agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tesla Makes Strides on East Coast

June 20, 2014
2 min to read


Albany, NY and Trenton, NJ — Telsa Motors made strides in two East Coast states this week, when the New Jersey Assembly passed a bill favorable to the electric automaker and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation resolving a dispute between Tesla and auto dealers.


The New York legislation, which was signed by Gov. Cuomo on June 16, will allow Tesla to maintain its five currently licensed retail locations in New York State. Additional Tesla retail locations will be established under a strengthened dealer franchise law, agreed upon by Tesla, the New York State Automobile Dealers Association and the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

Ad Loading...


“This agreement is a big win for New York State — one that proves the Empire State remains a leader in spurring innovation, supporting economic growth, and creating new opportunities for all,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement. “New York’s franchised auto dealers and manufacturers as well as innovative companies like Tesla are critical to our state’s economy, and this bill ensures that both sides will thrive and be able to grow the market for cutting edge zero-emission vehicles.”


On the same day, the New Jersey Assembly voted to approve a bill that allows manufacturers to directly sell zero-emissions vehicles to consumers at a maximum of four locations in the state. The bill still must pass the state Senate and be signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.


In April, the New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission voted unanimously to prohibit Tesla from selling directly to consumers in the state. At the time, Tesla CEO Elon Musk called the move a “backroom deal” with Gov. Christie to circumvent the legislative process.


“The rationale given for the regulation change that requires auto companies to sell through dealers is that it ensures ‘consumer protection.’ If you believe this, Gov. Christie has a bridge closure he wants to sell you!” Musk wrote at the time. “Unless they are referring to the mafia version of ‘protection,’ this is obviously untrue. As anyone who has been through the conventional auto dealer purchase process knows, consumer protection is pretty much the furthest thing from the typical car dealer’s mind.”


The electric-vehicle maker still faces legislative roadblocks in a number of other states, including Missouri, where last month lawmakers added language to an existing bill that would require consumers to purchase vehicles through franchised dealerships.

More Industry

Blue and white RV parked on beach facing the ocean.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 3, 2026

RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint

Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.

Read More →
Photo of two men and one woman on a discussion panel
Industryby Hannah MitchellSeptember 1, 2026

Agent Acumen

An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.

Read More →
Gloved hand holding two wrenches next to “Turn Overdue into Opportunity” Graphic
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 27, 2026

Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity

As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Photo of a laptop, cellphone and eyeglasses on a desk next to an office window
IndustryAugust 24, 2026

Selling to Grow

The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.

Read More →
Mechanic holding a vehicle diagnostic device while standing above an open car hood
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 24, 2026

Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High

Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
outside of car dealership with cars parked in front
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 20, 2026

Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop

Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.

Read More →
Cars from the rear on a Shanghai freeway
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2026

China as Pacesetter

Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.

Read More →
Orange BMW car on empty road.
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 14, 2026

BMW Concept Car Makes Fuel to Burn

The prototype developed in concert with a South Carolina university engineering team generates more solar energy than it uses in a typical daily commute.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Six men standing for photo outside of car dealership
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 13, 2026

South Carolina Auto Group Downsizes

Florida-based group Holler-Classic has acquired four rooftops, its first in South Carolina, from Dick Smith Automotive Group.

Read More →
Ad Loading...