New Jersey Bill Would Temporarily Allow Direct Sales Of Electronic Cars
NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) -- While automaker Tesla gears up to appeal New Jersey's move barring direct from manufacturer auto sales, Paramus Assemblyman Timothy Eustace has put up a bill that would allow direct sales of electronic vehicles.
"Henry Ford did not start out with a franchise system, he started directly to the consumer," Eustace pointed out.
As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, state Sen. Ray Lesniak's bill would allow for direct sales until electric cars make up 4 percent of auto sales, projected for 2016.
"We want to make sure everybody's on the same footing, and we want to give them opportunity to establish their marketplace," said Lesniak. "Nobody wants to see Tesla close their doors or fail."
State Coalition of Automotive Retailers President Jim Appleton, however, says Tesla should play by the rules like everyone else.
Tesla's founder, meanwhile, posted a letter on the company's website saying New Jersey's rules are rigged against electric car sales, since dealers mostly sell gasoline cars, there is no incentive.
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