Columbus, Ohio – Compromise legislation approved Tuesday by Ohio Senate will allow Tesla Motors to operate three stores in Ohio.
The Senate voted 32-0 to prohibit any manufacturer except Tesla to sell vehicles directly to consumers. The bill now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has granted Tesla two Ohio auto dealer licences, which allow the luxury car powerhouse to sell directly to customers at stores in Columbus and Cincinnati. The Ohio Automobile Dealers Association had requested Senate Bill 260, which would have prohibited Tesla from opening another Ohio store.
Tesla representatives and the association reached an agreement last week to allow Tesla to hold three licences but no more. The agreement also locks out manufacturers not currently operating in Ohio.
Association President Tim Doran said the agreement promotes economic stability for Ohio.
The third store is expected in Northeast Ohio where Tesla plans to open a service center this year.
Source: Cleveland.com
