MN auto dealers write law to bar Tesla from the state

[wtmusic]

Because Tesla's factory stores eliminate the bloodsucking, price-elevating middleman, the company is "unfair".



"Tesla Motors is trying to amend Minnesota legislation that would block it from opening stores and service centers in the state.

The legislation, introduced last month at the urging of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, would rewrite Minnesota's franchise law to make it clear that a vehicle manufacturer cannot operate a dealership. Under the state's current law, a manufacturer is prohibited from competing with a same-brand franchised dealer.

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"We're not happy about granting them an exemption," said Lambert. "We've got dealers who have made big investments in their dealerships. A factory-owned store, it's a whole different model, and it's not fair.""

http://www.autonews.com/article/20130306/RETAIL07/130309890#ixzz2N0DTfwzI

[longship]

1. Screw them! nt

[zbdent]

2. Odd ... I did a "store locator" ...

and there are at least 11 "factory stores" for the "Original Mattress Factory" ... one specifically a "Factory Store" ...

Does this legislation close them up, too?

[pscot]

3. Those sound like copy righted phrases

It could just be a franchise.

[ellenfl]

4. so much for free enterprise. eom

[Historic NY]

5. Free market or pay to play?

[NickB79]

6. Apple and Microsoft have their own stores in the Mall of America

That compete directly with electronic stores that sell their products here in Minnesota.

Why are auto dealerships so special that they deserve this treatment?

[wtmusic]

7. Good observation

When the law is challenged, the dealers better have a compelling reason why autos should be treated differently than computers.

One doesn't come immediately to mind.