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Connecticut Lawmaker Pushing For Direct-To-Consumer Sales Of Tesla, Other Electric Cars

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- There's a push in Connecticut to allow electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla Motors, to dodge the state's car dealer franchise laws and sell directly to consumers.

As WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, about 100 premium Tesla electronic cars have been sold to Connecticut residents to date -- all of which were purchased from out-of-state dealers.

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said the state is losing revenue by barring direct sales of the expensive cars.

"What dealers would argue is that they're the middle man; they're the ones who stand up for consumers when there are recalls; they're the ones who stand up for consumers when something goes wrong, and they should be the people who sell the cars directly," Duff said.

He's now pushing for that to change with legislation. A similar bill died last year due to Senate inaction.

Duff's bill mirrors last year's effort and is not limited to Tesla. It would allow electric car companies without a physical presence to open up to three dealerships.

Duff said allowing direct sales would boost state revenue significantly, noting that Teslas can sell for more than $100,000.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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