Tesla Motors’ Direct Sales Model Challenged
Progressives certainly disdain New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, don’t they? It seems that at the rate of at least once a week he does something to irritate the Common American. Today we learn that he’s blocking Tesla’s efforts to build a direct sales model in his state, i.e., one that circumvents the traditional dealer model. That’s not going to go over well with the people who are hoping the U.S. can end its oil addiction.
I must confess that I don’t understand the basic law here. Don’t I have a constitutional right to engage in any form of commerce I wish, as long as I’m not selling something illegal, e.g., slaves, drugs, etc.? If I want to sell oranges or toothpaste via e-commerce and circumvent grocery stores, don’t I have that right? Can cars possibly be any different?
Craig,
Here we agree. I don’t like EV’s, but if you want to sell one, why is it illegal to sell them in a direct sale scenario?
Note, however, that this law is established in other states (Texas comes to mind)…
But I thought that I’d comment on the general question – how can the sale of something that is not illegal be restricted or regulated to only be allowed in some transactions that follow certain guidelines – can be applied to blue laws on controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco… I think it’s absurd that they not be sold on Sunday, but I think it’s a very good thing they not be sold to children…), and laws restricting the sale of firearms , and laws restricting the sale of services – such as prostitution, etc…
So while we agree on the case of EV sales (WTF?), that line of political questioning can lead you towards the libertarian side of several issues that have some dicey moral grey areas. Because of this, it’s probably better just to ask about the specific case – why can’t you sell an EV over the internet?