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Volkswagen supplier breach may affect up to 3.3 million customers
Volkswagen has revealed that information about 3.3 million customers and prospective buyers was exposed after a supplier left the data unsecured online.
FTC: State bans on Tesla's direct sales model are hurting competition
Tesla has just gained a valuable ally in its battle to sell cars directly to customers: the Federal Trade Commission. The regulator now argues that state bans on direct sales are "protectionist," propping up the traditional dealership business model rather than protecting companies from unfair abuses by automakers. It's the "competitive process" that should decide which sales model is better, not the law. The FTC also doesn't buy the notion that Tesla's modest US sales (22,500 in 2013) are a threat to the wider industry (15 million). It believes that the only thing at risk is the old way of buying cars, which might not be necessary now that customers can skip the sales pitch and do most of their research online.
Tesla strikes deal to keep selling its electric cars in Ohio
Tesla has lately been losing its fight to keep selling cars directly to customers, but it just negotiated an important truce. The EV maker has reached a tentative deal with Ohio that lets it conduct direct sales in the state through a maximum of three stores. If passed into law, the agreement would also prohibit other car companies from trying the same strategy. The compromise doesn't completely satisfy a rapidly growing Tesla, but it gives both sides a chance to see how the middleman-free approach works without upsetting the status quo for franchise dealerships. It may also help achieve stalemates in New York and other states that are threatening to ban Tesla's business model outright. [Image credit: Michael Kappel, Flickr]
Dealers wanting to sell Ford's first all-electric car must Focus on the environment
You can't just sell the new 2012 Ford Focus Electric, you've got to embrace what it stands for, or at least that's what Dearborn is telling its dealers. Per the company HQ, outfits hoping to offer the electric hatchback on their lots later this year must send sales staff through a special electric vehicle training program. What's more, all dealerships carrying the electric Focus must install a minimum of two EV charging stations on their premises and enroll in Ford's Go Green program. Go Green, which has been optional up to this point, looks to improve the sustainability and efficiency of shops, regardless of age. So far, 76 dealerships in California, New Jersey and New York (the initial launch markets) have stepped up to the plate and will be selling the EV. Ford's hoping to capture the hearts and minds of those with electric personalities who haven't already settled for on the competition from Nissan.
