Well right now for many states a manufacturer is legally obligated to use a dealer network whether they want to or not. In some states it is more-or-less illegal for Tesla to sell directly. Some states are even trying to make buying the car online (which to my mind is interstate commerce) illegal.
This is what Tesla is looking to change or challenge, and why they are in multiple state-based litigation. The dealers in these states are well entrenched and are funding lobbyists and advertising to thwart Tesla, and in some states (like Texas recently) are winning some battles.
For manufacturers I expect that their Dealer Network agreements expressly prohibit them from direct competion as well.
Brent
Exactly the issue. States like Texas, Louisiana, New York, etc will never change the laws to allow a manufacturer to sell direct.
In Louisiana, after GM and Chrysler starting shutting down dealerships in 2008-2009, the legislature went into emergency section to create a law that says if you (the manufacturer) close a dealership you have to buy the building, signs, tools, parts inventory, vehicle inventory, etc. .
Texas is another one. They go so far as putting limits on who I can sign up as a dealer and where. The general rule is 1 dealer per county. If you've ever been to Texas you wonder how that law ever passed. In Harris Co. (Houston area), a manufacturer would like to have a dealer on 59-N (Humble area), 59-S (Sugerland), downtown, 45-N (Spring), 45-S (Clear Lake/Friendswood), 10-W (Katy, West Houston), 10-E (Baytown, East Houston),etc.
So how do you do it in Texas? You have to ASK the FIRST DEALER you sign up in each county if it's OK if you sign someone else up. If they agree, they tell the motor vehicle board they're cool with it.
FL is much the same. You have to ask the dealer if you can add another dealership if the new location is within a certain distance.
The reality is, manufacturers should do what they do best---make things. Let the professional retailers sell the product and service it. It allows the consumers some protection from the manufacturer pushing services on you and what happens if the make goes under? At least there is a chance to get service.
I wouldn't want to try and run 150 dealerships nationwide. Each market is so different and many of the dealers are well known business people who are involved in the community because they live there.
Tesla has momentum; don't loose it by pissing off the very people that could help you take it to the next level. I understand "why", but the pros far out weight the cons of not going nationwide.
Many years ago I called Tesla about opening a dealership here in Georgia. I was told politly that they won't be doing business as usual. Here we are 4 or 5 year years later and you can't buy a Tesla in Atlanta.
Bill