Tesla US dealership disputes
Tesla Motors has faced dealership disputes in several U.S. states as a result of local laws. In the United States, direct manufacturer auto sales are prohibited in almost every state by franchise laws requiring that new cars be sold only by independent dealers. The electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors maintains that in order to properly explain to their customers the advantages their cars have over traditional vehicles with an internal combustion engine, they cannot rely on third party dealerships to handle their sales.[1][2]
Corporate strategy
Tesla Motors has an 80% degree of vertical integration in 2016 according to Goldman Sachs. The integration includes own sales channels and proprietary charging infrastructure among others. The high degree is rare in the automotive industry, where companies typically focus on engine manufacturing and vehicle assembly, outsourcing 80%[3] of components to suppliers while letting franchises serve as sales points.[4][5]
Some of Tesla's stated goals are to increase the number and variety of electric vehicles (EVs) available to mainstream consumers by selling its own vehicles in company-owned showrooms and online.[6][7][2] Tesla states that owning stores "creates an information loop from our customers straight into manufacturing and vehicle design".[8] Tesla attempts to not make a profit on servicing cars.[9][10][11]
Sales model
Tesla Motors operates more than 200 stores and galleries around the world, 120 of which are outside the USA. It owns the stores and sells directly to customers via the internet and in non-US stores.[12][13][14]
Tesla has a low budget for marketing, and uses a referral program and word of mouth to attract buyers.[15]
US dealerships and automotive dealership disputes
Map of direct automaker sales, regarding Tesla conditions. Archive |
There are stores and galleries[16][17]—usually located in shopping malls—in 22 US states and Washington DC. Customers cannot buy vehicles from stores,[18][19][20] only from the Tesla Motors website.[21] The stores serve as showrooms that allow people to learn about the company and its vehicles.[2] Some galleries are located in states with restrictive dealership protection laws which prevent discussing price, financing, and test drives, as well as other restrictions. Tesla has set up mobile-shipping-container "stores"[8] and 6 Airstream travel trailers each pulled by a Model X, reaching areas not served by brick-and-mortar shops.[22][23]
Tesla's strategy of direct customer sales and owning stores and service centers is different from the standard dealership model in the US vehicle marketplace.[24] Tesla Motors is the only automaker that sells cars directly to consumers; all other automakers use independently owned dealerships[25][26] (partly due to earlier conflict),[27][28][29] although some automakers provide online configuration and financing.[30][31][32] 48 states have laws that limit or ban manufacturers from selling vehicles directly to consumers,[33][34][35] and although Tesla has no independent dealerships, dealership associations in multiple states have filed numerous lawsuits against Tesla Motors, to prevent the company from selling cars. North Carolina and New Hampshire sided with Tesla, while Virginia and Texas sided with dealers.[36] Lack of outlets and customers reduce the need for service centers. Tesla does not have service centers in 19 states in 2016.[37] Media cited direct sales or lack thereof as reasons when selecting the site for Gigafactory 1.[38][39]
Countries other than USA do not have such laws protecting car dealership.[8] The Federal Trade Commission recommends allowing direct manufacturer sales,[40][41] which analysts believe would save consumers 8% per purchase on average.[28][42] The National Automobile Dealers Association states that franchises (such as offered by its members) offer better value for customers than direct sales.[24][43][44]
Restrictive states
Alabama
Alabama regards manufacturer-owned stores and service centers as "unfair and deceptive trade practices".[45] However, in August 2016 State Senator Tom Whatley introduced Senate Bill 22, assigned to the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee, which would allow a manufacturer of alternative fuel vehicles to sell and lease its vehicles directly to the public.[46]
Michigan
On October 1, 2014, Michigan House Bill 5606, drafted "to keep automakers from forcing dealers to charge different documentation fees to different customers,"[47] was amended with a section stating that a manufacturer shall not "sell any new motor vehicle directly to a retail customer other than through its franchised dealers." The word "its" was removed, which assumed the manufacturer already had dealerships. Both houses passed the revised bill the next day, with only one nay vote from Tom McMillin in either house of the Michigan Legislature. Tesla argued that the original law would have allowed them to sell, because they did not yet have franchised dealers.[48] On October 21, General Motors released a statement saying that governor Rick Snyder should sign the bill into law because "we believe that House Bill 5606 will help ensure that all automotive manufacturers follow the same rules to operate in the State of Michigan." The same day, Snyder signed the bill. Tesla responded to the GM statement by saying "GM distorts the purpose of the franchise laws which are in place not to cement a monopoly for franchised dealers, but rather to prevent companies with existing franchises from unfairly competing against them."[49] The law in Michigan even ban manufacturers from operating service centers[50] and from giving test drives.[51] According to Tesla, the law was changed to also prohibit galleries.[52] Michigan denied Tesla's request for a gallery in September 2016,[53] and Tesla filed a federal lawsuit against the State.[54] Tesla opened a showroom in the Nordstrom shop in the Somerset shopping mall in Troy, Michigan in December 2016, with a "Not For Sale" sign on the displayed car.[55]
