Source: Gov. DeSantis signs car dealership protection bill banning most direct-to-consumer auto sales
Summary
Florida passed a law banning most direct-to-consumer (DTC) vehicle sales, impacting Tesla, which sells products online and through retail locations. However, Tesla galleries are expected to remain open as the law permits the company to hold a franchise dealer licence for EVs if not otherwise prohibited under US law. Traditional manufacturers like GM, Ford, Honda and Toyota cannot access such franchises. HB 637 also stops manufacturers from reserving sale or lease of vehicles or setting vehicle prices. The law hopes to create dealer competition, which reportedly leads to better prices and services for consumers by acting as their advocate for warranty work and service. However, some economists suggest that states should relax rules on DTC sales to help consumers get lower prices.
Fact
💰 States should loosen restrictions on DTC vehicle sales if they want to help consumers achieve lower prices.
🚫 Florida’s law, HB 637 bans most direct-to-consumer vehicle sales.
🚗 Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are authorised to hold a franchise dealer licence for direct sales of EVs, providing they’re not different from other EVs already prohibited by US law.
🤝 The law prohibits manufacturers from reserving or incentivising vehicle sales, requiring dealers to set vehicle prices at rates manufacturers recommend and/or refusing dealers the supply of new vehicles.
🙋 A lobbyist for FADA said dealer competition will lead to better prices and services for consumers.
Summary
Agency is a communication and action framework that integrates AI agents, humans, and traditional computing systems in shared environments called “spaces”.
Facts
Source: Archaeologists find 3,000-year-old sword
Summary
Archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved bronze sword in Nördlingen, Bavaria, which dates back to the late 14th century BC. The sword was found in a grave containing the remains of a man, woman, and youth, alongside other rich bronze objects.
Fact