n love w u

n love w u US President-elect Donald Trump has sided with key supporter and billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters. or signup to continue reading Trump's remarks followed a series of social media posts from Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who vowed to go to "war" to defend the visa program for foreign tech workers. Trump, who moved to limit the visas' use during his first presidency, told The New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favour of the visa program. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," he was quoted as saying. Musk, a naturalised US citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric-car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards. The altercation was set off earlier this week by far-right activists who criticised Trump's selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence, saying he would have influence on the Trump administration's immigration policies. Musk's tweet was directed at Trump's supporters and immigration hard-liners who have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas. On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued "big tech oligarchs" for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to Western civilisation. In response, Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration. Trump has promised to deport all immigrants who are in the US illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens and severely restrict immigration. The visa issue highlights how tech leaders like Musk -- who has taken an important role in the presidential transition, advising on key personnel and policy areas -- are now drawing scrutiny from his base. The US tech industry relies on the government's H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labour force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens. Musk has spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected in November. He has posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American tech companies. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

- AIMA Technology Group presentará siete productos innovadores en CES 2025 y anuncia una asociación estratégica con una conocida marca italiana LAS VEGAS , 24 de diciembre de 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AIMA Technology Group, líder mundial en movilidad eléctrica, presentará siete innovadores productos de movilidad eléctrica en CES 2025 y anunciará una colaboración estratégica con una renombrada marca italiana. Tras los exitosos lanzamientos de HYHAWK, BIG SUR, BIG SUR SPORT y SANTA MONICA, AIMA Technology Group dará a conocer sus últimas series y revelará la colaboración, consolidando aún más su liderazgo en el mercado mundial. Angela Zheng , consejera delegada de AIMA EBIKE, explicó: «CES 2024 fue solo el principio de nuestro viaje para redefinir la movilidad eléctrica. En 2025, lo estamos llevando al siguiente nivel con innovaciones revolucionarias que amplían los límites de los desplazamientos eléctricos sostenibles, elegantes y de alto rendimiento». En 2025, AIMA Technology tiene como objetivo superar las 600 ubicaciones de distribuidores independientes de bicicletas (IBD) en Estados Unidos y lanzar 6 nuevos productos. AIMA exporta a más de 50 países y ha desarrollado 11 bases de producción en todo el mundo, incluidas fábricas en el extranjero en Indonesia y Vietnam . Durante CES 2025, AIMA Technology Group ofrecerá una recepción a los medios el martes 7 de enero a las 10:30 AM (hora del Pacífico) para mostrar su nueva gama de productos. El 8 de enero a las 11:00 AM , AIMA desvelará en el expositor de CES el misterioso producto conceptual de edición limitada que redefine el futuro de la movilidad. Le invitamos a descubrir con nosotros esta revolucionaria innovación. Ubicación del expositor: Centro de Convenciones de Las Vegas , Pabellón Norte, expositor número 10947, donde se mostrarán nuestros últimos logros innovadores. Expositor de AIMA Technology: Centro de Convenciones de Las Vegas , Pabellón Norte, expositor número 10947. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2449955/AIMA_Technology_Logo.jpg

President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty” after President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life in prison. “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his long-standing advocacy for use of the death penalty , which was part of his tough-on-crime rhetoric during the 2024 campaign. After Biden’s commutation of most federal death row inmates – which Trump on Truth Social said “makes no sense” – there will be just three individuals in federal prison facing the death penalty when the president-elect takes office in January. Those three remaining cases are all individuals who committed mass shootings or terrorist attacks: Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018; Dylann Roof, a White nationalist who murdered nine people at a historically Black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of two brothers responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Biden’s clemency decisions cannot be reversed when Trump takes office, but the president-elect’s Justice Department could resume seeking the death penalty in future cases. Throughout his campaign, Trump’s advocacy for greater use of the death penalty was part of his hardline commitment to reducing violent crime and drug and human trafficking. In his speech launching his 2024 