Texas legislative issues/Operation Silent Thunder

[SteveH]

I don't see the part in chapter 503 that actually prevents a manufacturer from being a dealer. Sorry I'm missing it, but can you be more specific?

Found it! It's in the Occupations code: 2301.476: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.u...tm/OC.2301.htm.

That wasn't easy. Glad I'm not a lawyer.

(No offense intended to those who are and have the patience to read this @#$%#$^ on a regular basis.)

[sublimaze1]

Lemme resurrect a topic, beat a dead horse, whatever you call it:

some of you have been following the Dallas Service Center thread and read a post (mine) that said that Texas Ranger service is being eliminated.

This is true. Why it is true is a set of laws on the book, similar (or same) to that which prevents us from having a sales office in Texas and/or a Delivery Specialist.

So, round two has kicked in (for me) and I have sent coorespondences to my State Senator and Representative. It was rather verbose, but to the point.

In fact, why don't I just post it here:

Senator and Representative,

I am contacting you to ask why Texas is giving me such a hard time in buying an American Made Vehicle.

TESLA is a company based in California that creates US made vehicles. These vehicles are sold by Tesla Motors - Tesla Motors | Premium Electric Vehicles

However, Texas has some laws to protect franchise dealerships. While these are excellent to preserve their existence and prevent them from and hostile corporate takeover, the laws that allow foreign cars (Honda, BMW, etc.) to be sold in Texas, prevent me from purchasing my choice of US made automobile. In fact, it is against the law. Please allow me to further explain:

I am not a share holder in Tesla, I have no investments in the company. I do own a Tesla, but I had to go through some difficult channels to buy American. I had to purchase the car in California, have my bank issue a check directly to a company, question me about buying a car over the internet, and then arrange for shipment, and take delivery completely naked.

By completely naked, I mean that the car was dropped in my driveway and a trucker gave me keys and walked away. Even at a Chevy dealer, the salesperson will spend time with you explaining the car. However (and again), Texas law prevented TESLA from sending a representative to help me in understanding my American made vehicle. In fact, several employed people in Texas (TESLA delivery specialists) lost their jobs as a result of this law. And a few more service specialists are being recalled as (apparently) their job as mobile service technicians somehow break another regulation in Texas.

I am sure we will find more laws that are detrimental to this American company growing. I am against this. I plead with you to make an effort to get some reasoning explained (to both me and you) as to why I could not buy my car like my neighbor bought his - simply because I chose a different sales model based company.

Hence briefly (and to the point): Why is an American Automobile company not allowed to sell their product in the state of Texas?

A favor of a response is requested.

Regards
WJ


Now, I don't know if the DS in my area lost their jobs or were relocated, but it is the point that I was trying to convey, in that this is causing difficulty in me supporting my chosen corporate entity.

I suggest that we all think of contacting our sens and reps and giving them a little to chew on.

[dsm363]

Thank you. I actually called my state senator's office today as well. Everyone in Texas needs to call and complain about this and write letters or e-mails.

sublimaze1: I guess I'm asking after the fact but I liked your letter so much I sent an e-mail to my state senator's transportation person with the text of your message saying 'this is what another customer has written' to add to my letter. Hope that's ok.

Dave

- - - Updated - - -

Will will call our Capitol Hill day

Operation Silent Thunder

[sublimaze1]

Silent Thunder!

I like.

You certainly may have retroactive approval to use my notes - just please do not quote it out of context.

Keep focusing on the American Made part. That seems to have some uumph!

[dsm363]

Silent Thunder!

I like.

You certainly may have retroactive approval to use my notes - just please do not quote it out of context.

Keep focusing on the American Made part. That seems to have some uumph!

I included the entire message minus 'Regards, WJ' and used it as an example of another Texas customer and their experience. Plus it was well written. Thanks.

[NCIC]

[QUOTE=STxTesla;217173]

When I received my final paperwork, I had to sign a new MVPA that took away the taxes that were charged on the original MVPA. So...I will have to get insurance coverage, then a green sheet from the inspection station followed by a trip to the DMV to pay my taxes and get plates? (I'm wanting to sort out the order of events that need to take place).

My bank did all the leg-work for me. And yes, you do have to pay the TTL out of pocket.

[mark]

Sublimaze-

I emailed my state senator and representative today with a similar message.
Will see if they respond.

[sublimaze1]

Sublimaze-

I emailed my state senator and representative today with a similar message.
Will see if they respond.

Last time it took a week for the senator and two days for the rep. Be prepared for a 20 something year old intern with limited world knowledge. You will be doing a great deal of explaining.

[lolachampcar]

Texans are amazing.

[Babylonfive]

Texans are amazing.

Uh, in what way do you mean that? Ironically?