech magnate Elon Musk, sells its vehicles directly to customers at fixed prices. The company argues independent dealers could not sell its cars profitably under its one-price business plan. Its sole Virginia dealership, near Tysons Corner, opened in February 2015 after a legal settlement with the DMV and the dealers association. According to the dealers association, the opening of a second Tesla dealership would violate the terms of the settlement. In the September 2013 settlement, Tesla was allowed to open one company-owned store until August 2017, when it had to be turned over to an independent dealer. If Tesla does not prevail in its current case with the DMV and the dealers association, there are several other allowed uses for the property under its zoning, said R. Joseph Emerson Jr., Henrico County's director of planning. Tesla representatives were not available for comment Wednesday.