COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio auto dealers are sparring at
the Statehouse with California-based automaker Tesla, which is selling
next-generation electric cars from three Ohio storefronts.
Ohio is
among states proposing to block Tesla direct sales on grounds they
undercut traditional auto dealerships. New Jersey officials approved a
regulation Tuesday effectively prohibiting automakers from going
straight to customers.
Tesla vice president Diarmuid
O’Connell visited Ohio legislative leaders that same day to try to
discourage them from passing similar restrictions in the state.
He
argues the 1,000 vehicles a year Tesla sells in Ohio represent a
fraction of the market. He says direct-sales are needed to jumpstart
electric-car technology and drive consumer prices down.
Dealers
with $2 billion in payroll annually say their businesses can only
prosper when the law separates manufacturers and dealers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio auto dealers are sparring at
the Statehouse with California-based automaker Tesla, which is selling
next-generation electric cars from three Ohio storefronts.
Ohio is
among states proposing to block Tesla direct sales on grounds they
undercut traditional auto dealerships. New Jersey officials approved a
regulation Tuesday effectively prohibiting automakers from going
straight to customers.
Tesla vice president Diarmuid
O’Connell visited Ohio legislative leaders that same day to try to
discourage them from passing similar restrictions in the state.
He
argues the 1,000 vehicles a year Tesla sells in Ohio represent a
fraction of the market. He says direct-sales are needed to jumpstart
electric-car technology and drive consumer prices down.
Dealers
with $2 billion in payroll annually say their businesses can only
prosper when the law separates manufacturers and dealers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
