North Carolina May Ban Tesla Sales To Prevent “Unfair Competition”

[one...two...tree 2,762]

From the state that brought you the nations first ban on climate science comes another legislative gem: a bill that would prohibit automakers from selling their cars in the state.

The proposal, which the Raleigh News & Observer reports was unanimously approved by the states Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, would apply to all car manufacturers, but the intended target is clear. Its aimed at Tesla, the only U.S. automaker whose business model relies on selling cars directly to consumers, rather than through a network of third-party dealerships.

The bill is being pushed by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, a trade group representing the states franchised dealerships. Its sponsor is state Sen. Tom Apodaca, a Republican from Henderson, who has said the goal is to prevent unfair competition between manufacturers and dealers. What makes it unfair competition as opposed to plain-old competitionsomething Republicans are typically inclined to favoris not entirely clear. After all, North Carolina doesnt seem to have a problem with Apple selling its computers online or via its own Apple Stores.

Still, its easy to understand why some car dealers might feel a little threatened: Teslas Model S outsold the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 last quarter without any help from them. If its business model were to catch on, consumers might find that they dont need the middle-men as much as they thought.

Incidentallynot that he would be in any way swayed by thisI couldnt help but notice that Apodaca received $8,000 in campaign contributions from the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association last year, the maximum amount allowed by state law. Ive reached out to the senator for further comment and will update this post if he replies.

http://mobile.slate.com

[Karee 4,191]

From the state that brought you the nations first ban on climate science comes another legislative gem: a bill that would prohibit automakers from selling their cars in the state.

The proposal, which the Raleigh News & Observer reports was unanimously approved by the states Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, would apply to all car manufacturers, but the intended target is clear. Its aimed at Tesla, the only U.S. automaker whose business model relies on selling cars directly to consumers, rather than through a network of third-party dealerships.

The bill is being pushed by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, a trade group representing the states franchised dealerships. Its sponsor is state Sen. Tom Apodaca, a Republican from Henderson, who has said the goal is to prevent unfair competition between manufacturers and dealers. What makes it unfair competition as opposed to plain-old competitionsomething Republicans are typically inclined to favoris not entirely clear. After all, North Carolina doesnt seem to have a problem with Apple selling its computers online or via its own Apple Stores.

Still, its easy to understand why some car dealers might feel a little threatened: Teslas Model S outsold the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 last quarter without any help from them. If its business model were to catch on, consumers might find that they dont need the middle-men as much as they thought.

Incidentallynot that he would be in any way swayed by thisI couldnt help but notice that Apodaca received $8,000 in campaign contributions from the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association last year, the maximum amount allowed by state law. Ive reached out to the senator for further comment and will update this post if he replies.

http://mobile.slate.com

Another example of politicians being bought. For only $8k in this case. That said, I'm sure Sen. Apodaca has a nice job waiting for him at the NCADA when he decides to retire from public office.

[Darnell 8,479]

That's a cheap purchase, that politician.

I smell some parallel stuff (a small bit, don't shoot me) with some stuff in Atlas Shrugged.

[james&olya 1,121]

That's a cheap purchase, that politician.

I smell some parallel stuff (a small bit, don't shoot me) with some stuff in Atlas Shrugged.

These repugs believe in free enterprise all right, as long as it is their own free enterprise in selling their votes to the highest bidders!

[Darnell 8,479]

ya, well, that's what it means, to be a politician - you act on behalf of the fellas that got you elected.

Republican, Democrat, Independent - doesn't matter.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Darnell