Governor
Rick Snyder signed legislation earlier this week providing clarity in the law
stating that automakers cannot sell vehicles directly to consumers and also
cannot market vehicles outside of franchised dealers. House
Bill 5606, now Public Act 354 of 2014, was sponsored by Representative Aric
Nesbitt (R-Lawton).
Michigan
auto dealers and auto manufacturers applauded the Governor’s signing of the legislation
while Tesla Motors, who wanted to open a marketing center in the state, hoped
the Governor would veto the measure.
In
the wake of signing the measure, Governor Snyder called for a review in 2015 of
the Michigan requirement that new vehicles be purchased at franchised a
dealership – something both opponents and supporters of HB
5606 welcomed while, arguably, hoping the debate heads in different
directions.