During the 2012 election, before Tesla showed profitability, it was lumped in with other companies that were given government loans for developing "green" technologies. Many of those companies failed and most people, who did not see electric cars as viable, felt Tesla was going to join them. So, it was held as evidence of the Obama administration wasting tax payer money during a recession.

Now, Tesla is trying to sell vehicles around the traditional car dealer system. This system was setup to prevent the manufacturer from holding a monopoly on price and protect the local car dealer's investment in both inventory and services. So, Tesla is now seen as disrupting and depriving local businesses of potential sales and investment.

But, in reality, most people hate the car buying process and think it needs disruption.

Maybe it has something to do with middle class incomes subsidizing an electric car for the rich.

"95 percent of all Model S parts are made in-house". Designed in Southern California, and built in Northern California.

Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/1301_2013_autom...

Car dealerships are often 100% locally owned/operated.