WANADA answers Post editorial that auto retailing licensing laws stifle industry innovation, especially for Tesla

WANADA answers Post editorial that auto retailing licensing laws stifle industry innovation, especially for Tesla

WANADA challenged a recent editorial in The Washington Post which opined that state laws licensing the auto sales retailing process unfairly hamper industry innovation — the likes of that exhibited by exotic automaker Tesla Motors– and that dealers are the problem for having had a hand in fashioning these laws (Teslas bump in the road: Free market no match for the clout of auto dealers, June 14).

The theory, expressed by other news organizations, too, is premised upon Teslas belief that it should be allowed to retail and service its vehicles without a dealer network, in the same way, in the view of another Post writer, that Dell sells its personal computers.

In its letter-to-the-editor at the Post that appeared on todays editorial page under the caption, Taking Exception, WANADA did just that (Tesla should recognize auto dealers important role, June 18). Citing the litany of compelling public interest reasons why states license the automotive retailing process and why dealers are essential to it, WANADAs point is that protecting car buyers — the rationale for licensing — has nothing to do with Tesla or any other automakers ability to be innovative. Click here for WANADAs letter-to- the editor and The Posts original editorial.

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