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CEO: Perry Supports Selling Electric Cars From Manufacturer

Tesla
The Tesla Model S, Motor Trend Car of the Year is introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (credit: Tan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Members of the Texas House are considering a bill that would allow manufacturers of 100-percent electric vehicles or all battery-powered vehicles to sell directly to consumers, bypassing car dealers.

Governor Rick Perry has said he would support HB 3351, which is also known as the Tesla Bill. Tesla Motors is an American-based electric car manufacturer.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of Space Exploration Technologies (Space X), took his argument for the bill directly to lawmakers at the state Capitol. "Texas, which prides itself on being the freest state in the nation, actually has the most restrictive laws about car selling," he told lawmakers.

The powerful Texas Automobile Dealer's Association fears easing the car selling restrictions would hurt them. But Musk insists that Perry is onboard with the retail option. "I spoke to the governor and made the same case that I'm making here and he said that if he received it [HB 3351] he would support it."

Currently Texas law forbids automakers from operating their own dealerships. Tesla has no franchised dealerships in the state, only car galleries that display the vehicles.

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