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Tesla has reported a sharp 40% decline in European sales, a slump that comes amidst controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk's vocal support for newly re-elected US President Donald Trump. The decline has sparked debates about the interplay of politics and consumer behaviour, as well as broader challenges within the electric vehicle (EV) market. In November 2024, Tesla sold 18,786 vehicles across the European Union, a stark drop from the 31,810 units sold during the same month in 2023. The year-to-date figures from January to November also show a 15% decline compared to the previous year. This downturn coincides with an overall 10% drop in EV sales across Europe, with major markets like France and Germany witnessing even steeper declines of 24% and 22%, respectively. Despite these trends, hybrid vehicles have gained ground, with sales rising by 18.5% and overtaking petrol cars in market share. While some have attributed Tesla's sales woes to backlash over Musk's political stance, analysts argue that other factors are also contributing. Felipe Munoz, an automotive analyst at Jato Dynamics, noted that new EU tariffs of 7% on Chinese-made cars, which include certain Tesla models, have dampened sales. He also highlighted the impact of last year's price cuts, which temporarily boosted Tesla's sales but created an unfavourable comparison for this year. Munoz stated, "Not all the cars sold by Tesla in Europe are Chinese-made, so tariffs alone aren't to blame. The demand for EVs is cooling, competition is intensifying, and Tesla's Model Y is ageing. A refreshed version is expected next year, and this could explain the current slump." Musk's endorsement of Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign has alienated some of Tesla's traditionally liberal customer base. His support included high-profile fundraising efforts and public appearances alongside Trump, followed by his appointment as one of the president-elect's leading advisers. This shift has led to visible discontent among Tesla owners, particularly in the US, where some have affixed stickers to their cars reading, "I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy" or "Anti-Elon Tesla Club." In Europe, the reaction has been similarly negative in some quarters. German pharmacy chain Rossman announced in August that it would stop purchasing Tesla vehicles for its corporate fleet. The company cited an "incompatibility" between Musk's political affiliations and Tesla's pro-environment ethos. Rossman's fleet includes 800 cars, of which around 30 are Teslas. Another challenge for Tesla lies in its ageing vehicle lineup. The Model Y, one of Tesla's flagship models, is awaiting a refresh, and consumers may be holding off on purchases until the updated version is released next year. Additionally, the competitive landscape for EVs has become more crowded, with traditional automakers and newer entrants offering increasingly compelling alternatives. Munoz believes Musk's foray into politics has had an impact but expects the effect to be temporary. He commented, "While Musk's political involvement has cost Tesla some sales, it's unlikely to be a long-term issue. The company's challenges are more about market dynamics and product lifecycle." Tesla's sales decline underscores a broader shift in the EV market. As initial enthusiasm for EVs wanes and competition intensifies, manufacturers face increasing pressure to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer preferences. For Tesla, this means addressing concerns over its ageing models, maintaining competitive pricing, and perhaps navigating the fallout of its CEO's political decisions. The coming year, with the anticipated release of refreshed Tesla models, will be pivotal in determining whether the company can regain its momentum in Europe.MSP law, clean water, govt jobs: Protests keep Pb on tenterhooksNowadays, your website is usually the first impression clients and customers have of your brand. But hiring a developer or managing expensive subscriptions can quickly eat into your budget. MaxiBlocks, a no-code WordPress website builder, changes the game by letting you design professional websites without technical skills or hefty monthly costs. You can get a lifetime subscription on sale for just $59 for a limited time. WordPress powers more than 43% of all websites globally, making it the most trusted platform for businesses of every size. MaxiBlocks takes full advantage of WordPress's flexibility with its drag-and-drop builder , giving you the tools to create sleek, responsive sites that look custom-made. 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By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes. 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New York, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeafFilter® Gutter Protection, a leading provider of gutter protection solutions in North America, has been recognized by Expert Consumers as one of the best gutter guard installation companies of 2024. This accolade highlights the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions that safeguard homes from gutter-related issues. Best Gutter Guard Installation Company LeafFilter Gutter Protection - offers a patented modular system that ensures superior debris repellence, water management, and long-term durability LeafFilter Gutter Protection: A Trusted Name in Home Safety As part of the Leaf HomeTM portfolio, LeafFilter Gutter Protection offers solutions designed to enhance both home safety and homeowner convenience. Leaf Home encompasses a range of brands, including Leaf Home Stairlift, Leaf Home Water Solutions, and Leaf Home Enhancements, which collectively provide products that improve lifestyles and help homeowners maintain independence. LeafFilter's reputation as the leading pro-installed gutter guard system is reinforced by positive reviews from customers, media outlets, and review platforms. The company has served over one million homeowners across North America, earning recognition for its exceptional customer service and innovative product design. LeafFilter's gutter guards are available in a variety of colors and come with a lifetime warranty. Its patented, three-piece system combines a micromesh interior with durable uPVC framing to maximize debris repellency and weather resilience. What Sets LeafFilter Apart LeafFilter Gutter Protection's advanced system ensures no holes, gaps, or large openings, effectively keeping out debris such as pine needles, shingle grit, and seed pods. Designed to work seamlessly with existing gutters, the system provides homeowners with a long-term solution to prevent clogs and related damage. The patented three-piece system integrates cutting-edge technology: Micromesh Screen: Constructed from surgical-grade stainless steel, the micromesh is resistant to rust and corrosion. With a 275-micron fine mesh, it prevents common gutter debris from entering the gutters. Durable uPVC Material: The uPVC frame ensures the system will not warp or deteriorate over time, offering long term durability. Built-In Pitch: Designed with an optimal angle, the system effectively sheds debris while allowing water to flow smoothly into the gutters. By combining innovation, reliability, and superior performance, LeafFilter Gutter Protection continues to set the standard for gutter guard solutions, earning its place among the best in the industry. For more information about LeafFilter Gutter Protection and its award-winning products, visit their official website . About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( press@expertconsumers.org ) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Can Trump save TikTok? Experts say its complicated
