FTC airs support for Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales
The FTC did what it could to convince New Jersey and Missouri to repeal their ban against Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales approach back in 2014. Now the commission has published another strongly worded letter backing Tesla, targeting Michigan, in particular. In it, the FTC makes its point clear: it believes that "states should allow consumers to choose not only the cars they buy, but also how they buy them." If you recall, Michigan's governor signed a bill into law last year that specifically banned Tesla from selling to consumers directly. All automakers have always been prohibited from doing so, but the law was still signed to eliminate any room for confusion.
The FTC is urging Michigan to reconsider its stance -- it boldly states in its letter that it doesn't think a blanket prohibition against all automakers is right, even if it is to protect local dealerships. A recently introduced bill in the state might loosen that law a bit, though it would only create an exception for enclosed three-wheeled vehicles called "autocycles." That would allow Elio Motors to manufacture low-cost autocycles and sell them in the state if it does pass. It's a start, but the commission makes it clear that it supports direct sales by any company, not just Tesla and Elio.