presidential campaign, he pledged to seek the death penalty for drug dealers. He said last year he would ask Congress to pass a law that “anyone caught trafficking children across our border” should receive the death penalty. During the final weeks of the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to push for the death penalty for any migrant who kills a US citizen or a law enforcement officer. There were mixed reactions to Biden’s commutations on Monday. While some families of those whose sentences were commuted expressed relief, some families of the victims were angry. The widow of Bryan Hurst, an Ohio police officer killed in 2005 by Daryl Lawrence, whose sentence was commuted on Monday, said in a statement provided to CNN affiliate WBNS that her family is disappointed by Biden’s decision. Lawrence “made a decision to choose violence. He knew the potential consequences and chose to murder regardless,” Marissa Gibson said in her statement. “All I can hope is that his nearly 20 years in prison has made him a changed man.” Executions by the US government were uncommon prior to Trump’s first term. Only three federal executions had occurred since 1988 before Trump’s then-Attorney General William Barr announced in 2019 the federal government would resume executions. In 2020, the final year of Trump’s first term, the federal government executed 10 individuals , the most executions by the federal government since 1896 and more than all 50 states combined that year. Outside of the federal system, there are over 2,000 people in the United States who were convicted in state courts and put on death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center . Biden has no power to stop those death sentences.Both Summerville teams turned in a Top 10 performance during the cross country state finals. Green Wave sophomore David Greer led the way for Summerville during the 5A, Division 1 Cross Country State Championship meet Nov. 21 in Newberry. Greer finished the Boys race with a 16:26 time to place ninth individually and help his team to a 10th place finish. This year’s title race featured more than 100 runners representing more than 15 teams. Dorman finished with 49 team points to claim the 5A, Division 1 Boys State Championship. Rounding out the Top 10 were Blythewood (120), Lexington (134), J.L. Mann (149), Wando (190), River Bluff (192), Spring Valley (194), James Island (213), Spartanburg (214) and Summerville (216). Green Wave junior Nick Alberti finished in 16:40 to place 17th individually and senior Ben Hamilton finished in 17:07 to place 35th. Others representing Summerville during the race were Willis Rogers (17:49), Jacob Bunao (18:05), Caleb Cinnamon (18:07) and Jacob Williams. Spring Valley junior Brendan Hitchcock (15:55) was the first runner across the finish line. Junior Cole Thomas (17:05) led Ashley Ridge, placing 37th to help the Swamp Foxes to a 13th place finish. Junior Kendall Wilcher (17:08) placed 37th. Others representing Ashley Ridge were Ayden Ray (17:36), Ryan Wallace (17:40), Tyler Pierce (17:59), Dominick Granato (18:24) and Jonta Richardson (19:35). Junior Taylor Blackwelder (20:19) led the Summerville Girls, placing 27th individually to help the Lady Green Wave to an eighth-place finish. Sophomore Kendall Griffith (20:51) placed 40th; senior Aubrey Gorin (20:55) placed 44th and junior Isabella Bradley (20:58) placed 48th. Others representing the Summerville Girls during the race were Kinley Brown (22:00), Ainsley Barbee (22:31) and Victoria Williams. Wando (54) won the race to capture the 5A, Division 1 Girls State Championship. Other teams placing in the Top 10 were James Island (56), Lexington (97), Mauldin (112), Dorman (150), River Bluff (213), Blythewood (217), Summerville (228), Clover (237) and Spartanburg (243). James Island senior Avery Belk (18:31) was the first to cross the finish line during the Girls race.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 24, 2024-- Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and Invest Saudi are organizing the 28th annual World Investment Conference (WIC) from November 25 to 27, in Riyadh. This prestigious event will gather global leaders in investment, government, and international organizations to address the theme, ‘Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities’. His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, commented: “Under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Salaman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, the Kingdom, driven by its ambitious “Vision 2030”, has become a premier world investment destination and is experiencing unprecedented growth in overall investment amounts and diversity.” “This year’s World Investment Conference in Riyadh will be a platform for sharing our nation’s strategic vision with our partners, and an invaluable opportunity to highlight our status as a trusted partner for sustainable economic growth. We look forward to welcoming investment leaders from around the world to forge partnerships that will benefit both the Kingdom and global economies.” Al-Falih added. Saudi Arabia has become a prime destination for international investors, issuing over 28,900 foreign investment licenses, thanks to reforms under Vision 2030. These reforms, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in specific sectors and streamlining business and visa procedures for rapid approvals, have significantly boosted investor confidence. This investor friendly climate, especially in sectors like renewable energy, logistics and AI, reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to creating an attractive and efficient business environment, and helps to build a resilient economy for Saudi Arabia that stands at the forefront of global innovation and development. