I'm surprised I haven't seen this posted anywhere yet. Mike Jackson, the CEO of AutoNation which is the largest owner of auto dealerships, isn't opposed to Tesla selling direct:
AutoNation CEO Supports Tesla's Direct-Sales Model: Video - Bloomberg
Some of the best quotes:
"I'm a free enterprise guy, and there are no existing Tesla dealers to be harmed, so if he wants to launch his vehicle with a direct model, this is America, he should have the right to do that."
"He should have the right to sell his cars as he sees fit."
"I don't think that's any threat to the existing franchise system."
"It's only a few militant states that have very strong feelings."
AutoNation CEO Supports Tesla's Direct-Sales Model: Video - Bloomberg
Some of the best quotes:
"I'm a free enterprise guy, and there are no existing Tesla dealers to be harmed, so if he wants to launch his vehicle with a direct model, this is America, he should have the right to do that."
"He should have the right to sell his cars as he sees fit."
"I don't think that's any threat to the existing franchise system."
"It's only a few militant states that have very strong feelings."