Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Legislation and Policy, USA, Videos



In Michigan, Tesla did not get what it wanted. Today, Governor Rick Snyder signed House Bill 5606 into law. The law was introduced by State Representative Aric Nesbitt, who siad it is not "anti-Tesla at all." Still, 5606 does clarify and strengthen the state's laws against an automaker selling vehicles directly to consumers, so Tesla called on its supporters to fight against Snyder signing the bill into law. That didn't work.

The bill passed the Michigan legislative chambers with overwhelming support last week (106-1 in the House, 38-0 in the Senate) and Snyder said that his team's research found it "doesn't change current law at all." He nonetheless thought it was worth signing, and you can watch him explain why in the video below. He does not mention his campaign support from numerous auto dealers.

We have asked Tesla for a comment on this latest development and will let you know when we hear back. Last week, the California automaker called the legislation "harmful to consumers."Continue reading Michigan Gov. signs anti-Tesla bill, says he's open to change his mind

Michigan Gov. signs anti-Tesla bill, says he's open to change his mind originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Oct 2014 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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We were talking about this on another car board that I'm on. I really don't see what the big auto companies are afraid of. It's not like any of the Tesla models are really direct competitors for most cars out there. It would be like Chrylser trying to ban Lamborghini from selling cars or something.

 

It's not the factory guys that pushed this. The dealer association did. The few, the rich, the monopoly.

 

But again, it's not like Tesla is *really* that much competition for them. It's not like someone is cross shopping a Toyota Corolla with an $80,000 Tesla if you get my meaning. Even people looking at the rank and file electric cars like the Volt, Leaf, etc. are *probably* not cross shopping them to something that costs twice as much.

 

I don't think it is about vehicle competition. It's about who is allowed to sell, hence mark up the vehicle.