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said: “WAIPA is excited to bring the 28th WIC to Riyadh, a city that perfectly embodies the future of investment. The conference will provide a crucial platform for Investment Promotion Agencies and investors to discuss emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape. We deeply appreciate Saudi Arabia’s vision and leadership, which will ensure that this edition of WIC is an impactful gathering for all participants.” Key highlights of WIC 2024 will include a range of conference tracks, such as high-level government dialogues, insightful sessions on technology, sustainability, and economic cooperation, as well as practical masterclasses for investment professionals. A dedicated entrepreneurship track will emphasize the transformative role of startups and innovators, while exclusive matchmaking sessions will facilitate strategic partnerships between investors, SMEs, and potential collaborators. Participants will also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Investment Promotion Agencies through the Awards Track, honoring innovation and excellence in investment facilitation. This year’s WIC promises to be a pivotal forum aligned with global investment drivers: the disruptive influence of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), global supply chain resilience, energy transition towards sustainability, and the transformative role of entrepreneurs and startups in reshaping investment landscapes traditionally led by multinational corporations. Leaders and stakeholders will discuss and explore how these factors are redefining economies and driving forward-looking investment models worldwide. With its focus on scaling investment opportunities, WIC 2024 is designed to empower attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to drive meaningful economic impact. About WIC: https://waipa.org/wic-info/ *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124564843/en/ CONTACT: For media inquiries: WIC28media@apcoworldwide.com KEYWORD: MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT SOURCE: World Investment Conference Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/24/2024 10:06 AM/DISC: 11/24/2024 10:06 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124564843/enNwaneri Is Really Special. –Ex-Man United Star

ATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.Ukraine’s president said the country had been targeted by nearly 500 drones in the past week as well as more than 20 missiles and complained that Russia was using the country as “a testing ground” for its munitions. Though Russia’s first ever use of the Oreshnik intermediate range ballistic missile on Dnipro on Thursday captured global attention, on Sunday Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the increased level of Shahed drone attacks. Fifty drones were shot down on Sunday night, out of 73, the Ukrainian president said. Over the previous week a total of 460 of the Iranian-designed drones were launched by Russia into Ukraine’s airspace, he added. “Ukraine is not a testing ground for weapons. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state. But Russia still continues its efforts to kill our people, spread fear and panic, and weaken us,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on Sunday morning. Ukraine says Russia has set up two factories to make the distinctive delta-winged Shahed 136 drones, called Geran-2 by Moscow, in Tatarstan, about 800 – miles from the border in Ukraine. Production amounts to “hundreds per week” said a government source in Kyiv. The drones are often fired into Ukraine as soon as they are ready, and while they remain easier to shoot down or neutralise compared to high-speed missiles, they tie up the country’s air defence and can cause serious damage with a 50kg warhead when they reach their targets. In October, 2,023 Shahed drones were launched into Ukraine, a record according to Kyiv’s military. Last week’s figures suggest the rate of attacks continues to be similar with attacks on Kyiv and major cities a near nightly feature, tiring out civilian populations woken up by air raid alerts. Russia is continually modifying the drones to try to make them more deadly. Earlier this month, Ukraine’s military posted a video of a thermobaric warhead, which creates a fire cloud of about 2,000C when detonated, and is considered particularly lethal if it explodes inside buildings. Efforts are also under way, Ukrainian military sources said, to implement artificial intelligence to try to create “drone swarms” whereby Shaheds communicate and coordinate attacks in such a way as to overwhelm air defences. However, it is unclear how effective this technology may be. Zelenskyy said “Ukraine needs more air defence systems” to help counter the aerial threats. “We are working with our partners to do so. It is crucial to strengthen the defence of our skies,” he added. Because Shahed 136 drones are relatively inexpensive, costing a few tens of thousands of dollars a time, it is not practical to use Patriot missiles to shoot them down as they cost about $4m (£3.2m) each. Instead, specialist Ukrainian forces often use truck mounted machine guns to knock them