The stnonline.com website was abuzz in 2024. Learn what news reports student transporters were most interested in and hear Tony and Ryan’s analysis on what the school bus industry can learn about safety and training from the tragic and noteworthy moments.
A Tesla Cybertruck reservation holder says the company put him in a tight situation.
He was allegedly told to either take delivery by December 30, or forfeit his $2,500 deposit.
It turns out that he agreed to these stipulations when he placed the reservation.
It turns out that getting your hands on a Tesla Cybertruck might be just as nerve-wracking as waiting for it in the first place. One hopeful owner is finding out the hard way that Tesla doesn’t play nice when it comes to deadlines or refunds. According to him, the company has given him a simple ultimatum this holiday season: take delivery now or kiss $2,500 and his spot in line goodbye. Happy holidays, right?
Despite his requests for a little breathing room, Tesla seems uninterested in bending its rules. And, based on the fine print, it’s hard to say he didn’t see this coming.
Right now, ordering a Cybertruck requires a $250 non-refundable order fee. That’s different from the deposit that a Facebook user put down by a factor of ten. He dropped $2,500 to configure a truck and on December 28 received word from Tesla that he had to accept delivery now or lose that money. “You have exceeded your final hold on your Cybertruck and have been assigned a truck that is on island readily available,” reads a message reportedly from Tesla service.
According to his own post on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners group on Facebook, he needs more time, which is what he allegedly told the company rep. They simply responded “Your order will be cancelled with your deposit forfeited.” Butcher pleaded that this didn’t seem fair and that he would like the deposit to go to a future purchase of a Cybertruck.
Based on the details provided and Tesla’s response, it seems clear that he agreed to these terms when placing his order. While he doesn’t explicitly clarify, all signs point to this being a confirmed order rather than a simple reservation—likely involving specific options or configurations. If that’s the case, does it mean Tesla is entirely in the right here, and the customer is in the wrong? It’s a tricky situation, but the fine print seems to be working in Tesla’s favor.
Interestingly this isn’t the only non-refundable part of the Cybertuck buying experience. At some point in mid-2025, the automaker plans to launch the battery range extender for the truck. In October, it increased the non-refundable deposit for the accessory from $500 to $2,000. Perhaps this is just a lesson to be careful about counting your eggs before they hatch.
Tesla China sells the Model Y light kit for $220, with installation included in the price.
The system links to the EV’s infotainment screen and allows customizable colors.
There’s no word on whether it will be offered in other markets, such as the US.
A decade ago, who could’ve guessed that carmakers would turn dimly-lit cabins into a battleground of LED excess? Yet here we are—ambient lighting is everywhere now. The popularity of these systems shows no signs of abating, and they can be found in everything from cheap hatchbacks to premium saloons and SUVs. To cash in on the demand for these systems, Tesla is offering an ambient light upgrade kit for the Model Y, though there’s a catch; it appears to be available only in China.
Perhaps unbeknownst to many Model Y owners in the US, examples of the electric SUV built and sold in China were updated last year to include a strip of configurable ambient lighting running across the dashboard. Now, Tesla is selling an ambient lighting kit for Model Ys assembled between January 22, 2022, and October 1, 2023, before the kit was included as standard.
There are plenty of universal aftermarket ambient lighting kits, but Tesla’s option is a little more extensive. Not only does it add an LED strip to the dashboard, but it also replaces the wooden dash insert in favor of a gray textile area. The kit syncs up to the car’s infotainment display and can be configured to display any imaginable color.
Tesla Model Y owners in China can order the ambient lighting kit for 1,599 yuan, or the equivalent of $220, and this includes installation fees. Something tells us that such an option, especially at this price tag, would have become hugely popular in the States.
For now, there’s no word on whether or not this kit will eventually be offered in the United States next year, but even if it’s not, the Model Y could get ambient lighting soon enough. As part of the Model 3’s mid-life facelift, Tesla designed a strip of ambient lighting across its dashboard and door panels. In all likelihood, the heavily-revised Model Y, currently known as the Juniper, will get a similar LED array at launch.
In the meantime, American owners will just have to admire the glow from afar or dig into the aftermarket scene for a DIY solution. Either way, the days of dark car interiors are well behind us. Whether that’s a step forward or just a new form of distraction is, of course, up for debate.
Drop Top Customs is working on a new Dodge Charger Daytona Convertible.
The model is slated to be introduced shortly, but initial pictures leave a lot to be desired.
