For those who haven't clicked the link, the article says GM continued to oppose the bill even after the Maryland auto dealers association agreed on a compromise with Tesla having a 6 store limit. GM wanted to allow only two, and the legislature split the difference to limit Tesla to 4 stores. Who would have thought that GM would be a bigger opponent to direct sales than even the auto dealers cartel?
Yesterday at the Texas House committee hearing on HB1653, which would allow manufacturers that have never had franchised dealers to open up to 12 stores in the state, GM led off the testimony opposing the bill (and it went downhill from there, see my Texas post if you're interested in the details). The Tesla executive said it was the most vigorous opposition GM has made in any state. GM doesn't say it in so many words, but their position seems to be if we have to be burdened with dealers, it's not fair if they don't have to be burdened with dealers.