Tesla has built a new store location in Utah ( I drove past it last week, strange spot, but near the freeway, so good for charging ), but as Beehive Startups ( and many others ) notes Tesla is not allowed to sell cars in Utah:
now we sit at an awkward impasse. Tesla is left scratching their heads, sitting on a dealership they can’t legally open, and Utah is left in the contradictory position of claiming to be a state supporting innovation and new business while doing the exact opposite. Anyone wanting to purchase a Tesla must do so outside the state.
A bill was presented, H.B. 394, that would have made it possible for Tesla to sell vehicles in Utah. Unfortunately it was defeated: 41 no, 32 yes. I’ve already contacted my rep asking for an explanation on why he voted against it. I haven’t received a response yet.
Let me be clear, I won’t be buying a Tesla vehicle, they are way out of my price range. My complaint is over how disappointed I am in seeing the legal system being used to block what seems to be a reasonable request: allow a car company to sell cars.