New law allows Tesla to sell its cars in NY

By Seamus Lyman

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill last week ending the ongoing battle between car dealerships and Tesla Motors. In March, the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and Tesla Motors reached an agreement to allow Tesla to continue to operate its five stores in New York.

The agreement led to new legislation (A.7844-b/.S.6797-a) to tighten franchise dealership laws, which Tesla would be held to if the company decides to expand its sales business in New York.

Tesla would need to sell its vehicles through franchise dealerships in the future, rather than selling directly to their customers as they currently do. Previous legislation called for all motor vehicle sales to be completed through franchisees, but was fought by Tesla and supporters of electric cars. It was similar to legislation passed in New Jersey banning direct sales, which has since seen attempts to lift it.

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-06-23-88372.113122-New-law-allows-Tesla-to-sell-its-cars-in-NY.html