Car dealership sues Tesla and East Hartford to block town approval of service center, saying it violates state law against direct sales Stephen Singer, Hartford Courant
Hoffman Auto Group has sued Tesla, East Hartford and a development company that received town approval to open a Tesla service center and showroom.
Hoffman, under the business name Jetobra Inc., has asked a Hartford Superior Court judge to set aside the town’s decision allowing the service center and showroom. Hoffman says the showroom violates Connecticut law prohibiting car manufacturers from sidestepping dealerships by selling directly to consumers.
It’s the latest battle in a lengthy dispute between Connecticut’s car dealerships and Tesla, which is lobbying for state legislation allowing it to sell its electric cars directly to buyers.