Tesla Seeks Appeal for Direct Sales Dealerships in Wisconsin

Tesla is actively challenging Wisconsin's laws that prevent it from opening direct sales dealerships in the state, where residents currently have to travel out of state to purchase its vehicles. The company has filed a petition in Outagamie County Circuit Court after its previous request for an exemption to open dealerships was denied. Tesla estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 Wisconsinites purchase its vehicles each year, underscoring the potential market impact of direct sales. The Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association are opposing Tesla's petition, with a court hearing scheduled for March 24. This situation reflects a broader trend, as 22 states maintain similar bans on direct vehicle sales, complicating Tesla's efforts to establish a more direct relationship with consumers. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for direct sales models across the U.S.