out with small arms fire. Ukrainian specialists are also trying to develop cheap first person view (FPV) drones, costing less than $1,000, that are capable of knocking out Shaheds, although the task is made difficult because the turbulent airflow caused by Shahed in flight significantly affects the piloting of a smaller FPV drone. The most serious attack this month took place a week ago, when 120 missiles and 90 drones were unleashed against Ukraine’s energy grid. Nationwide electricity rationing was introduced the next day, as Ukrainian officials tried to repair a grid that Greenpeace warned was at risk of catastrophic failure if the attacks continued. Hostilities escalated last week when first the US, followed by the UK and France, agreed to allow Atacms and Storm Shadow missiles to be used against targets inside Russia for the first time. That prompted Russia to respond by launching the Oreshnik missile at Ukraine, a nuclear-capable weapon, able to strike anywhere in Europe. The Oreshnik is not thought to have caused much damage, but its intention was demonstrative. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin , said on Friday that his country would use the missile again in “combat conditions” – while a day before he had said Moscow “had the right” to use it against countries who have supplied Ukraine with weapons. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, told the BBC on Sunday that Ukraine could fire French long-range missiles into Russia “in the logics of self-defence” and indicated that France was open to extending an invitation to Ukraine to join Nato. That, however, has been resisted by the outgoing president Joe Biden and is not thought likely to be supported by the incoming Donald Trump.Volkswagen is moving forward with plans to begin manufacturing a whole new class of vehicles under the Scout Motors brand. Scout was originally a sub-brand of International Harvester, with all the technological sophistication that name implies. The company started as a manufacturer of farming equipment and machinery, which means its products were tough and rugged but looked like they were created by people who designed tractors and combines for a living. That is not a knock on those original vehicles, whose market was not country club poseurs but farmers and people who needed vehicles that were as capable off road as on . There was a movement in the early ’60s toward such off-road capable machines. Ford brought the first Bronco to market and it was a tough as nails backwoods basher. Chevy countered with the original Blazer. They all were designed to counter the popularity of the Jeep and the thing they all had in common was four-wheel drive and a transfer case that allowed the driver to select between high-range and low-range operation. In low-range, the fairly modest four-cylinder engines were capable of ripping tree stumps out of the ground on demand. All of them were utilitarian in the extreme, with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats, and painted dashboards. After a hard day on the farm or out in the woods, you could wash the muck and mire out with a hose. They weren’t meant to be waxed, they were meant to work long hours with no complaints. That type of inherent ruggedness is what Volkswagen hopes to recapture with its new Scout-branded vehicles. The original plan was to make two models, a pickup truck and an SUV, both of which would be powered by batteries. But recently the company has announced it will also offer range-extender engines to calm the fears of those who worry about running out of battery charge without an EV charger — or an electrical outlet — nearby. Another part of the plan was to sell the new Scout vehicles directly to customers online the way Tesla does. That second part does not sit well with Volkswagen dealers in the US. In California, the dealers have hired legal counsel who have fired a warning shot across the bow of the parent company by sending a strongly worded cease and desist letter to the Volkswagen legal team. Cease and desist letters are how lawyers threaten each other’s clients without the expense and aggravation of actually filing suit. Autoblog reports that the California New Car Dealers Association claims the direct sales strategy violates a 2023 amendment to California’s State Vehicle Code which prevents automakers and their affiliates from bypassing their franchise dealerships. Here is the relevant part of that letter: Under Vehicle Code section 11713.3(o), automobile manufacturers and their affiliates are forbidden from competing with their own vehicle franchisees. Scout is an affiliate of VW under California law. Vehicle Code section 11713.3(z) defines ‘affiliate’ as “a person who directly oindirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under commonb control with, another person.” Since as early as 2022, VW has been directly band substantively involved in Scout’s development and revitalization of its vehicles, including VW’s investment of billions of dollars into a Scout production plant in South Carolina. The letter goes on to explain some of the background that preceded the passage of that section of the vehicle code by the California legislature: As background, Vehicle Code section 11713.3(o) was amended in 2023 by Assembly Bill 473 to prohibit automakers like VW from establishing affiliate brands to compete with dealers by directly selling vehicles. Scout was active throughout the legislative process, and the legislature adopted amendments in response to some of Scout’s arguments. On April 24, 2023, the California Assembly Committee on Transportation wrote: “Scout Motors is opposing [AB 473], arguing the anti-competition language in the bill ‘would serve to prohibit Scout Motors [...] from using newly appointed [independent] dealers, using existing independent dealers, or selling direct to California [residents.]’ To address this concern the author amended the bill to permit competition so long as the vehicle is being sold using new or existing franchisees to sell and service those vehicles. “[AB 473] would still prohibit Scout Motors or any new vehicle line from a manufacturer with a dealership network in California from being sold directly to bconsumers. Volkswagen, the parent company of Scout Motors, could sell Scout vehicles in the state if they sell them at any of their other vehicle line company’s bdealerships like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley or Lamborghini. Volkswagen Group could also create a new franchise network for Scout Motors if they want tonkeep a separate brand distinct from their other models. This provision would not affect Tesla, which does not have a dealership network to directly compete against. After the AB 473’s language was finalized, Mr. Sitron (Scout’s General Counsel) acknowledged that the law would prohibit Scout from selling Scout vehicles directly to California consumers: “AB 473, as amended, could effectively prohibit Scout Motors (or any other new to-the market manufacturer seeking to introduce new EV line-makes) from entering the California market. Under this language, a new-to-the-market manufacturer with new and innovative EVs would be statutorily banned from deciding its distribution model in California, potentially killing off any reasonable opportunity to operate in the state.” Scout Motors has argued that it operates independently from Volkswagen , a claim it says is central to its direct sales plan. The CNCDA disputes this, citing Volkswagen’s financial and operational involvement, including funding Scout’s new production facility in South Carolina. These connections, the association contends, make Scout an affiliate of Volkswagen rather than an independent startup like Tesla. A crucial difference may be that Tesla is grandfathered in the 2023 amendment to the California law whereas Scout Motors is not. In addition, Tesla had no existing vehicle manufacturing operation when it began selling electric cars. The piety of the new car dealers is questioned by Carscoops , which reports one Volkswagen dealer in the Golden State has slapped a $35,000 “market adjustment” on a Volkswagen ID. Buzz it has in stock. It’s hard to be sanctimonious when you are acting like a jerk in public. One of the reasons why Volkswagen wants to sell Scout vehicles directly to customers is because many people would prefer a root canal to arm wrestling with a dealer. That antipathy to the traditional dealer experience is why Hyundai has elected to begin selling its cars in selected markets through Amazon. Hyundai dealers are still part of the sales process, but the pricing is done online. That way, the usual haggling is eliminated, which will please many people but not those who think they can walk into a dealership every two or three years and do a better job of negotiating than those who do it for a living every day. Putting the legal shenanigans aside, we here at CleanTechnica intergalactic headquarters have to wonder how distinct the Scout vehicles will be. Are they being built on a new platform or on a version of the existing MEB platform or upcoming SSP platform? Will they use batteries that are materially different from what Volkswagen Group uses in its other electric models? And will they use different software than other cars from the group? If the answer to those questions is “no,” it is hard to see how Volkswagen can support its claim that Scout Motors is a “new to the market” manufacturer. There have already been hints that the new software partnership with Rivian could influence the design of the software package that will be incorporated into Scout vehicles. We don’t normally have good things to say about dealers, but it seems they have a legitimate complaint, at least in California. Dealers in other states are preparing to join the battle as well. Mike Stanton, the CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), has said his association is ready to challenge Scout “in courthouses and statehouses across the country.” He predicts that Scout’s plans to manage every aspect of the ownership experience through its app “will fail.” Daniel Crane, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School thinks dealer associations will pick states where they are the strongest to push back against the direct-to-consumer sales strategy. Scout vehicles will not even be for sale for several years. The factory is under construction and testing of prototypes has barely begun. Challenges to dealer franchise laws have been going on since Tesla first began selling the Model S online in 2012. Even Tesla has yet to win the right to sell directly to consumers in several states, including its home state of Texas. What Volkswagen is doing is a thumb in the eye to its US dealers, who have been clamoring for more models to sell — especially a pickup truck — for years. It has been thin times for Volkswagen dealers in America for several years, and right when the company has some exciting new models in the pipeline, it wants to cut its long-suffering dealers out of the loop. Is pushing for direct sales the right path for Scout Motors and Volkswagen or a poorly thought out strategy that is doomed to fail? We would love to hear what our readers have to say on that question. