Tesla is still not allowed to sell its electric vehicles (EVs) directly to consumers in several states in the US due to antiquated laws kept alive by dealership lobbying groups. One of those states is New Mexico, but despite the ban, the automaker has now opened its second Sales, Service, and Delivery Center in the state thanks to a clever workaround.
Back in 2021 Tesla opened their first showroom in New Mexico by converting a former casino located on tribal Nambé Pueblo land. Since it is on tribal land, that means the facility is not subject to state law and can offers the restricted services within its borders. Clearly showing there is a market for EVs and direct sales in New Mexico as Tesla opened up their second showroom in the state, again on tribal land.
Unlike the first showroom, this location on the Pueblo of Santa Ana was purpose built by Tesla and first announced in October of last year. The 35,000 square foot facility, which features a showroom, customer lounge, 19 service bays and a parts storage area, was constructed quickly with the company and tribal leaders holding a grand opening ceremony on Thursday.
The facility is expected to create 25 full time jobs in the area, and the benefits will extend beyond the showroom as Tesla is also partnering with the Pueblo of Santa Ana to provide workforce training and science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education outreach at local high schools.
“Our partnership with Tesla is another step along our path of creating thriving, diverse and forward-looking economic opportunity on our lands that are mindful of our environment, move our local and state economy forward and bring our communities together,” Santa Ana Pueblo Gov. Nathan Garcia said.
Tesla is fighting these antiquated laws that keep them from being able to sell directly to consumers. Most recently the automaker won an appeal in the Delaware Supreme Court allowing direct sales in that state. Despite having its headquarters and a multi-billion dollar Gigafactory in Austin, Tesla and other EV automakers are still not allowed to sell directly to consumers in Texas.