The Challenger Convertible conversion package cost $23,999 but there’s no word on whether or not the Charger Daytona will be more expensive.
Dodge and Drop Top Customs partnered on Challenger convertibles in 2022 and the pair are joining forces once again. This time they’re working on a new convertible based on the electric Charger Daytona.
Drop Top Customs isn’t saying much at this point, but confirmed their design team is working with Dodge to create an “iconic convertible conversion” for the electric muscle car. The company went on to say the convertible will be unveiled around the same time as deliveries begin.
However, images are already on Facebook and they’re accompanied by a message saying it’s “about time to introduce the new Droptop Daytona!” As you can see, the resulting model is based on the two-door liftback and features a retractable black roof. While the images aren’t high quality, the soft top’s shape mimics the traditional hardtop but doesn’t look particularly good.
We’ll presumably learn more in the coming weeks, but the Challenger conversion cost $23,999 before shipping. This netted customers a power retractable roof with a heated rear window. The package also included fully operational quarter windows, a reinforced structure, and a slightly smaller trunk as roughly 20% of the original was taken over by the soft top mechanism.
It’s about time to introduce the New DroptopDaytona!
What do you think?
While plenty of questions remain, the Charger Daytona R/T starts at $59,595 and features a dual motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. Buyers will also find a 100.5 kWh battery that delivers 317 miles (510 km) of range.
Customers can also opt for the $73,190 Charger Daytona Scat Pack. It has 630 hp (470 kW / 637 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, which lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 3.3 seconds. Unfortunately, the range also plummets to 260 miles (418 km).
It was a packed year for School Transportation News magazine. Tony and Ryan review the top article in each monthly issue and what student transporters have to say about their operations and challenges.
PROS ›› Great value, premium cabin, blistering performance, stylish exterior CONS ›› Limited range, some small tech gremlins, could use stickier tires
While Brabus is best known as a premier aftermarket Mercedes-Benz tuner, it has also maintained a 50:50 joint venture with Daimler since 2001, channeling its expertise into customizing models from the Smart family. Brabus, the same brand responsible for turning AMG monsters into even bigger monsters, has now turned its attention to the Smart #3 that benefits from a raft of modifications.
It goes squarely against the class-leading Tesla Model Y Performance, but also rivals slightly more premium offerings like the BMW iX3 and Genesis GV60 Performance. It’s just landed in Australia and is being sold online and through Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide. Does it have the goods to be a serious player in this segment?
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2024 Smart #3 Brabus
› Starting Price:
AU$70,900 (~$45,200)
Excluding On-Road Costs
› Dimensions:
4,400 mm (173.2 in.) L
1,844 mm (72.5 in.) W
1,556 mm (61.2 in.) H
2,785 mm (109.6 in) Wheelbase
› Curb Weight:
1,910 kg (4,201 lbs)*
› Powertrain:
Dual electric motors
› Output:
422 hp (315 kW) / 543 Nm (400 lb-ft)
› 0-62 mph
3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h)*
› Transmission:
Single speed
› Efficiency
17.6 kWh/100 km*
› On Sale:
Now
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Competitive Pricing
On price, the #3 Brabus is a compelling option, something I’d never thought I’d say for a vehicle that’s half German. This flagship model starts at AU$70,900 (~$45,200), making it quite a bit pricier than the entry-level Smart #3 starting at AU$57,900 (~$36,900), and the mid-range Smart #3 Premium, which kicks off at AU$61,900 (~$39,500). However, when you look at the competition, the Brabus starts to make a lot of sense.
Locally, a Tesla Model Y Performance starts at AU$84,700 (~$54,000), and while it has a little bit more power, it’s not as quick as the Brabus. Other alternatives are significantly more expensive, including the entry-level BMW iX3 (AU$89,100 / $36,900) and the much more premium Genesis GV60 Performance, which starts at around AU$110,000 (~$70,000). A compelling alternative to the Brabus #3 that will launch shortly is the mechanically-related Zeekr X.
Both the Smart #3 and Zeekr share the same platform, as does the Volvo EX30, and the equivalent flagship X AWD will start at AU$64,900 (~$41,400). For now, however, the Brabus is hard to beat in terms of price and performance.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Smart Nailed The Quality
Smart has done a fine job of making the #3’s interior feel fitting of the price tag. It’s a lot more interesting than the bland cabin of the Model Y and is mostly covered in nice materials. Admittedly, there’s a little too much hard black plastic on the door panels, but the rest of the interior does have a German and premium feel to it.
