In Tesla sales fight, automakers take the dealers' side

The fight between Tesla Motors and the nation's new-car dealers has only picked up intensity in the wake of New Jersey's ruling earlier this month that will force Tesla to shutter its stores there by April 1. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has vowed to fight on; New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has backed his administration's call, and dealers have pushed forward with their campaign to tighten franchise laws.

But there's another side to the squabble — the automakers, which in hearings around the country have begun to make their arguments heard. And it's not good news for Tesla.

Earlier this month, Ohio state senators met to further debate a bill that would bar Tesla from expanding beyond the three factory stores it has in the state, unless it opted to use dealers. (In a blog post last week, Musk cited franchise dealers' favoritism toward established players as one reason why most start-up automakers fail.)

Among those who weighed in to Ohio lawmakers: General Motors. GM head of public policy Selim Bingol sent a letter to the state lawmakers and Ohio Gov. John Kasich saying GM believed Tesla should have to use independent dealers just like any other automaker, and that an exemption amounted to "a distinct competitive advantage."

"We do not support Tesla being exempt from providing the same type of service we have to provide in Ohio — servicing cars and warranty," GM officials said in another communication. "Tesla is an automobile manufacturer, they compete with our vehicles in the market and they should compete under the same laws we do."