Tesla, the upstart EV automaker, has applied for a Michigan dealership license. Their usual practice of selling cars nationwide in company-run showrooms directly to the customers–which circumvents the dealership model–a hit a snag when Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill banning the direct selling of vehicles in 2014.
With the loophole they have been exploiting effectively closed, Tesla has had to resort to other means. The dealership license Tesla has applied for is noted to be a “Class A” license that requires the company to sell not only both used and new cars, but also offer a repair facility. The decision on the company’s application may take several months, at the very least.