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email RedditEtiquette experts reveal the worst mistakes you can make when hosting holiday parties Here's how to avoid any potential holiday party hosting faux pas this season From forcing guests to take off their shoes to questioning their eating habits READ MORE: Etiquette expert details insulting gifts you should NEVER buy men By MARGARET ABRAMS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:14 GMT, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 22:15 GMT, 23 December 2024 e-mail View comments Entertaining over the holidays can be the perfect time to get friends and family together, but it can also feel like a minefield. The perfect host or hostess doesn't want to accidentally offend their guests, and it's possible to get into arguments or spark grudges while hosting a holiday event. To find out how to avoid any potential holiday party hosting faux pas, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts. From forcing guests to take off their shoes to running out of toilet paper, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make this holiday season. Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com, 'Hosts are responsible for making their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their homes.' 'If you cannot treat others with kindness or decency, you should forego trying to entertain,' Bethany suggested. Bethany, who founded The Charming Diplomat, an agency dedicated to elevating manners, style, and gracious living, told FEMAIL it's best to never assume your guests want to drink alcohol or eat all the food you have prepared. According to Bethany, who's based in Wisconsin , gracious hosts won't ever 'force alcohol on your guests, and always have a non-alcoholic alternative.' To find out how to avoid any potential holiday party hosting faux pas this season, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts From forcing guests to take off their shoes to plying them with alcohol, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make It's also never appropriate to publicly embarrass your guests if you notice they're not partaking in the food or drink or make them uncomfortable when it comes to their eating habits. READ MORE EXCLUSIVE Etiquette expert reveals the most offensive gifts you should NEVER buy for a woman 'If you notice your guest isn't eating or drinking what you have displayed, you can privately ask them if they need something,' Bethany said. 'Never draw attention to people's eating or drinking habits in front of others,' Bethany continued. UK certified etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva told FEMAIL that 'neglecting to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake that can leave guests feeling overlooked or uncomfortable.' 'As a host, it is your duty to ask for dietary restrictions but as a guest, you are also responsible for informing the host, in case he or she has forgotten to clarify,' Jamila explained. It's not just about what you say, hosts must also make sure to be prepared for any scenario. The ultimate host will make sure to keep the bathroom fully stocked, because running out toilet paper would be a worst case scenario. 'Always let your guests know where the bathroom is and ensure it is fully stocked with toilet paper and necessities,' Bethany said, explaining that it's best to keep all bathrooms in the house accessible in case of emergencies. 'Running out of essentials, from food and drinks to toilet paper, is easily avoidable,' Jamila agreed. Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com, 'Hosts are responsible for making their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their homes' Certified etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva revealed to FEMAIL that 'neglecting to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake' Jamila suggested overstocking the essentials, since it's 'better to have more of everything and you can always save it for a later day or occasion.' There are also certain topics you should avoid, according to Bethany, like 'past loves or relationships, especially if your guest has a new beau.' 'Parents and family members are often guilty of telling funny stories about past partners, and this is wildly inappropriate,' Bethany advised. Another no no is forcing guests to remove their shoes , because they might have mismatched socks or an old pedicure. If you live in a major urban area, it's best to provide clean socks or slippers as an alternative. 'Some people may have mismatched socks, no socks, or personal reasons for wanting to keep their shoes,' Bethany suggested, adding that it's best to 'have a backup to protect your house and your guest's ego.' The penultimate host will also remain calm throughout the evening, so guests feel equally at home. 'If you're stressed and frantic, guests will pick up on it,' Jamila warned. 'Do not leave anything to the last minute. This will make you feel stressed and you, as host, will not be able to enjoy the party.' Instead, it's best to prepare in advance for a stress-free and festive evening. Wisconsin Share or comment on this article: Etiquette experts reveal the worst mistakes you can make when hosting holiday parties e-mail Add comment