Gov. Christie Signs Bill Allowing Sale Of Tesla Cars In New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Gov. Chris Christie has signed a measure that would allow the sale of Tesla and other zero-emission cars in New Jersey.
Christie signed the bill Wednesday. The new law comes about a year after the state Motor Vehicle Commission issued regulations requiring cars to be sold through franchises.
I said last yr that if NJ Legislature changed the law so @TeslaMotors could sell in NJ, I would sign it. That's exactly what I've done today
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) March 18, 2015
In December 2014, the high-end car maker opened a new showroom in Paramus.
Tesla markets its vehicles directly to consumers.
A huge victory in New Jersey for consumer choice: We are open for business! @GovChristie
— Tesla (@Tesla) March 18, 2015
Tesla CEO Elon Musk protested the regulations last year. He said the company chose not to sell through franchises because most of their revenue comes from gasoline-powered cars leaving little incentive to sell electric vehicles.
The legislation also requires companies selling cars directly to consumers to maintain a servicing facility and to report sales figures to the state.
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