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If you live in New Jersey and want to purchase a Tesla Motors Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA) signature Model S, you have until March 31 to do so.
Tesla announced yesterday (Tuesday) that as of April 1 it will no longer sell its vehicles in New Jersey, following the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's ruling that automakers must sell their vehicles through auto dealerships.
Tesla operates its own stores, including two in New Jersey, and sells its Model S sedans directly to customers. That will no longer be permitted under the ruling.
Company officials immediately took to the company's blog and posted a scathing reaction. Tesla claims New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie went back on his word to help delay the new regulation. A spokesman for the governor claims that Tesla knew it was operating outside the state's typical auto-retailer laws.
Dealership owners across the state were worried that Tesla's direct sales business model would lead other auto manufacturers in the same direction. Not surprisingly, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers sided with the state's decision.
New Jersey is the third state to prevent direct sales of the Tesla Model S to consumers, joining Texas and Arizona.
Tesla has shown a tenacious unwillingness to budge. Rather than sell its vehicles through dealerships, it's completely ending sales in New Jersey – a state in which there is a high market for luxury vehicles.
Right now, the company follows a similar model to Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL), which uses its Apple Stores as part of its branding. And to Tesla, selling vehicles "its" way is more important than bottom-line sales figures.
While it may concern some investors that additional states are preventing direct sales, this is far from a death knell for Tesla and TSLA stock…
Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) Stock Still Strong Long Term
Tesla stock was down nearly 2% yesterday following the news. Today it regained those losses and was trading back over $240 per share.
TSLA has posted a gain of 60% in 2014 and is up an incredible 622% since the start of 2013.
Last month, the stock was fueled by news that the company would be constructing the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory for $5 billion. The Tesla Gigafactory is expected to produce more lithium-ion batteries annually in 2020 than were produced in the world in 2013. TSLA has forecast production of 500,000 vehicles a year thanks to the Gigafactory.
Before that, shareholders were rewarded with strong 2014 guidance figures in Tesla's earnings report. At the time, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk projected sales of 35,000 Model S sedans in 2014, up from 22,447 in 2013.
But that wasn't the end of the good news…
I will buy only Tesla cars from now on!
So these states don´t need the tax revenue? There are long waiting lists for delivery elsewhere…Yes, I own TSLA and am not selling!
I don't believe New Jersey charges sales tax for electric cars. Perhaps the decision will be reconsidered once that tax benefit expires.
If Jersey residents want to buy from a store, they can take a ride to PA or NY to do so, otherwise, the vehicle can still be purchased online. Is there any benefit to buying from a store? They have no haggle pricing.
NJ is a great opportunity for developing a great new business model. Currently, enthusiastic Tesla owners have been producing great ads at no Cost to Tesla. Now, with the NJ decision, new potential buyers will have a choice to help them with their sales decision. They can travel out of state to experience the vehicle, or establish a personal connection with existing owners –greatly enhancing the Word-of-mouth marketing. It's brilliant! Vehicle owners share their enthusiasm by producing their own videos, and (out of state imposed) necessity, greatly facilitate the sales decision. In the absence of show rooms, people will ask… Read more »
The "show rooms" aren't going anywhere according to the blog on the Tesla website. They are transitioning to galleries where the vehicles can still be experienced and even test driven. You only will not be able to complete a sale on site. But you can still order online.