Coda announced about a week ago that they would be opening up 5 showrooms in malls around the state of California. We all assumed that meant if someone saw the 2012 Coda Sedan at the mall and wanted to buy it, they’d be able to. According to Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh, that’s not the case. Customers interested in the 2012 Coda Sedan will be directed to one of the Coda Sedan dealerships rather than being able to purchase it at the showroom in the mall.

The reason? The in-mall Coda ‘experience centers’ purpose is to educate the customers that come in with specific product questions, not to sell the vehicle.

Coda originally planned to sell the vehicle through company-owned retail stores like Tesla does with their vehicles. In some states, however, dealerships have lobbied to make it illegal for car manufacturers to sell directly to buyers through company-owned dealerships and stores. Tesla has mentioned they will have to change their sale strategy if they are to be available in all 50 states (including the ones with these types of laws).

Coda is still searching for dealers. 2 franchises are signed so far, but it could be some time before the 2012 Coda Sedan is very common outside of California.

No news or details on the release date of the 2012 Coda Sedan – Coda is holding steady saying ‘some time in February.’