New Jersey
On March 10, 2014, it was announced that New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and Governor Chris Christie's administration would be holding a meeting to pass a new proposal into law. This new proposal, PRN 2013-138, was announced one day before it was to be put into law. Tesla Motors responded by saying that the proposal "seeks to impose stringent licensing rules that would, among other things, require all new motor vehicles to be sold through middlemen and block Tesla's direct sales model," and that "[Governor Christie's] Administration has decided to go outside the legislative process by expediting a rule proposal that would completely change the law in New Jersey."[56] The law was passed, and "Tesla will no longer [be able to] sell electric cars in New Jersey, effective April 1". Diarmuid O'Connell, Tesla Vice President of Business Development, said, "Worse, it has done so without any reasonable notice or even a public hearing."[57] Forbes contributor Mark Rogosky said, "The state's new rules protect its auto dealers from having to compete with Tesla's direct sales model"; he points out that this is a direct contrast from what Christie said earlier, "We are for a free-market society that allows your effort and ingenuity to determine your success, not the cold, hard hand of the government."[58] Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the Christie administration, responded by saying "it was the [Tesla Motors] company, not the governor's office, that was attempting to bypass normal procedures.".[56][59] In March 2015, the ban on Tesla Motor's operations in New Jersey was lifted, but with restrictions (maximum of 4 locations, and 1 service center).[60]
Texas
Texas law states "Except as provided by this section, a manufacturer or distributor may not directly or indirectly:(1) own an interest in a franchised or nonfranchised dealer or dealership;(2) operate or control a franchised or nonfranchised dealer or dealership; or(3) act in the capacity of a franchised or nonfranchised dealer. (Tex. Occ. Code Ann. § 2301.476) and "A motor vehicle shall not be advertised for sale in any manner that creates the impression that it is being offered for sale by the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle. An advertisement shall not contain terms such as “factory sale,” “fleet prices,” “wholesale prices,” “factory approved,” “factory sponsored,” “manufacturer sale,” use a manufacturer's name or abbreviation in any manner calculated or likely to create an impression that the vehicle is being offered for sale by the manufacturer or distributor, or use any other similar terms which indicate sales other than retail sales from the dealer" (43 Tex. Admin. Code § 215.261).
These laws make it difficult to buy a car from Tesla Motors in person, at a Tesla Gallery. Thus, all Texas orders are taken via the internet or over the phone. Texas residents can still easily buy a car from Tesla, but the purchase is handled as an out-of-state transaction. This may mean that the loan will not include Texas state sales tax, which instead must be paid when the buyer registers the car with the state. Also, the buyer cannot have the car delivered to their home or office, but must pick it up from a Tesla Service Center in another state. In 2015, Tesla lobbied the Texas Legislature to modify the law[61] to allow Tesla to sell directly to consumers, and specifically allow Tesla employees to discuss "financing, leasing, or purchasing options" at the firm's existing stores in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.[62] Texas considered legislation in 2015 to allow Tesla to operate in the state[63] but legislation was not passed.[64]
As of 2016, most of the GOP delegates support direct sales while Governor Abbott prefer the current system. According to Texans for Public Justice, Tesla spends $1.3m on lobbyists while dealerships spend $1m.[65]
Utah
Utah also bans direct auto sales. In connection with Tesla's request in 2016 that the Utah Supreme Court reverse the state's ban on direct auto sales, the automobile dealers filed documents to the court that was interpreted as supporting Tesla's case by stating: 'Tesla builds a car. It has four wheels. You press a pedal with your foot to make it go, and you turn the steering wheel to change direction. That you plug it in rather than gas it up is a trifle'.[66][67]
Virginia
In Virginia Tesla has obtained license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a single direct sales dealership (Tysons Corner). Upon learning of Tesla's attempt to obtain a second dealership in the state, the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit in March 2016 against both Tesla and the DMV to prevent the licensing of the second dealership.[68] In September 2016, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VDMV) recommended ending Tesla direct sales, as at least 11 dealerships were interested in selling Tesla vehicles.[69] The VDMV later allowed Tesla to open another shop (Richmond), as Tesla has no dealerships to compete against;[70] the 11 interested dealerships would not be able to compete on undiscounted prices, as Tesla has the same price online and in shops.[71][72] Third-party profits could come from servicing as is traditional, but Tesla already has satisfactory servicing.[72][73]
