[jonknee]

> So their lack of dealers who supply an automatic mark-up is something that they cite as a strength, not a weakness.

They don't have an automatic mark-up, but car dealers also operate on razor thin margins (the real money is in service and trade ins). However dealers pay their own rent and even spend money advertising. Tesla is on the hook for all of its dealerships, a significant cost that its competitors don't have. In the end I don't think it's such a game changer. It makes sense for Tesla, but doesn't magically make things cheaper.

[twblalock]

It also makes it easier to service your car. If you own a Tesla and need warranty service, and you live in middle America, you may have a long drive ahead of you. If you own a Chevy, it's rarely a problem.