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Tesla, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie At Odds Over Proposal To Force Automaker To Sell Through Dealers

CNN (CBS13) - Tesla is lashing out at New Jersey governor Chris Christie for backing a proposal that would force the automaker to sell its electric cars through dealers in the state instead of directly to the consumer.

Tesla has been selling directly to shoppers in New Jersey for about a year.

But the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission was scheduled to meet today to consider a proposal that would block automakers from selling to consumers.

Tesla says if the rule is passed it would hurt the idea of a "free market."

But a Christie spokesperson says the automaker was informed it would need to "engage" state lawmakers on a bill to establish its direct-sales operations but has failed to do so.

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