Hoffman Auto Group, an East Hartford-based car dealer with operations across the state, is suing electric vehicle maker Tesla, East Hartford’s Planning and Zoning Commission and a development firm in a bid to block a planned Tesla showroom and service center in town, arguing the proposal violates a state law barring car manufacturers from selling directly to consumers.
Car dealership sues Tesla and East Hartford to block town approval of service center, saying it violates state law against direct sales Stephen Singer, Hartford Courant
Hoffman Auto Group has sued Tesla, East Hartford and a development company that received town approval to open a Tesla service center and showroom.
Hoffman, under the business name Jetobra Inc., has asked a Hartford Superior Court judge to set aside the town’s decision allowing the service center and showroom. Hoffman says the showroom violates Connecticut law prohibiting car manufacturers from sidestepping dealerships by selling directly to consumers.
It’s the latest battle in a lengthy dispute between Connecticut’s car dealerships and Tesla, which is lobbying for state legislation allowing it to sell its electric cars directly to buyers.