Immediately catching the eye is the layout of the #3. The trio of circular air vents in the center of the dashboard are classic Mercedes-Benz and the central spine running from the dash to the center console is finished in plastic with a silver finish, aiming to imitate metal. It does a pretty good job, and hidden behind a flap under the air vents is a wireless phone charger and two USB ports. The cup holders are also hidden beneath a sliding cover.
Standing out is a 12.8-inch tablet-like infotainment system. It takes after Tesla and many Chinese cars, adopting an operating system more reminiscent of a smartphone than a normal car system. That means it’s filled with an array of different menus, display screens, and seemingly endless settings. I didn’t like it when I first got in, but after two days or so, I was won over. Less tech-savvy buyers may have a harder time, however.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The main display screen consists of a handful of widgets, including one shaped like the Earth for navigation, a media screen, details about driving consumption, weather, and your current driving mode. Scroll over, and you’re taken to an apps screen. Important vehicle settings are then accessed by pressing the vehicle button on the bottom right of the screen, while a strip of handy shortcuts house all the climate control settings.
Positioned below the screen are six shortcut buttons, although they don’t provide haptic feedback, which is a shame. The most important is positioned on the far left and includes quick settings to the lane assist, auto hold, electric parking brake, rear foglight, hill descent control, traction control, and a setting for the one-pedal driving mode, known as s-Pedal. You can also choose between three other regenerative braking settings and enable the ‘Rocket Launch’ control system on this screen. A separate shortcut is used to toggle between the driving modes. Both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
A Spacious And Well-Equipped Cabin
Positioned in front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with metal spokes and bathed in black leather and Alcantara. There’s also a narrow instrument display that shows important information like your speed, range, and multimedia. It’s not as good as a full instrument cluster, but it’s better than nothing (like in a Tesla). A large head-up display is also a nice feature you won’t find in a Model Y.
The front seats are electrically adjustable, offer plenty of adjustment, and have heated and cooled functions. They also have quite an intriguing shape and are wrapped in plush leather and Alcantara. As for the second row, legroom is good even for taller passengers. The headroom is adequate but not as good as a Model Y, although that’s hardly a surprise given the car’s slightly lower roofline. Other nice touches include metal speaker grilles and door handles – not something you’ll always find at this price point.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Other welcome features of the cabin include a decent 640-watt Beats audio system and a 360-degree camera. A highly configurable ambient lighting system, very similar to those of current Mercedes-Benz models, is also standard.
All Brabus #3 models also have a massive panoramic glass roof as standard. Unfortunately, Smart has taken a leaf from the Tesla playbook and has not provided a sunshade for this glass panel. While it’s well-tinted, heat still gets in, and it doesn’t completely block out the sun, which is annoying on hot summer days.
All of the climate control settings are housed within the screen. While they’re easy to access, the icons you have to press are a little too small, making it annoying while on the move. Settings for the seat heating and cooling are miniature.
Storage is adequate with a 370-liter (13 cubic-foot) boot or 1,160 liters (40.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a hidden cubby at the back for charging cables and a 15-liter (0.5 cubic-foot) frunk.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Great Performance, But Could Do With Stickier Tires
The Brabus #3 is a good drive but does have some peculiarities. All #3 models feature a 66 kWh lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery pack under the floor that drives a pair of electric motors. All up, the EV delivers a punchy 422 hp (315 kW) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds (the same as a Model Y Performance), according to Smart. We recorded a best time of 3.59 seconds with a GPS timer and the ‘Rocket Launch’ setting enabled.
In typical EV fashion, it fires off the line with impressive pace, having no struggle putting all of its power to the ground. When seeking the best performance, it’s a good idea to select either the Sport or Brabus driving modes, as they sharpen up the throttle response and unleash all the power. Eco and Comfort modes are also offered, which are better suited to everyday driving.
The steering feel is next to non-existent, although it does tighten up in the sportier of the four steering settings. Even still, it can be a little tough to feel what the front tires are up to. Speaking of the tires, they’re Continental EcoContact 6Qs at all four corners, measuring 245/40 R20. While they are quiet, they have been designed for economical driving and aren’t all that well-suited to the Brabus. Push the SUV hard into a corner, and the tires will start to slip and screech quite quickly. We’d prefer some slightly stickier tires to come standard.
The ride is good. Plenty of EVs are too stiff, but the #3 is comfortable and plush. It’s not quite as soft as a Model Y, however.
