The FTC likes Tesla

[deckeda]

http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/01/tesl...ftc-panel/

But they can't do anything about it. Congress or several states would have to stand up to the dealership lobby (these guys can make the gun lobby look like amateurs).

The dealership model was supposedly setup for consumer protection but consumers aren't complaining about car makers ... the strongest argument dealers now make is even weaker, for competition among dealers for consumer dollars.

Two problems:
1) In some markets one dealer controls selling the entire car brand, and dealers must create a markup.
2) Invoice price is already known, and "competition" is usually about how much more can be added-on, not taken off.

The strongest manufacture-direct argument, I think, is that if people don't like Tesla, they buy another BRAND. That forces the manufacturer to try harder, without the insulating protectionist dealership barrier.

My apologies for not creating a political thread without naming politicians to get riled up about. I realize that bores some of you.

[Ombligo]

I've thought that a hybrid dealership would be a good idea.

A location where a customer can go for answers, sit in the car for comfort, kick the tires, etc.. It would have a reasonable selection of the various models for examination but not sale. The customer would then order the vehicle the way they want it (color, options, etc). The car would then be made to those specs and delivered.

This may also be the place to arrange financing or trade ins.

This model would allow customers to get the car the way they want it. Likewise the "dealership" would not need 100 acres and $1m in inventory. The "dealership" would receive a commission just like the Saturn dealerships did with their fixed price sales. The downside for the customer is you wait for delivery.

I know I would be more apt to buy with that sales model than just an internet web page and phone conversation. This would be a seamless integration of the current dealership model and the internet.

[Speedy]

A single small storefront in each state should suffice as a dealership.

[cbelt3]

Robotic drones deliver the cars to you ?

[deckeda]

Keep in mind, Tesla isn't asking for company-owned stores run like regular dealerships. Of the 50 or so full sales and service stores they have, inventory is still a waiting period and no one is commissioned, which would incent staff for reasons other than Tesla's. Tesla wants control of the experience. They are still fledgling and can't afford to let someone else tell their story.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

How about the car delivers itself to your house?

What will be the youngest age for to allow children driven to school alone in a driverless car? How drunk can you be and ride alone in a driverless car?

[mattkime]

its crazy that we allow such commerce barriers to stand.

not a free market

[deckeda]

Filliam H. Muffman wrote:
How about the car delivers itself to your house?

What will be the youngest age for to allow children driven to school alone in a driverless car? How drunk can you be and ride alone in a driverless car?

Interesting, if completely BIZARRE questions!