The right of first refusal in dealership buy-sells has helped minority dealers acquire stores, some their first, and is a tool many automakers say can help them manage their franchises. But others say an increased use of the tool can hurt factory-dealer relations, spook some would-be bidders and lead to lower dealership prices.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit Tesla subjected Black workers “to severe or pervasive racial harassment” and alleged Tesla unfairly retaliated against workers who complained.
FORT PIERCE — Florida’s high-speed passenger train service suffered the first fatality on its new extension to Orlando on Thursday when a pedestrian was struck in what appears to be a suicide, officials said.
Overall, it was Brightline’s 99th death since it began operations six years ago.
A northbound Brightline train headed to Orlando struck the 25-year-old man shortly before 9 a.m. near the Atlantic Coast city of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara said at a news conference. He said the man was homeless and appeared to have intentionally stepped in front of the train.
Brightline’s trains travel up to 79 mph in urban areas, 110 mph in less-populated regions and 125 mph (200 kph) through central Florida’s farmland. It is unknown how fast this train was traveling, Mascara said.
Brightline officials did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment.
Brightline opened its extension connecting Miami and Orlando on Friday, though the celebration was marred when a pedestrian was struck by one of the company’s trains carrying commuters from West Palm Beach to Miami.
Suppliers are urging the federal government to quickly provide aid to smaller parts makers that are in major financial trouble as the UAW strike enters its third week.
Only 10 percent of Tesla owners leave the brand for another EV. Top choices include Rivian, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The coming Cybertruck offers another reason to stay with Tesla, analysts say.