Others
West Virginia does not allow Tesla-owned stores or showrooms.[74]
Indiana allows a service center[75][76] and manufacturer sales for 30 months, ending direct Tesla sales by the end of 2017.[77]
Arizona and Connecticut does not allow direct sales. A Missouri circuit court ruled in 2016 to end direct sales.[78]
Permissive states
In September 2014, Massachusetts allowed Tesla to sell directly.[79] Georgia laws are favorable to Tesla.[74][80]
In May 2015, Maryland approved, through House Bill 235,[81] direct Tesla sales to consumers beginning in October 2015, allowing four stores statewide. The legislation was crafted specifically for Tesla.[82][83]
Surveys
In 2014, Consumer Reports performed a mystery shopper survey of 19 secret shoppers in 85 dealerships, querying electric vehicles (EV). Most shoppers found it to be a positive experience, although 35 dealerships recommended petrol cars instead, and 13 discouraged EVs. The most knowledgeable dealerships were Chevrolet, and the least were Toyota.[84]
In 2016, two shopper surveys showed contrasting shopping experiences between Tesla and traditional dealerships. One performed by the environmental organization Sierra Club found that in 14% of traditional dealerships, their electric cars were not charged to test drive, and 33% did not discuss $7,500 tax credits.[85][78]
Another study by industry analyst Pied Piper using mystery shoppers found that Tesla sales stores (not galleries) differed among each other on sales techniques, and many stores were reluctant to engage in closing a sale.[86]
Customers generally view car shopping as a challenging experience.[87]
References
- ↑ Bodisch, Gerald R. (May 2009). "Economic Effects of State Bans on Direct Manufacturer Sales to Car Buyers". United States Department of Justice. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- 1 2 3 Fehrenbacher, Katie (2016-01-19). "7 reasons why Tesla sells its own cars". Fortune. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- ↑ McAssey, Pat (2016-10-13). "Volkswagen CEO 'Annoyed Beyond Measure' That DHL Made Electric Van". NESN Fuel. Retrieved 2016-10-20.
- ↑ Lambert, Fred (2016-02-26). "Tesla is now ~80% vertically integrated, says Goldman Sachs after a Tesla Factory visit". electrek.co. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
- ↑ "Alternative Fuels Data Center: Developing Infrastructure to Charge Plug-In Electric Vehicles". afdc.energy.gov. United States Department of Energy. Retrieved 2016-04-10.
- ↑ "Press Releases" (Press release). Tesla Motors. 2009-06-04. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ↑ Elon Musk. "The Tesla Approach to Distributing and Servicing Cars". Tesla Motors. Archived from the original on 2016-08-01. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- 1 2 3 "Road Rules: How Tesla Plans to Change The Way We Buy Cars". Fast Company. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
- ↑ Elon Musk (14 March 2014). "To the People of New Jersey". Tesla. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
- ↑ Elon Musk (26 April 2013). "Creating the World's Best Service and Warranty Program". Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
- ↑ "Tesla Service Center Stats". Tesla Motors Club. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
- ↑ "Does anyone know how many stores Tesla has over the years? • /r/teslamotors".
- ↑ Number of Tesla Stores
- ↑ List
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- ↑ "Tesla Accused of Operating Illegal Showrooms in 4 States". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ Harry Stevens (2013-01-15). "Court Affirms Tesla's Right to Operate Company-Owned Stores". Triple Pundit: People, Planet, Profit. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ Rogowsky, Mark (2013-12-04). "Ohio To Tesla: We're Ignoring Our Whiny Car Dealers For Now, Come Sell Here". Forbes. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
- ↑ Borchers, Callum (2013-11-20). "Tesla battles auto dealers on direct sales to consumers - Business - The Boston Globe". Boston Globe.
- ↑ John Voelcker. "Tesla Loses Legal Battles To Texas, North Carolina Dealers". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ "Model S Design Studio". Tesla Motors. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ "Tesla is going on a road trip to sell cars". The Verge. Vox Media. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ↑ "Tesla Explores". Tesla Motors. Archived from the original on 9 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- 1 2 Richard Read. "Terrified of Tesla, NADA Launches Campaign To Tout Benefits of Franchise Dealerships". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Dan Gearino. "Auto dealers in Ohio seek to stop Tesla's way of direct selling". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ O'Toole, James (2013-07-02). "Tesla direct-sales petition hits 100,000 signatures". CNN. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ Bradsher, Keith (October 13, 1999). "Fight Is Promised Over G.M. Plan to Buy Dealerships". The New York Times.
