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Deal Allows Tesla To Sell Cars In Ohio
By: Associated Press
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Ohio automobile dealers have struck a deal that will allow Tesla Motors to sell its electric cars in the state.
The agreement with the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association was negotiated on Tuesday and approved by a Senate panel.
The bill allows Tesla to keep its existing stores in the Columbus and Cincinnati areas, and allows a third to open in Cleveland, but prohibits the company from opening any other stores.
The bill allows no other automaker to operate manufacturer-owned stores in the state.
Ohio was among states proposing to block Tesla from setting up additional direct-sales galleries on grounds they undercut traditional auto dealerships. Dealers saw Tesla as a threat to a system in which nearly all dealerships are independently owned franchises that are separate from manufacturers.