Tesla recharged: Assembly panel to take up bill to allow sales in NJ stores
TRENTON — A bill to allow Tesla to once again sell its electric cars from New Jersey stores is scheduled for a hearing today.
The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee this morning plans to vote on the measure (A3216) that would allow manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles – like Tesla – to sell them at up to four stores in New Jersey.
Under the bill, Tesla – or any other company that goes into the business – would have to open up at least one service center in the state as well.
Tesla has two locations in New Jersey, in Paramus and Short Hills, but it was forced to stop selling cars directly from them in April when the Motor Vehicles Commission — made up of cabinet officials of Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and appointees — passed a rule requiring car companies sell cars through dealers, which is contrary to Tesla’s sales model.
Tesla appealed the rule change.
Christie defended the decision, saying the commission was merely following state law by requiring Tesla to go through dealers, and that it’s up to the Legislature to change it.
Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, said he plans to have a statement on the bill tomorrow but that his group has yet to take a stance on it.
New Jersey customers who want to buy a car from Tesla can still purchase it online on in other states’ showrooms. (Friedman/Star-Ledger)
Hope this bill passes.
I’m sure other manufacturers would love to have independent and web channels… this is kind of like the first shots fired at open outcry trading… I hope Tesla gets what they want and maybe other manufacturers will follow suit.
This bill should apply to all automakers.
Why not call electric cars what they really are?
Coal Powered cars.
Nuclear Powered cars.
Where do you think electricity comes from?
…everyone knows it comes from rainbows and unicorns.
It’s settled science.