Ohio's GOP-monopoly is now set to allow Tesla to keep its two existing stores (one each in Columbus and Cincinnati) and go ahead with a planned third location in the Cleveland area.
But that's it. No more Tesla-owned stores after those three, and apparently no manufacturer-owned stores from any other automaker going forward. According to The Columbus Dispatch:
The bill specifies that no automaker — apart from the three Tesla locations — can operate manufacturer-owned stores in the state.I take that to mean Tesla or another automaker may actually open more stores, but they'd need to operate under the existing and established "independent dealership" model.
The deal, which Tesla's VP for Business Development says is "a very good compromise”, was negotiated this week and voted on by an Ohio Senate committee. According to The Dispatch, little opposition to the deal is expected going forward.
So it's a bit of good news for Ohio, and hopefully a negotiating foundation Tesla can build upon as it tries to crack even more restrictive markets like New Jersey.