tesla-eustace-bloomberg.JPG

A Tesla Motors Inc. Model S on display at the company's store at the Short Hills Mall.

(Emile Wamsteker/Bloomberg)

TRENTON — A Bergen County lawmaker has introduced a bill that would let electric car retailers, like Tesla Motors Inc., sell directly to consumers.

State Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen), the primary sponsor, said the bill would trump a March 11 decision by the Motor Vehicle Commission which effectively banned sales of Tesla’s Model S. The luxury car maker has showrooms in Short Hills and Paramus, which is in Eustace’s district.

“What we should be doing is supporting American entrepreneurs and American businesses,” said Eustace, who drives an all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The measure would exempt cars from the franchise rule, according to a draft of the bill (A2986) obtained by The Star-Ledger.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), who has introduced dealer-backed legislation (S927) that favors car dealerships in their dealings with manufacturers, said he will offer an amendment that could let Tesla operate independently until electric cars reach a critical mass.

He suggested 4 percent of all cars sold in the U.S., which is in line with President Obama’s pledge to put 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2018.

Gov. Chris Christie, who chooses MVC board members, has said only the Legislature can change an existing law that critics say gives auto dealerships a monopoly on car sales.

"I’m not pushing Tesla out; the state Legislature did," Christie said this week. "They passed a law, which is still on the books, which says if you want to sell cars in this state, you must go through an authorized dealer. My job is not to make the laws, it’s to enforce the laws. And Tesla was operating outside the law."

RELATED COVERAGE

• Chris Christie blames NJ's controversial Tesla ban on state Legislature

• More Politics







FOLLOW STAR-LEDGER POLITICS: TWITTER • FACEBOOK • GOOGLE+