An effort in the senate to let automobile companies open their own car stores in competition with their franchised dealers has been crushed in the state senate. Kirkwood Senator Walt Mueller wants to allow companies that make vehicles in Missouri eliminate the middle man, and sell their cars directly through their own stores. He says dealerships are becoming outmoded because of the internet. Senator Ted House of St. Charles says Mueller’s proposal makes no sense because it removes consumer protections for some cars, but not on others. Other Senators say the manufacturers should state their case openly, not try to amend a bill without hearings on the issue. Mueller is the only Senator to vote in favor of his proposition. The other 33 Senators voted “no.”
