CAR DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS OPPOSE TESLA BILL
HARTFORD — The Connecticut Automotive Retail Association says the latest legislative effort to allow electric car-maker Tesla Motors to sell directly to consumers is too broad.
CARA President James Fleming said Tuesday this year’s version of the bill would allow all electric vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers, not just Tesla.
CARA is teaming up with General Motors and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to oppose the legislation. They say this year’s bill is the worst yet because it would allow other manufacturers to bypass the state’s dealer franchise law.
It’s up for a public hearing on Wednesday before the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
Legislation to allow Tesla to open a limited number of retail stores in Connecticut cleared the House of Representatives last year but stalled in the Senate.