COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio automobile dealers have struck a
deal that will allow Tesla Motors to sell its electric cars in the
state.
The agreement with the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association was negotiated on Tuesday and approved by a
Senate panel.
The
bill allows Tesla to keep its existing stores in the Columbus and
Cincinnati areas, and allows a third to open in Cleveland, but prohibits
the company from opening any other stores.
The bill allows no other automaker to operate manufacturer-owned stores in the state.
Ohio
was among states proposing to block Tesla from setting up additional
direct-sales galleries on grounds they undercut traditional auto
dealerships.
Dealers saw Tesla as a threat to a system in which nearly
all dealerships are independently owned franchises that are separate
from manufacturers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio automobile dealers have struck a
deal that will allow Tesla Motors to sell its electric cars in the
state.
The agreement with the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association was negotiated on Tuesday and approved by a
Senate panel.
The
bill allows Tesla to keep its existing stores in the Columbus and
Cincinnati areas, and allows a third to open in Cleveland, but prohibits
the company from opening any other stores.
The bill allows no other automaker to operate manufacturer-owned stores in the state.
Ohio
was among states proposing to block Tesla from setting up additional
direct-sales galleries on grounds they undercut traditional auto
dealerships.
Dealers saw Tesla as a threat to a system in which nearly
all dealerships are independently owned franchises that are separate
from manufacturers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.