- 1 2 Lane, Charles (2014-03-12). "Tesla takes on car dealerships in a fight to the death". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2015-05-20.
- ↑ Crane, Daniel A. "Tesla, Dealer Franchise Laws, and the Politics of Crony Capitalism" page 577-579. Iowa L. Rev. 101, no. 2 (2016): 573-607 . Size: 35 pages in 1 MegaByte
- ↑ Christina Rogers (2013-10-07). "GM Opens the Door to Online New-Car Sales - WSJ". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Richard Read. "GM Follows Tesla's Lead, Plans To Sell Directly To Online Shoppers". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Bengt Halvorson. "Scion Lets You (Almost) Buy A Car at Home, Take Delivery at Dealership". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Voelcker, John (2012-10-25). "Auto Dealers' Fight Against Tesla Stores: Elon Musk Weighs In". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
- ↑ David Noland. "How Texas's Absurd Anti-Tesla Laws Turn Car Buying into A Joke". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ Chapman, Steve (2013-06-20). "Car buyers get hijacked". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ↑ DeMorro, Christopher (2013-07-01). "Tesla Wins Big in North Carolina And New Hampshire". Gas 2. Retrieved 2013-07-31.
- ↑ "Need a Tesla Service Center? Don't Look in Most States". 247wallst.com. 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
- ↑ How did Texas lose its bid for Tesla's 'gigafactory'? Archive 2014-09-04
- ↑ "Why This State Is The Most Likely To Get Tesla's Gigafactory". Jalopnik. 2014-01-04. Retrieved 2016-11-04.
Tesla's ongoing war with car dealers over their direct-to-customer car sales model, which is limited or banned outright by law in several states.
- ↑ "Direct-to-consumer auto sales: It's not just about Tesla". Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Richard Read. "Can The FTC Persuade Michigan & Other States To Open Their Doors To Tesla?". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ "Economic Effects of State Bans on Direct Manufacturer Sales to Car Buyers" Economic Analysis Group Competition Advocacy, May 2009.
- ↑ Keller, Maryann; Elias, Kenneth (2014-05-27). "Consumer Benefits of the Dealer Franchise System". National Automobile Dealers Association. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
- ↑ http://www.phoenix-center.org/pcpp/PCPP48Final.pdf
- ↑ "ALA CODE § 8-20-4 : Alabama Code - Section 8-20-4: UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES". FindLaw. Archived from the original on 2015-09-09. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
s. To own an interest in a new motor vehicle dealership, to operate or control a dealership, to make direct sales or leases of new motor vehicles to the public in Alabama, or to own, operate, or control a facility for performance of motor vehicle warranty or repair service work
- ↑ Lambert, Fred (2016-08-19). "Tesla tries to sell its vehicles directly in Alabama, senator introduces new bill". electrek.co. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ Gautz, Chris (2014-10-21). "Tesla's sales limits in Michigan tightened by one word of law". Crain Communications, Inc. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
- ↑ Martinez, Michael; Wayland, Michael (2014-10-16). "New Jersey bans direct auto sales". The Detroit News. Business Insider.com. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
- ↑ White, Joseph B.; Bennett, Jeff (2014-10-21). "Michigan Governor Signs Anti-Tesla Bill: Law Bars Auto Makers From Directly Selling to Consumers". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
- ↑ Shepardson, David (2015-05-12). "FTC urges Michigan to drop Tesla sales ban". Detroit News. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ↑ https://electrek.co/2016/07/28/tesla-owners-test-drives-michigan-circumventing-tesla-sales-ban/
- ↑ "Gov. Snyder signs bill banning direct Tesla sales". Detroit Free Press. 17 October 2014. Archived from the original on 4 July 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ↑ "It's final: Michigan won't let Tesla open a dealership in Grand Rapids". Detroit Free Press. 15 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ↑ "Tesla Takes Fight on Sales Ban to Home Turf of Detroit Three". Bloomberg.com. 2016-09-29. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- ↑ "Tesla pushes boundaries of Michigan's direct sales law and opens showroom in the state". Electrek. 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- 1 2 Walker, Hunter (2014-03-11). "Tesla Goes To War Against Chris Christie". Business Insider. Business Insider.com. Retrieved 2014-03-11.
- ↑ Walker, Hunter (2014-03-11). "New Jersey bans direct auto sales". Business Insider. Business Insider.com. Retrieved 2014-03-11.
- ↑ Rogosky, Mark (2014-03-11). "In New Jersey, Tesla Crashes into The Hypocrisy of Chris Christie". Forbes. Retrieved 2014-03-11.
