Which entity is allowed to sell directly to a customer?

The dealership is a recognized entity that is allowed to sell directly to customers. Dealerships are established businesses that serve as intermediaries between vehicle manufacturers and consumers, providing a retail outlet for purchasing vehicles. They often maintain a physical location where customers can browse inventory, test drive vehicles, and complete the purchasing process.

This direct sales model is essential for facilitating the consumer vehicle buying experience, as dealerships can offer additional services such as financing options, warranties, and after-sales support, which are integrated into the purchase process. They play a significant role in the automotive industry's distribution chain, making complex transactions smoother for customers.

While vehicle manufacturers produce the vehicles and may have direct sales programs in certain scenarios, the typical pathway for consumers purchasing a vehicle is through a dealership. Independent contractors and fleet managers typically do not engage in the retail selling of vehicles directly to the public, focusing instead on other aspects of vehicle logistics or management.