Pub. 56 2015-2016 Issue 1

14 Abbott Supports Texas Auto Industry, and Franchised Dealers Thank Him A s reported in the Texas Tribune, Governor Greg Abbott says Texas doesn’t need to carve out a loophole in its laws that would allow Tesla to sell its electric cars directly to consumers through retail outlets in the State of Texas. In response to a question from Bloomberg Radio about the issue, Governor Abbot said the following: “Texas has a very robust, very open, very effective automobile sector that seems like it’s working quite well the way that it is.” TADA reported the statement to its members, and a number of TADA members personally wrote Governor Abbot to thank him for continuing to support the Texas franchised dealer system in Texas as the best method to bring competition and convenience to Texans in the buying and servicing of vehicles. As Mark Daniels, Vice President of RFJ Auto Partners Holdings, said in his letter to Governor Abbott, “the Texas fran- chise dealer system allows consumers over 1300 alternatives in 300 cities to choose with whom they wish to do business.” And dealers “abide by an equal set of rules and regulations that allow success based on an independent business model in which the consumers are the only guaranteed winner.” Perhaps more importantly, Governor Abbott’s support for the industry gives franchised dealers the confidence to continue to in- vest in Texas. As Mark Daniels told the Governor, this confidence will be reflected in expansion plans, both in acquiring additional franchises in Texas and constructing new dealerships in small town markets in Texas. And that’s good for Texas and Texans. TADA is distributing these comments to Chambers of Com- merce throughout Texas to emphasize the value the franchised dealer system brings to Texas.  Dear Governor Abbott, Thank you! On behalf of our 1500 employees at 24 motor vehicle dealerships we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continuing support of the Texas franchised dealer system. Twelve of our Texas locations are in smaller size communities including Big Spring, Bonham, Lamesa, Greenville, Sulphur Springs, and Vernon. Others are in medium or larger cities, but all share the same admiration for the position you have taken regarding free market competition. It is only with your continued support that consumers in Texas will have the convenience of buying and having their vehicles serviced in cities and towns across our great state. The Texas franchise dealer system allows consumers over 1300 alternatives in 300 cities to choose with whom they wish to do business. We all abide by an equal set of rules and regulations that allow us to succeed, or fail, based on our independent business model. Consumers are the only guaranteed winner! Your recent interview with Bloombery Radio gave us the continued confidence to go forth with our expansion plans in Texas. Not only do we intend to acquire additional franchises here, but we have recently begun planning and construction of six new dealerships in small town markets in Texas. Governor Abbott, we appreciate your continued support and stand by ready to assist you if ever needed.  Best Regards, Mark D. Daniels Vice President Manufacturer Relations RFJ Auto Partners Holdings, Inc.