FTC Officials Back Tesla's Direct Sales Model

[IDemo]

Source: PC

Tesla has been getting pushback in several states where auto dealers have been lobbying against the electric vehicle (EV) maker's direct sales model which circumvents the car dealership apparatus long established in many U.S. markets.

Now the cavalry may be coming to the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company's rescue in the form of the Federal Trade Commission.

Several FTC officials on Thursday weighed in on the issue in a post on the commission's official blog, suggesting that long-standing laws prohibiting direct sales of new vehicles are no longer useful, practical, or protective of consumers and characterizing such rules as "bad policy."

"For decades, local laws in many states have required consumers to purchase their cars solely from local, independent auto dealers. Removing these regulatory impediments may be essential to allow consumers access to new ways of shopping that have become available in many other industries," wrote FTC directors Andy Gavil, Debbie Feinstein, and Marty Gaynor.

Read more: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2457108,00.asp

[IronLionZion]

1. "Removing these regulatory impediments"

CONservatives are constantly complaining that "taxes and regulations" are keeping their wealthy "job creators" from creating jobs. I can't wait to see them come out against this. I don't know who they hate more, American auto companies or electric cars.

[AngryDem001]

2. The don't just hate American auto companies,

They hate AMERICANS. Except the rich, white, Christian male Americans.

[father founding]

5. Not All

They aren't all necessarily Christians, especially the donors.

[Heather MC]

3. Isn't this a violation of republicans oh so precious Keep the guberment outta the Free Market????

Seems to me tesla should be able to operate as they see fit.
FREE MARKET??

[IronLionZion]

4. republicans are terrified of free market competition

Its mostly state governments that enacted these laws to promote their dealerships, but that's an impediment for new companies to enter the market. I think the direct sales method should be allowed for startups like Tesla.

It wasn't that long ago when those on the left were sure there was a conspiracy to crush the electric car industry. This changes everything.