Is it true that Tesla cars cannot be sold in Texas now?

[TerryMack]

Is this true? I have heard that you can't buy a Tesla car in Texas. Well, my Cyber Truck is being built there and I want to be able to pick it up there when it is made!

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[Blue Steel]

Texas requires manufacturers to sell new cars from dealerships. Tesla doesn't use dealerships.

I am fairly confident this law will be changed within the next year. I think an easy solution would be to make an exception for manufacturers that produce cars within the state.

 

[TruckElectric]

They will get it worked out.

Some headlines about this and Tesla fixing their own cars

Texas Bill Would Prevent Tesla From Fixing Their Own Cars
The Lone Star State continues its attacks on Elon Musk's electric car company. Link : REASON



"The electric-car maker has 13 stores or galleries in Texas, now one of only two states blocking direct sales by manufacturers. Tesla employees at these sites can’t talk about prices, take orders, or sell cars. All transactions must happen online. By 2017, Tesla had spent at least $1.2 million to lobby Texas lawmakers to change that, but it was no match for the big political donations mustered by the 1,300 dealerships in Texas, major players in state politics.

At issue is a battle over money. Car dealers derive much of their revenue from selling and (especially) servicing vehicles. Tesla’s direct-to-customer sales and service stations are a threat to that business model since they cut dealers out of the transaction."
Link: QUARTZ

 

[alan auerbach]

Is this true? I have heard that you can't buy a Tesla car in Texas. Well, my Cyber Truck is being built there and I want to be able to pick it up there when it is made!

It's true. But it was no secret when Tesla made its huge investment to the benefit of Texas, so some work-around was likely part of the negotiations. If that falls through, having to sell to Texans though some out-of-state process (or not selling to Texans at all) won't hurt Tesla as long as there's a line-up elsewhere. And maybe Tesla could establish its own "dealership" at the factory.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

If Texans cannot buy CTs in Texas then maybe there is still hope for us to buy them from other states and pick them up in Texas.

 

[cary1219]

If Texans cannot buy CTs in Texas then maybe there is still hope for us to buy them from other states and pick them up in Texas.

Technically I bought my Model S in California. I Picked it up at the service center in Dallas.

 

[empiredown]

Technically I bought my Model S in California. I Picked it up at the service center in Dallas.

Same. Bought virtually in California, delivered at Pond Springs for wifey's Y... This is much ado about nothing and will NOT be a problem then as it hasn't been here so far. All the more so given that Elon just announced factory pickups.

Come and Take It.

?

S

 

[happy intruder]

Same. Bought virtually in California, delivered at Pond Springs for wifey's Y... This is much ado about nothing and will NOT be a problem then as it hasn't been here so far. All the more so given that Elon just announced factory pickups.

Come and Take It.

?

S

wonder what happens when Tesla moves Hq and supporting operations to Texas then.....They will probably leave the "online sales operations" in California...thoughts

 

[jcryer3]

Yes, it is a stupid law; My S was delivered to Houston with Calif title and transferred to Texas. Even in Texas, we have bad public policy. The law is supposed to protect the consumer, but like most big government policies, just follow the money, and you will find who it really protects.

 

[alan auerbach]

Yes, it is a stupid law; My S was delivered to Houston with Calif title and transferred to Texas. Even in Texas, we have bad public policy. The law is supposed to protect the consumer, but like most big government policies, just follow the money, and you will find who it really protects.

"... follow the money and you will find who it really protects."

How much did dealerships donate to Texas law-makers? How much did individual consumers donate?

"He who pays the piper ...."

 

[TerryMack]

Same. Bought virtually in California, delivered at Pond Springs for wifey's Y... This is much ado about nothing and will NOT be a problem then as it hasn't been here so far. All the more so given that Elon just announced factory pickups.

Come and Take It.

?

S

So, this is excellent! I will buy it in Illinois, online and fly down and come pick it up in Austin, August, 2023. Can you say Road Trip!!!!!!!? (Back Home that is...) Awesome!

 

[alan auerbach]

So, this is excellent! I will buy it in Illinois, online and fly down and come pick it up in Austin, August, 2023. Can you say Road Trip!!!!!!!? (Back Home that is...) Awesome!

Make sure you don't pay tax in two states.

 

[FutureBoy]

Make sure you don't pay tax in two states.

Since Texas doesn’t allow the sale of Tesla’s they shouldn’t be collecting tax on the sale through other states. But tax collection is always beingexpanded so who knows.

 

[empiredown]

Since Texas doesn’t allow the sale of Tesla’s they shouldn’t be collecting tax on the sale through other states. But tax collection is always beingexpanded so who knows.

You pay your tax, 8.25%, when you register your vehicle here...

ß

 

[jcryer3]

You pay your tax, 8.25%, when you register your vehicle here...

ß

Actually it is 6.25%.