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Op-Ed: What's The Problem With The Traditional Auto Dealership Model?

Is it fair to say the dealership model is anti-American?

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Steven Loveday Steven Loveday

By: Steven Loveday

Feb 24, 2020 at 8:29am ET

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Our good friend Sean Mitchell has been supporting a bill in Colorado that would give new car buyers more choices when it comes to the purchasing process. More specifically, it would open up the direct sales model to all automakers.

Currently, Tesla is the only automaker allowed to sell its cars directly to consumers in Colorado. Upcoming EV startups like Rivian plan to follow suit, but even though its vehicles have the potential to be popular in Colorado, it won't be able to sell them there without traditional dealerships.

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This is not really just about electric cars or companies like Tesla and Rivian. Instead, Mitchell believes all automakers should have the option to pursue direct sales and all consumers should be afforded the opportunity to purchase their new cars in a way they see fit.

Of course, it comes as no surprise that dealership owners are not on board with Mitchell's opinion. However, he believes that the traditional dealership model is antiquated and anti-American. 

Have you ever left a traditional dealership and thought, "Wow, that was an incredible experience and I can't wait to do it again?" Have you had issues with Tesla's direct sales model? Do you agree with Mitchell's concerns and approve of bills like this?

What do you think?

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Check out the entire video for more details. Then, have a look at the bill (linked below in the video description below). In addition, you can learn more about the developments by following Mitchell's Twitter activity. As always, share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Video Description via Sean Mitchell (All Things EV) on YouTube:

Why The Dealership Model is Anti America

Bill: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-167

Subject line: Please vote FOR SB167

Email copy:

Dear Senator, Dealerships do provide a valuable contribution to the community. However, not being able to purchase an EV direct from a manufacturer limits my choices as a consumer. I would like to have the option to buy either direct or from a dealership. SB167 supports free market, consumer choice, and job creation - all great things for Colorado. Please consider voting in support of this bill. Thank you for your consideration.

Email addresses:

jeff.bridges.senate@state.co.us
john.cooke.senate@state.co.us
don.coram.senate@state.co.us
larry.crowder.senate@state.co.us
jessie.danielson.senate@state.co.us
kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us
stephen.fenberg.senate@state.co.us
rhonda.fields.senate@state.co.us
mike.foote.senate@state.co.us
leroy.garcia.senate@state.co.us
bob.gardner.senate@state.co.us
joannginal52@gmail.com
julie.gonzales.senate@state.co.us
chris.hansen.senate@state.co.us
owen.hill.senate@state.co.us
dennis.hisey.senate@state.co.us
chris.holbert.senate@state.co.us
pete.lee.senate@state.co.us
paul.lundeen.senate@state.co.us
vicki.marble.senate@state.co.us
dominick.moreno.senate@state.co.us
brittany.pettersen.senate@state.co.us
kpriola@gmail.com
bob.rankin.senate@state.co.us
robert.rodriguez.senate@state.co.us
ray.scott.senate@state.co.us
senatorsmallwood@gmail.com
senatorsonnenberg@gmail.com
tammy.story.senate@state.co.us
jack.tate.senate@state.co.us
nancy.todd.senate@state.co.us
angela.williams.senate@state.co.us
faith.winter.senate@state.co.us
rob.woodward.senate@state.co.us
senatorrachelz@gmail.com

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