Tesla gets around New Mexico's direct sales ban by setting up a sales centre on Tribal land

A unique law in the American state of New Mexico has forced Tesla to think outside the box to set up a bricks-and-mortar store.

New Mexico is one of a handful of states which bans the direct sale of vehicles to customers, instead requiring manufacturers to establish a physical presence through a third-party dealership.

However, Tesla has been able to circumvent the law by establishing a partnership with the native village of Nambé, building its dealership on Tribal land which isn't covered by the state's laws.

Through repurposing a defunct casino, Nambé Pueblo Governor Phillip Perez supported the partnership – which Tesla and the local residents hope will strengthen the local economy, providing more jobs for those in Pueblo of Nambé as well as nearby Santa Fe.

“This location will not only create permanent jobs, it is also part of a long term relationship with Tesla," Perez told KRQE.

"The company is working with Nambé Pueblo to provide education and training opportunities for tribal members, as well as economic development.”

Although the population of Nambé Pueblo is just 1700 residents, the Tribal village is just 30 minutes away from the state capital of Santa Fe (84,000 residents) and a 90 minute drive from Albuquerque, the state's most populous city with just over 560,000 people.