Bridgeport BMW Dealer Opposes Tesla Bill

Press release from BMW of Bridgeport:

March 26, 2021

Tim Kraemer, Executive Vice President & General Manager of BMW of Bridgeport, hosted a press conference today at BMW of Bridgeport to oppose the Tesla Bill and explain how it will hurt consumers. He said the existing network that sells electric vehicles (EVs) in Connecticut --the state’s new car dealerships – works for consumers and is continually expanding its offerings.

Connecticut new car dealerships protect Connecticut consumers by providing them with fair and encompassing warranties, which do the following:

• Guarantee state and federal safety laws are followed
• Provide the enforcement of the lemon and fair lending laws
• Establish guidelines for safety recalls

“The lack of a dealer network to ensure sales assistance and post-sales support would take advantage of people buying directly from a manufacturer in the event of a product/service problem,” stated Tim Kraemer. “Many current Tesla owners have shared stories about poor service and an inability to get service during nights and weekends. My mobile phone number is on our website and we are a 24/7 business because we live here and want to take care of our neighbors and fellow local business owners.”

“You advocate to the manufacturer on behalf of the consumer when there is a car recall, product problems and Lemon Law issues. BMW of Bridgeport assisted 9 EV customers in 2020 in getting replacement vehicles from BMW,” explained Kraemer. “We are opposed to SB 127, the Tesla bill, which will hurt Connecticut jobs, residents and consumers.”

On display at the press conference were the EVs sold at BMW of Bridgeport; 330e, 530e, and X545e. BMW will have an EV or PHEV for every model they sell by 2024.

There are currently more than 45 EVs on the market today, and many of these may be found at local dealerships in Connecticut. All Connecticut new auto dealers are fully committed to selling electric vehicles.

Furthermore, dealerships can support all electric vehicle owners with 44 charging stations regardless of car brand, while Tesla charging stations service only Teslas. The EV charging infrastructure should be inclusive of all vehicles to get more EVs on the road and ease range anxiety.

During the pandemic, dealerships in Connecticut continued to help with customers’ auto questions and concerns. Whether it was a necessary repair, oil change, or the need for a new car, dealerships stayed open so that frontline workers could have their cars taken care of if needed. Dealerships also provided necessary services on trucks and trailers to ensure the essential supply chain was maintained. BMW of Bridgeport supported essential employees and provided hand sanitizer made from a local distillery. Connecticut’s economy would have been seriously affected if the car dealerships had not worked during the pandemic.

“14,000 people are employed by the 270 new auto dealers in Connecticut,” said Kraemer. “BMW of Bridgeport cares deeply about the community, their employees, their customers, and the city and state they reside in and love. Locally owned and Operated. We live here, pay our taxes here, and ensure the community is taken care of by continuing to keep local jobs in Bridgeport; working to keep residents employed in a sustainable environment.”

“Connecticut new car dealers continue to be the way to put more EVs on the road. They are a large network of retailers and service providers who are experts at marketing locally, and who are invested in the future sales and service opportunities for these products,” said Sarah Fryxell, President of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association. “Connecticut should not look to out of state corporations that want special treatment. To reach the goals of more EVs, the new car dealers are the way to do this.”

This press release was produced by BMW of Bridgeport. The views expressed here are the author's own.