Rep. Chuck Martin Introduces Legislation to Clarify Consumers’ Ability to Buy Cars Directly From Manufacturer

ATLANTA – State Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) recently introduced House Bill 393, legislation to make clear consumers can purchase automobiles directly from a manufacturer.

“Some claim that current law prevents consumers from purchasing cars from manufacturers and forces them to purchase a vehicle through a franchise dealership,” said Rep. Martin. “We live in a new technology centered economy in which Georgians desire and expect to purchase any product in the most efficient manner, including directly purchasing from a manufacturer. This method of direct selling to consumers has already proven effective for many companies, such as Apple, which has an excellent reputation for providing superior customer service. In order to compete in this global environment, our public policies need to reflect this new technology centered reality.”

House Bill 393, sponsored by Rep. Martin and 14 co-sponsors would neither change nor harm the existing dealer franchise system, and consumers who prefer to purchase from new car dealers will continue to have that option.

“This legislation would simply allow consumers to purchase directly from a manufacturer as long as the manufacturer has never operated a franchise network system in the state,” continued Rep. Martin. “Car dealerships generally oppose allowing consumers to buy cars direct from manufacturers in an effort to preserve the franchise model monopoly. A recent example of this is the legal petition that was filed with the Georgia Department of Revenue in an attempt to prevent Tesla Motors from selling its Model S sedan and other automobiles directly to consumers. Our bill simply seeks to allow the free market system to work, to allow car buyers to do business as they choose, and to get government out of the way.”

Representative Chuck Martin represents the citizens of District 49, which includes portion of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and is currently the Chairman of Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Regulated Industries, Science and Technology, and Ways & Means committees.

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