Tesla: We want a level playing field and chance to compete

As legislation allowing Tesla to do business in Connecticut continues to make its way through the legislature, members of the General Assembly have taken the time to carefully review its impacts and benefits.

Last month, the Transportation Committee voted 26-5 to move HB 6682 allowing Tesla the ability to sell its popular zero-emission all-electric vehicles directly to Connecticut customers.

A final vote by the entire General Assembly could happen by the end of the legislative session in June.

Tesla is currently allowed to sell its vehicles in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and the majority of other states across the country.  In those states, Tesla has added hundreds of jobs and generated millions in needed new tax revenue and economic development.

At the same time, the introduction of Tesla to the market has not harmed any independent auto dealers in those states.  No dealership in the country has closed as a direct result of Tesla.  Not one.

And understanding the contributions local dealers make to the Connecticut economy, Tesla has willingly made concessions with the dealers association to demonstrate our eagerness to fairly compete in the state.

Connecticut deserves the many benefits that Tesla can bring to the state.  At a time when new tax revenue, economic development and job growth are urgently needed, Connecticut stands poised to welcome one of the most innovative and sustainability driven companies to the state.

Allowing Tesla to compete and sell their vehicles to Connecticut consumers helps further the state’s desire to be home to new, innovative companies.  As President Obama mentioned in his State of the Union, Tesla is one of a handful of 21^st century innovative and growing companies that didn’t exist ten years ago, and therefore employs the skilled jobs that Connecticut needs and wants.

Teslas emit zero emissions and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil by utilizing electricity from domestic sources — plants that are continually getting cleaner and cleaner where emissions are better and more efficiently controlled.

Tesla investments in new sales and service centers also add upwards of $10 million in direct economic activity per center during their first year alone and generate up to 25 jobs at each location.

Allowing direct sales of Tesla’s in Connecticut gives consumers more choices and makes one of the most popular vehicles more readily available to Connecticut residents.  Consumer Reports ranked the Tesla Model S a 99/100 – their highest score ever – and called it the best car they had ever tested.  The Model S remains the magazine’s “Best Overall Pick” for any motor vehicle for the second year in a row.

Consumer Reports scored Tesla service higher than any other dealership or independent service center for overall satisfaction and is the only company to get high marks in all categories — courtesy, expedient repairs, price and quality.

The Model S also achieved the highest possible safety rating across all categories measured by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  As the manufacturer of these award winning vehicles, Tesla has the most at stake to uphold our reputation of quality, service and safety.

Tesla is not looking for any preferential treatment in Connecticut – it’s only looking for a level playing field and the opportunity to compete with other automobile retailers.  We ask to be regulated by the state, just as auto dealers are, so that Tesla can create jobs, both direct and indirect, invest in additional infrastructure and pay Connecticut taxes and fees.