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The champions had descended into crisis after a run of seven games without a win – six of which were defeats and the other an embarrassing 3-3 draw after leading 3-0. Four of those losses had come in the Premier League, heavily damaging their chances of claiming a fifth successive title, but they appeared to turn the corner by sweeping Forest aside at the Etihad Stadium. “We needed it,” said City manager Guardiola. “The club, the players, everyone needed to win. “But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult. “We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid, but in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.” Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September after overcoming a pelvic injury, made a huge difference to a side that appeared rejuvenated. His powerful header was turned in by Bernardo Silva for the opening goal and the Belgian followed up with a powerful strike to make it 2-0. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it was a strong riposte to recent suggestions of a rift with Guardiola. “I’m so happy for him,” said Guardiola of De Bruyne’s telling contribution. “Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. “I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot, he’s worked and he’s back with his physicality. The minutes he played in Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.” Jeremy Doku wrapped up a pleasing win when he finished a rapid counter-attack just before the hour but there was still a downside for City with injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola said: “For Nathan it doesn’t look good and Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. We will see. “Phil (Foden) has bronchitis but when he doesn’t have fever he will be ready.” Despite City’s dominance, Forest did have some bright moments and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not downbeat. He said: “When you lose 3-0 and you say it was a good performance maybe people don’t understand, but I will not say that was a bad performance. “There are positive things for us in the game. Of course there are a lot of bad things, mistakes, but we had chances. “We didn’t achieve but I think we come out proud of ourselves because we tried. For sure, this game will allow us to grow.”
New Delhi: Christians should take an in-principle stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as it affects the rights of minorities as enshrined in the Constitution, MPs from the community are learnt to have told the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The CBCI, the apex body of Catholics in India, had called a meeting of all Christian MPs in Delhi on December 3. It was attended by around 20 MPs, most of them from opposition parties. Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) parliamentary party leader Derek O’Brien, Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose and Anto Antony, and CPI(M) MP John Brittas were among those who attended the meeting, while Union minister George Kurian joined the deliberations later, a source who was present at the meeting told PTI. CBCI president Archbishop Andrews chaired the meeting, which was held after decades. The CBCI, meanwhile, said in a statement that the meeting was an informal Christmas gathering. “The meeting, which took place on December 3, 2024, was called for informal sharing and discussion among Christian MPs from various political parties and the CBCI. The gathering concluded with a Christmas dinner, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and festive cheer,” it said. “The CBCI emphasises that this meeting was not a formal conference or a politically-motivated event, but rather an opportunity for Christian MPs to come together and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas,” it added. An MP who was present at the deliberations, however, questioned why an agenda was circulated if it was not a formal meeting. The meeting’s agenda included the role of Christian MPs in supporting and protecting the community and its rights, increasing attacks and threats against minorities, especially Christians, and the misuse of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to target Christian institutions. The source said a senior opposition MP suggested that the community leadership should also highlight “positive points, the important role being played by the community today” and “not just be only reactive to negative news”. A suggestion was made to convey to the government and people that three out of four students in Christian educational institutions are, in fact, from different communities. One MP said there is a need to put a stop to “photo ops” and stressed that the community leadership should take a stand to “call out those who are not protecting the Constitution”. Another MP who attended the meeting confirmed that multiple opposition MPs raised strong objections to certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, now under the consideration of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The Bill, among other things, seeks to change the composition of the Central Waqf Council and Waqf boards to include non-Muslim members. Another MP from Kerala told PTI that the issue of seats for Anglo Indians in the Lok Sabha and 10 state Assemblies being abolished was raised and the matter of cancellation of the FCRA licences of some Christian organisations in recent years was also brought up. “The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere but the MPs sharply criticised the church leadership’s handling of its relationship with the government since 2014. One MP even suggested that it was getting transactional,” a leader who took part in the deliberations told PTI. By the time Kurian, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, joined the meeting, most of the opposition MPs had spoken, the source said. Two Christian MPs of the BJP were absent. At least two MPs brought up the issue of the Lok Sabha poll results in the Thrissur constituency, where BJP’s Suresh Gopi emerged victorious, the source added."We call him Lucky Larry" - Why Dale Ellis wasn't impressed by Larry Bird's 1988 3-point shootout win
