Trade group opposes direct Tesla sales in Connecticut

The president of a trade group representing Connecticut’s car dealerships says a bill that would allow electric vehicle maker Tesla to sell direct to the consumers puts Connecticut jobs and the live of motorists at risk.

Jim Fleming, with the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, said House Bill 7097 “will create an unfair loophole in the franchise system and undercut consumer protections.” Fleming’s statement was released during Wednesday’s Transportation Committee meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The industry employs more than 14,000 people at 270 auto dealers across the sate, he said.

“Without all manufacturers and dealers working within the franchise system, Connecticut drivers will be at risk,” Fleming said.

The bill would allow Tesla to open an unlimited number of sales locations around the state. The only physical presence that Tesla currently has in Connecticut is a service center on the Boston Post Road in Milford.

Company officials released a statement of their own in reaction to Fleming’s comments.

“Tesla appreciates the opportunity to take part in the public debate to support HB 7097, which if passed, will promote American manufacturing and job growth, and help the state advance its goal of putting more EVs on the road,” the statement said in part. “We can see from the show of support at the Capitol today that Connecticut residents want the option to purchase directly from EV manufacturers like Tesla, and believe the Committee should support this legislation and vote in favor of clean energy, innovation and free enterprise.”

Call Luther Turmelle at 203-680-9388.