Tesla Stays In NY, Loses Key China Exec
Automotive News reports Tesla and Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association reached a compromise agreement over the weekend that would allow the EV automaker to keep their five stores while prevent Tesla or any other auto manufacturer from establishing more direct-sale stores in the state. In the words of Governor Andrew Cuomo:
Today’s agreement reaffirms New York’s long-standing commitment to the dealer franchise system, while making sure New York remains a leader in spurring innovative businesses and encouraging zero emissions vehicle sales.
Meanwhile, Tesla spokeswoman Liz Jarvis-Shean tells Bloomberg the Gigafactory will source supplies of graphite, cobalt et al from within North America, citing cost and environmental issues behind the decision. Currently, the majority of graphite found in the automaker’s battery packs come from synthetic sources in Europe and Japan, with future natural sources expected to come from Canada.
Over in China, where graphite mines and processing plants are being closed over air-quality issues, Tesla’s general manager Kingston Chang resigned his position for personal reasons. His departure, which the automaker declined to expand upon to Bloomberg, comes just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to expand further into the country’s auto market, who predicts sales to be on par with those in the United States as early as next year.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
More by Cameron Aubernon
Comments
Join the conversation
Gotta admit Cuomo is a savvy politician. Strokes the vested interests AND gets to polish his green cred in one action. I'm no Democrat but that's skill.
Let's be real, someone got bribed. Christie is already under scrutiny so it didn't work in NJ.
'Today's "agreement" reaffirms New York's long-standing commitment to ensure that absolutely all outcomes, for all parties involved or not, are dictated, to the most minute detail, by us corrupticians. Elon is OK, so we let him play. Remember, the latest fad amongst our funders at Goldman Sachs is electric sex toys for men. And besides, waaaay beyond ridiculously overvalued stock markets are what those who pay me in this state live off of. Makes them look smart for telling people to buy, buy buy when the stocks were merely ridiculously overvalued. And looking smart, and green, is what counts these days, after all. That's what the Man on TV says. So, anyway; fat chance anyone with aspirations of selling a cheaper and better and greener electric car than Elon will ever be able to compete directly with him. If they could, then all those who bought Elon's overpriced car wouldn't look smarter than others anymore. Or greener. And they're the ones who pay me to look after their vanities, after all. So, banned they will be. It's the law! And everyone must follow the Law! Says the Man on TV. Besides, letting just anyone sell cars on an equal footing, without us well meaning corrupticians getting in the middle.... well, how could we then guarantee that the "good" guys win? I mean, that would be like just rolling over and capitulating to those market forces! And every well indoctrinated progressive knows how evil those guys are. Just listen to The Man On TV'
Good for Elton. He gets to make money and locks out future direct sales competitors.