State lawmakers just accidentally handed foreign automakers a golden ticket to flood the US market without playing by the rules. Washington state recently created a bifurcated system for auto sales, allowing newer electric vehicle startups to bypass the traditional franchise dealer network. While this might seem like a win for direct-to-consumer advocates, it inadvertently rolls out the red carpet for overseas manufacturers looking for a quick entry point. By fracturing the established retail model, policymakers have created a massive regulatory blind spot. Foreign automakers can now potentially exploit this fragmented legislation to set up shop without the overhead or community investment required by a traditional dealer network. Does the franchise model stay intact from here, or are we already watching it get negotiated in real time? Watch the full episode at the link in our bio.