Tesla is suing the state of North Dakota because the state won't allow the company to open any showrooms/service centers and sell direct to consumers. North Dakota law prohibits vehicle manufacturers from owning car dealerships and requires them to sell their products to franchised dealerships for resale to consumers. “Tesla just wants to be able to sell its vehicles in North Dakota, and not force customers who would wish to purchase a Tesla vehicle to have to drive to Minnesota or another state to do it,” said Ari Holtzblatt, one of Tesla’s attorneys in the case. Tesla is asking the court to declare the company does not fall within the definition of manufacturer contained in state law. The term is defined as a person who assembles or imports a motor vehicle and sells it to dealers in the state for resale. It's wild that in 2026, we still have U.S. states that won't allow direct vehicle sales to consumers. It hurts consumers and reduces choice.