The dealership model has never benefited the consumer financially. The majority of dealers view auto sales as one time transactions where their goal is squeeze

The dealership model has never benefited the consumer financially. The majority of dealers view auto sales as one time transactions where their goal is squeeze money from the customer using morally dubious tactics if not outright lies. You have to place the dealership model in historical context. They were created in an era where the Detroit automakers monopolized the industry. And they created mostly shoddy cars. They created “choice” by rebadging one car and passing it off as another. There are good dealerships who want a relationship with the customer. But in my experience they usually end up selling to a larger dealership who only care about gouging the customer. Plus with cars basically becoming high tech batteries on wheels with dozens of minicomputers. When an EV really breaks down, I doubt your local mechanic can do much about it. At the most, he can swap out one module with another (if he has it). More likely the only thing the dealer can do, is give you a loaner car while the manufacturer ships the modules and components you need. Ford and Tesla are probably better off giving you a loaner car directly and when the parts are available instruct you to go to the nearest repair facility or in the worst case, the technician will come to you.