Tesla is embroiled in a court battle against the state of Michigan, fighting for the ability to sell its vehicles directly to consumers in that state. Subtle changes to the wording of the state’s franchise laws made in September 2016 prevented such sales from taking place. Tesla filed a federal lawsuit in October 2014, having failed to overturn the ban in Michigan’s courts, alleging that the state’s actions are unconstitutional — which Michigan denies. Currently, the only way for an automaker to sell cars in Michigan is through state-licenced dealerships.
Tesla is embroiled in a court battle against the state of Michigan, fighting for the ability to sell its vehicles directly to consumers in that state. Subtle changes to the wording of the state’s franchise laws made in October 2014 prevented such sales from taking place. Tesla filed a federal lawsuit in September 2016, having failed to overturn the ban in Michigan’s courts, alleging that the state’s actions are unconstitutional — which Michigan denies. Currently, the only way for an automaker to sell cars in Michigan is through state-licenced dealerships.