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The original intent of the law was not to prohibit manufacturers from selling direct. The intent was to prevent manufacturers from competing against their own dealerships. Tesla has no dealerships.

Did Toyota or Honda or BMW, when they initially entered US markets, get special laws? Or did common laws apply to them?

Does it matter?

I'm baffled. Who is arguing for Tesla to get special rules? They're simply not going to sell in markets that don't allow them to sell how they want to.

I think that is the point. Change the law. Ford, Chevy, etc may not want to go the "dealer not required" route and continue to use dealers. But at least there would be options.