- ↑ Young, Angelo (2015-03-16). "Tesla Motors Inc Direct Sales in New Jersey: Legislature Passes Measure To Allow Model S Sales Outside Of Dealer Franchise System; Will Gov. Christie Block The Bill?". International Business Times. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ Symons, Michael (2015-03-18). "Christie signs law allowing Tesla sales in New Jersey". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ↑ "Tesla Poised for Lobbying Blitz in 2015". Texas Lobby Group, Conservative Lobbyists. 2015-01-21. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ↑ White, Ronald D. (2013-04-10). "Tesla CEO takes dealer fight to Texas, says he can sell more cars". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-04-15.
- ↑ Lutz, Hannah (2015-01-20). "Tesla could open up to 12 Texas stores if legislation passes". Automotive News. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ↑ Heisler, Yoni (2015-05-20). "Tesla Sales Texas: Direct sales of Tesla Model S not coming to Texas". BGR. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
- ↑ "Texas auto dealers receive Tesla-sized dent from state GOP". Trail Blazers Blog. The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
- ↑ Whitehurst, Lindsay (2016-07-24). "Utah car dealers weighing in on Tesla court fight". KSL Broadcasting. Salt Lake City. Retrieved 2016-07-27.
- ↑ Lambert, Fred (2016-07-25). "Tesla Direct Sales Lawsuit: Dealerships argue they could sell Tesla vehicles because 'they have 4 wheels'". electrek.co. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ LeSage, Jon (2016-06-02). "Virginia Dealers Protest Tesla's Retail Store Moves". hybridcars.com. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ↑ "DMV hearing officer rules against Tesla Motors request for Richmond-area dealership". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2016-09-09.
- ↑ "Tesla Wins Right to Open Virginia Store in Win Against Dealers". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- ↑ "Tesla gets green light for second Virginia store". Washington Post. 2016-11-30. Archived from the original on 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- 1 2 Formal Evidentiary Hearing: Tesla Motors, Inc., File No. 2016-001 - Request for a Hearing Pursuant to Va. Code§§ 46.2-1572(4) and 46.2-1573 to be a Dealer Archive Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, November 30, 2016. Quote: "Tesla sells its vehicles at uniform prices whether a customer purchases through the Tesla website or at a Tesla store. Tesla could not or would not offer “dealer discounts” or “wholesale pricing” on new cars to a prospective dealership. VADA’s own experts agreed that it would be very hard or impossible for a dealership to be profitable unless Tesla offered their cars at wholesale prices." "2015 Consumer Reports survey ranked Tesla service centers number one"
- ↑ "Independent vs. Dealer Shops for Car Repair". Consumer Reports. 2015-01-22. Archived from the original on 2016-05-22. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
With few exceptions, the entire list of independent shops got high marks on those factors. The same couldn’t be said for franchised new-car dealers. The one automaker that outscored the independent shops was the electric carmaker Tesla, which earned high praise for its on-time repairs, courtesy, price, quality, and overall satisfaction.
- 1 2 Read, Richard (2015-03-27). "Tesla Wins in Georgia, Loses in West Virginia". TheCarConnection.com. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
- ↑ "Tesla gets a service center with an expiration date in Indiana". Electrek. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ↑ http://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/60370-tesla-to-open-first-indy-service-center
- ↑ Blanco, Sebastian (2016-02-22). "Tesla fights back against anti-store bill 'authored and pushed' by GM". Autoblog. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
- 1 2 "Tesla vows to keep selling cars directly to Missouri consumers". MarketWatch. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
- ↑ Boroyan, Nate (2014-09-15). "A Unanimous Ruling by the State's Highest Court Means Good News for Tesla". BostInno.
- ↑ Young, Angelo (2014-09-29). "How Georgia Became The State with the Highest Electric Car Adoption Rate". International Business Times. Retrieved 2015-07-07.
- ↑ HB0235, General Assembly of Maryland
- ↑ Angelo Young. "Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) Wins Approval For Direct Car Sales In Maryland, Starting October 1"
- ↑ Richard Read. "Tesla Triumphs in Maryland As New Bill Allows Sales at Four Sites: Which State Is Next?". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2015-07-16.
- ↑ "Dealership Survey - Electric Cars". Consumer Reports. 22 April 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ↑ "First-Ever Multi-State Study on Electric Vehicle Shopping Experience". Sierra Club National. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
- ↑ "Mystery Shoppers Put Tesla Dealerships in Cellar – Again". Ward's. Archived from the original on 2016-07-12. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
- ↑ http://www.gallup.com/poll/1654/honesty-ethics-professions.aspx