ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says an agreement has been reached to let Tesla Motors keep its five retail locations in the state as part of a compromise to strengthen auto dealer franchise protections while allowing Tesla’s direct sales.
The governor’s office says the deal includes the New York State Automobile Dealers Association and the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.
Tesla, which makes and sells electric cars, says the compromise protects franchise dealers’ existing business while letting Tesla keep trying to build the market for “sustainable transportation.”
Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat who has three Tesla locations in his district, says the agreement heads off an effort by some New York legislators to close them following a similar move by New Jersey regulators.
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