Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

'Anti-Tesla Bill' Means Economic Loss for Michigan
Townhall.com ^ | October 25, 2014 | Jared Meyer

Posted on 10/25/2014 8:35:33 AM PDT by Kaslin

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-68 last
To: Dilbert San Diego

There used to be dozens of car manufacturers, and since 1900 probably 200 short-lived manufacturers have come and gone nationwide. In the Grand Rapids museum one can see the presumably sole surviving example of the Lorraine (not the same as the European company with a similar name), for example. The Ford Museum in Dearborn has lots of models from vanished companies, including better-known premium vehicles like a Cord and a Duesenberg (last time I was there, they were right next to each other).

The upshot is, people bought everything through catalogs at one time, at least they did out here on the frontier, and that included houses. Cars by fly-by-night builders (even if that was not their intent) screwed customers. Having a dealer network was a necessity even from a marketing standpoint.

‘Pep’ Tucker gave my dad a ride to show off his model (Tucker drove, dad rode shotgun) during his tour of the country to sign up dealers. His preferred place to pitch was in gas stations, because they were everywhere and already had service bays. If he came through this little place, he must have really covered a lot of country.


61 posted on 10/25/2014 9:12:57 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: SunkenCiv
“This will create a real hardship for people who can shell out over $100K for a car. There’s no way they’ll be able to buy one now. /s Townhall has become a haven for snarky Democrats in all but name.”

So every news source out there, even one as conservative as Townhall.com, agrees that this law was designed to keep Tesla out, yet somehow you think this is just Democrats making a fuss? This was boldfaced crony capitalism, the only ones who are arguing otherwise are associated with dealers.

“‘Pep’ Tucker gave my dad a ride to show off his model (Tucker drove, dad rode shotgun) during his tour of the country to sign up dealers.”

It sounds like your family is in the dealership business. That explains a lot.

62 posted on 10/25/2014 11:41:29 PM PDT by LogicDesigner
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 61 | View Replies]

To: LogicDesigner

No it wasn’t, you insulting twit — careful readers notice that the “new” law isn’t introducing any change in the area discussed, IOW, the dealership requirement ISN’T NEW. Sounds like your family tree crosses branches. That explains a lot.


63 posted on 10/26/2014 2:11:42 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

The governor is corrupt. Don’t care what letter is after his name.

Tesla has a right to sell its cars as it sees fit. Period. Screw the dealers and their campaign contributions!


64 posted on 10/26/2014 2:24:02 AM PDT by cynwoody
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SunkenCiv
“No it wasn’t, you insulting twit — careful readers notice that the ‘new’ law isn’t introducing any change in the area discussed, IOW, the dealership requirement ISN’T NEW.”

Except that every article written about it disagrees with you. Only those associated with dealers, like yourself, claim otherwise.

65 posted on 10/26/2014 2:28:26 AM PDT by LogicDesigner
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: jjotto
Autos are high maintenance. You really want to send it back to the manufacturer when something odd happens with it?

That's the argument the dealer-twits make to the public when they aren't busy paying off the pols.

It might even be a valid argument for some or all cars. But the place to make it is in the market, not in the legislature.

It Tesla can be successful with its direct-to-consumer business model, then, by definition it is in the right! Screw the law! Screw the corrupt government!

66 posted on 10/26/2014 2:35:06 AM PDT by cynwoody
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: cynwoody
Besides, what Tesla is trying to do is avoid having to send your car somewhere when it needs work. The whole point is for Tesla to be allowed to run manufacturer-owned dealerships in Michigan. As far as customers are concerned, they function similar to regular dealerships: handling repairs, trade-ins, and financing. The only difference is that you have salespeople that are not paid by commission.

67 posted on 10/26/2014 2:43:34 AM PDT by LogicDesigner
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Oldexpat

About a decade ago, my dad had some issue with a $35k pick-up he had and I went with him to the dealer. Was going to be fixed, but the short line of conversation with the operations chief at the dealer led to several interesting comments.

The dealer had their lobbyist at the state-level, and dealt with both political parties. The dealer also had various real estate deals and business investment opportunities that he was involved in. To generate the cash to make the lobbyist work at the level required, and to make the political guys happy....the dealer needed to generate X amount of income per year, to cover “his people”.

It’s a mafia operation, from top to bottom, if you define the whole meaning of the word. Both parties need the gimmick to continue, and Telsa’s method would destroy the whole gimmick over a decade or two.

Within two decades....a guy will be able to pick a very unique body for his vehicle, with his personalized choice of engine, and order this via an office at the local mall. You can see the customizing trend going on currently. It’s only a matter of time before dealerships are stamped “obsolete”.


68 posted on 10/26/2014 4:32:52 AM PDT by pepsionice
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-68 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson