Should Elon Musk win, the dealer business (as we know it) will forever change.
Why? How? Let's follow the money...
#1) Tesla establishes a factory direct retail model (ala Apple)
#2) Wall Street money loves success from disruption. Wall Street investors reward TSLA (IPO at $19, 4yrs later now $240)
#2a) Money is power. Wall Street loves $TSLA so much, it's valued at 50% of GM's valuation
#2b) Wall Street expects Tesla will take this to the Federal Courts*
#3) If Tesla wins, they'll throw money at other players** to come and sell direct.
#4). OEMs will work hard at breaking off and selling direct (BMW & MB experimenting)
This is an epic battle that you'll tell your grandkids. No need to stress, there's not a thing you can do but watch it all unfold over the next 5 years
*“If we’re seeing nonstop battles at the state level, rather than fight twenty different state battles, I’d rather fight one federal battle.” Amy Wilson, Tesla’s Musk: I’ll Take Store Fight Federal, Automotive News, Apr. 15, 2013. [link]
**A few giant players: TATA motors of India from China big players there is Chery, Greely, Chang'an (Imagine a brand new sedan for $9,990)
Chinese Carmakers Go Global - Forbes