Tesla Sales Banned in New Jersey... hopefully not for long!

[xhawk101]

Indeed! !

 

[Norbert]

The "blog post" itself, posted on the ftc.gov website:

Who decides how consumers should shop? | Federal Trade Commission

These protections expanded until in many states they included outright bans on the sale of new cars by anyone other than a dealer—specifically, an auto manufacturer. Instead of “protecting,” these state laws became “protectionist,” perpetuating one way of selling cars—the independent car dealer. Such blanket bans are an anomaly in the broader economy, where most manufacturers compete to respond to consumer needs by choosing from among direct sales to consumers, reliance on independent dealers, or some combination of the two.

Dealers contend that it is important for regulators to prevent abuses of local dealers. This rationale appears unsupported, however, with respect to blanket prohibitions of direct sales by manufacturers. And, in any event, it has no relevance to companies like Tesla. It has never had any independent dealers and reportedly does not want them.

Article in the Wall Street Journal:

FTC Blog: Laws Preventing Sales by Car Makers Like Tesla Are - WSJ.com

The position by the trade body adds to the mounting expert opinions that find little support for the laws that have limited Tesla's ability to sell cars through company-owned stores. Dealers in nearly every state have launched political campaigns to try to halt or limit Tesla's ability to sell directly to customers.

 

[RobStark]

A new proposal from two New Jersey lawmakers could allow Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) to again sell its vehicles directly to consumers there. NJ.com reports that two state lawmakers there are proposing a bill which would allow the automaker to set up a total of four stores in New Jersey. That’s two more than the automaker had before New Jersey essentially banned its sales model earlier this year.


http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/04/tesla-motors-inc-could-be-back-in-business-in-new-jersey/

 

[EdA]

A new proposal from two New Jersey lawmakers could allow Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) to again sell its vehicles directly to consumers there. NJ.com reports that two state lawmakers there are proposing a bill which would allow the automaker to set up a total of four stores in New Jersey. That’s two more than the automaker had before New Jersey essentially banned its sales model earlier this year.


http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/04/tesla-motors-inc-could-be-back-in-business-in-new-jersey/

They were in the process of opening another store when the bridge was blocked...

 

[dsm363]

These 'ok you can open up only X number of stores' compromises make no sense. Either these Tesla stores are evil and should be banned or they should be allowed.

 

[brianman]

These 'ok you can open up only X number of stores' compromises make no sense. Either these Tesla stores are evil and should be banned or they should be allowed.

"4 drink maximum"

 

[AlMc]

These 'ok you can open up only X number of stores' compromises make no sense. Either these Tesla stores are evil and should be banned or they should be allowed.

These are politicians. They don't think like you and I. They are trying to keep everyone happy ( aka: giving money/support ).

 

[RobStark]

These 'ok you can open up only X number of stores' compromises make no sense. Either these Tesla stores are evil and should be banned or they should be allowed.

They polled likely voters. The minimum number of stores a majority found acceptable was four stores.

They will go back and tell the Auto Dealer Association 4 is the minimum number the public will accept.

If you don't continue to give us the same amount of campaign contributions Democratic districts will vote for environmentalist and Republican districts will vote for libertarians that will open the flood gates to as many factory stores as auto manufacturers want. Not exactly ,as this is not a single issue most voters vote on but may be enough to swing a few key districts.

 

[Jack6591]

I'm radical. Suppressing capitalistic freedom is absolute B/S.

We should fight, they cannot win. It's an American thing.

 

[AlMc]

A pretty good summary of the Manufacturer/Dealer history. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremya...ust-what-the-industry-needs/?partner=yahootix

 

[bareyb]

I'm radical. Suppressing capitalistic freedom is absolute B/S.

We should fight, they cannot win. It's an American thing.

Once we get the four stores, the rest will come in time if they are needed. That's another Political ploy. Pretend something is temporary or limited to get it past the voters and then change it later when the heat's off.

 

[AlMc]

While not NJ it is applicable to the direct sales fight: Dealers in Mass. appealed ruling to Supreme Court. http://bostonherald.com/business/automotive/2014/05/tesla_case_to_challenge_norm

 

[mpt]

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 5th

I received word from CIGNJ that the Greenwald/Eustace bill is to be heard on June 5th:

"We understand the New Jersey Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee is tentatively scheduled to consider the Greenwald/Eustace legislation which would allow ZEV manufacturers to sell directly to consumers at up to four licensed locations in New Jersey on Thursday, June 5th in Trenton. More details to follow."

 

[dsm363]

Tesla Sales Banned in New Jersey

A good start. Always confusing why they limit the number of sites 5 locations would be harmful to the state?

 

[jerry33]

A good start. Always confusing why they limit the number of sites. 5 locations would be harmful to the state?

Limiting the number of stores gives them a precedent for keeping control. They hope to leverage on this down the road (after they've paid some more politicians).

 

[mpt]

Call to action: June 5th 11:00am

Call to action to support electric car sales in NJ. June 5th, 11:00am in Room 13 (4th floor) of the Statehouse Annex.


It's time to have our voice heard, please join me to give testimony in support of the sale of electric vehicles directly to the public.

Spread the word, it's time to let the legislature know that we're here!


Google Maps

 

[AlMc]

Call to action to support electric car sales in NJ. June 5th, 11:00am in Room 13 (4th floor) of the Statehouse Annex.


It's time to have our voice heard, please join me to give testimony in support of the sale of electric vehicles directly to the public.

Spread the word, it's time to let the legislature know that we're here!


Google Maps

Bill A3096:

 

[pbleic]

Bill A3096:

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/A3500/3096_I1.PDF

or in HTML:
A3096

The bill allows ZEV manufacturers (and then, seemingly any manufacturer) to sell direct in the state as long as they sell less than 4% of the cars in a state. This seems a half way measure. Essentially, it says "there, there, you can sell your little toy cars as long as you aren't even modestly successful at it. Once that happens, you have to become an adult, like the rest of us."

 

[mpt]

The bill number has changed as more have signed on, yes, it's a compromise but let's just kick the can down the road when we get to 4%.

 

[dsm363]

The bill number has changed as more have signed on, yes, it's a compromise but let's just kick the can down the road when we get to 4%.

Hope Tesla has enough power later on to change this but until they do they can sell a limited number in NJ up to 3.99% then say 'sold in in NJ for the year!'