Ftc Support Letter For Direct Sales

[floydv]

I searched but didn't see this referenced in other threads. Here's an interesting May 2015 letter from the FTC commenting against a Michigan bill that would ban direct OEM auto sales in that state. The letter provided support for Tesla's business model. But was what really interesting was FTC specifically called out how direct sales would support Elio's autocycle rollout and benefit consumers (starts at page 9), and how the proposed bill would adversely affect those benefits.

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/do...exception-current/150511michiganautocycle.pdf

Edit: It appears the FTC wasn't against the bill, but rather the direct sales ban that the bill was trying to address.

 

[LillyMayPatterson #1685 & #5648]

I am not reading it as they are against this bill.

 

[floydv]

I am not reading it as they are against this bill.

You're right, I read it too quickly. I read it now as they're in support of the bill because it helps ease the prohibitions against a categorical ban on direct manufacturer sales of autos, but it doesn't go far enough. And the provisions specific to autocycle are helpful but not enough.

 

[floydv]

I read it as they're in support of the bill because it helps ease the prohibitions against a categorical ban on direct manufacturer sales of autos, but it doesn't go far enough. And the provisions specific to autocycle are helpful but not enough.

 

[LillyMayPatterson #1685 & #5648]

Thanks for posting this Floydv. Great Read.

 

[Jeff Bowlsby]

The FTC letter mentions the idea of ecommerce to bring vehicles to market. I wonder if EM has considered direct sales through their website? One could simply order the Elio online, then take delivery at a local retail center or maybe even the marshaling center.

 

[pistonboy]

have the location of the marshaling centers be announced?

 

[JEBar]

have the location of the marshaling centers be announced?

I've seen very general locations given but nothing close to specific locations