Don't mess with Elon Musk.
The technology industry heavyweight has scored another victory as Tesla Motors, the California-based electric car company founded by Musk, won approval from the state of Pennsylvania to sell its popular Model S directly to consumers.
Tesla's direct sales model has recently been under fire from auto dealerships, but it has received the vote of the state of Pennsylvania and a signature from state Gov. Tom Corbett, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"We're pleased that the governor has signed into law a bill that makes clear that Tesla may expand its retail stores and service centers within Pennsylvania," said Diarmuid O'Connell, vice president of corporate and business development. "We believe the process in Pennsylvania is an example of how productive cooperation can lead to a win for all parties involved, dealer and elected officials included."
Tesla, which has 56 stores in the U.S. and Canada, will now be able to open five dealerships in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Palo Alto, Calif.-based carmaker has three galleries in Texas, where it is forbidden from selling its electric offerings directly to the public. Similar galleries feature Tesla cars in Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.
Tesla hopes to break down barriers in these states as it did in Pennsylvania, where the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers opposed legislation that would allow for the electric automaker's direct sales.
Earlier this year, Texas Gov. Rick Perry voiced his support for allowing Tesla stores in the Lone Star State. Texas also hopes to be the site for the much-touted Tesla "gigafactory," which will manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric cars.
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