Tesla has been granted a license to sell vehicles in Kentucky, after previously being barred from making certain sales because its direct-to-consumer sales model violated a law that required vehicle sales to be made through franchised dealers.
Tesla was previously allowed to sell its vehicles in the state, but was prohibited from leasing or servicing some of its vehicles there. However, Kentucky Tesla Owners said Tesla has received a formal sales license in the state, which was listed on a list of auto dealers the state posted on Friday.
The listing lists the Louisville service center address as 11701 Gateworth Way, suggesting the company may soon build a brick-and-mortar store and service center in Louisville. The restriction previously meant Tesla couldn’t lease vehicles to customers in Louisville and required them to travel out of state to have their vehicles serviced.
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In addition to obtaining a sales license, Tesla has already begun hiring for several positions in Louisville on its careers page, including Tesla sales advisors, vehicle preparation specialists, sales managers, service technicians, etc. There are also reports that Tesla is likely to build a store and service center in Lexington within the next few years.
Tesla has used a variety of tactics to get around direct selling laws in other states, such as Connecticut, where the electric vehicle maker partnered with the local Mohegan Indian Tribe to open stores on tribal land, evading a law that requires a franchise dealer model for selling vehicles.
Tesla has also launched legal battles against dealer requirements in several states, including Louisiana, where it sued the state for trying to block warranty repairs.
Related:
Florida dealer aid bill threatens Tesla’s direct sales
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