New Jersey senate signs bill for Tesla sales in NJ, sends it to Gov. Christie

The state Senate passed a bill Monday that would allow Tesla to sell its vehicles to customers, rather than through auto dealerships. New Jersey law bans automakers from selling directly to consumers, but Tesla has been fighting to strike out on its own.

The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Chris Christie for final approval.

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“I said last year that if the Legislature changed the law, I would sign new legislation put on my desk and that is exactly what I’m doing today,” Christie said. “We’re pleased that manufacturers like Tesla will now have the opportunity to establish direct sales operations for consumers in a manner lawfully in New Jersey.”

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JohnQ said:

They really had to carve out a narrow space, didn't they? pre-2014 license holders, 4 sales locations, 1 service location. At least the nose of the camel is in the tent.

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mdevp said:

Four locations is doable, b/c most people in NJ live near manhattan or the philly area. But only extra service station may be a tad light for the future, time will tell.

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6. (New section) Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a motor vehicle franchisor licensed pursuant to R.S.39:10-19 on or prior to January 1, 2014 and exclusively manufacturing zero emission vehicles may buy from and sell, offer to sell, or deal to a consumer a zero emission vehicle, provided that the franchisor owns or operates, directly or indirectly:
(1) no more than four places of business in the State; and
(2) at least one retail facility for the servicing, including warranty servicing, of zero emission vehicles sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in this State. This facility shall be furnished with all the equipment required to service a zero emission vehicle.
A franchisor shall not be required to establish or operate a place of business at a retail facility for the servicing of zero emission vehicles.

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7. (New section) Before March 1 annually, all motor vehicle franchisors and motor vehicle franchisees in the State, as defined pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1985, c.361 (C.56:10-26), shall report to the Division of Taxation the number of zero emission vehicles sold in the State each calendar year and exempt from the tax imposed under the “Sales and Use Tax Act,” P.L.1966, c.30 (C.54:32B-1 et seq.) pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2003, c.266 (C.54:32B-8.55).

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