Lots Of ADAS – And A Few Foibles
Four different levels of regenerative braking are available, including a one-pedal mode known as s-Pedal. During my week with the Brabus, I predominantly drove it in s-Pedal mode, and it works just as advertised. If driven with the brake regen in the low, medium, or high settings, the feel through the brake pedal can be a little inconsistent. It seems like the car will subtly and quickly grab the brakes, then release them, and then grab them again, repeatedly, even if you keep consistent pressure on the pedal. It’s hard to pick, and most drivers probably won’t even notice, but it suggests some additional fine-tuning is needed to smooth out the transition from the brake regen to the friction brakes.
We also experienced a couple of small electronic issues. The car repeatedly displayed a warning saying the driver monitoring system was blocked, even though it wasn’t. Additionally, the one-pedal driving mode would sometimes work seamlessly in the Sport and Brabus driving models, while other times, it wouldn’t slow the EV to a stop. There’s also an annoying chime whenever you exceed the speed limit, and it has to be disabled each time you drive.
Plenty of driver-assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control and self-steering on highways. This system performed flawlessly on the highway during our week with the EV. During everyday driving, the lane-keeping assistant can be a little over-eager to provide steering corrections but can be easily disabled with two presses of the screen.
Verdict
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the driving experience offered by the Brabus #3. It’s just as quick as some more expensive rivals, is smooth and quiet on the daily grind, and looks very stylish.
A downside of the small 66 kWh pack is the limited range. Smart says it’ll do 415 km (258 miles) on a charge, but a figure of around 350-370 km (217-230 miles) is more accurate if driven sedately. We averaged 19.2 kWh/100 km during our time with it. If it had a bigger battery pack, nearer the 80 kWh mark to boost the range to 450 km – 500 km (280 – 311 miles), the Smart #3 Brabus might be the best option in this segment. As it stands, it’s an excellent buy for the money – just make sure you have a home charger.
The 2024 holiday season featured celebrations that included Stuff-the-Bus drives for local communities, appreciation events for transportation staff, and lots of decorated school buses. Click through the gallery of photos below.
The school bus transportation industry has long grappled with a persistent challenge: A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. Despite the critical role these professionals play in ensuring student safety and access to education, many school districts struggle to recruit and retain enough school bus drivers to meet demand not to mention other employees.
However, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, a new opportunity for outreach and recruitment has emerged. But this trend is not without its complications.
A New Era of Storytelling
Social media has transformed from a space for personal expression to a powerful marketing and engagement tool. TikTok, once synonymous with dance trends and lip-sync videos, is now a hub for creative content across industries. Businesses big and small use the platform for everything from showcasing products to building brands via influencers, other users who have amassed large followings. The school transportation industry is no exception.
School bus drivers have taken to TikTok to share their experiences, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a driver. Using hashtags like #schoolbusconversation, drivers showcase their passion for the job, hoping to inspire others to join the profession.
One standout influencer is Cor’Darius Jones, known by his handle Mr. Bus Driver. He has amassed over 61,000 followers to date on his TikTok channel by sharing engaging and informative content about school buses and driving them. (He is also on Instagram and Facebook.)
As an employee of Escambia County Schools, located on Florida’s panhandle and serving the Pensacola area, Jones has not only captured the hearts of viewers but also caught the attention of industry leaders, including IC Bus, which sponsors his content.
Jones’ videos extend beyond his daily routes. He attends trade shows, engages with industry professionals, and promotes the role of school bus drivers as an essential part of the education system. Notably, Jones will be speaking at the STN EXPO East near Charlotte, North Carolina, in March. He will join a panel discussion that will share insights on using social media as a recruitment and advocacy tool for the school transportation industry.
Jones said Escambia County Schools is aware of his social media work and has been supportive of the content.
“A lot of times my higher-ups give me ideas for a funny video to create,” he explained. “At first, I didn’t know how my district would take it, being that I was filming on the bus and making jokes about the job while still trying to make an informative message, but they started to follow and absolutely love the content. They look forward to every video I create.”
Jones said his journey into social media began during his second year as a school bus driver.
“I started the page going into my second year of driving and was giving everyone an inside look at what it’s like being a bus driver for different grade levels,” he recalled. “The post went viral on [Facebook], gaining over 500,000 views within the first week. People — parents, students, bus drivers, teachers, school staff, a ton of people — would message me to make more videos, and that’s what led to creating the Mr. Bus Driver page. I would just post day-to-day life. The most relatable part is that it’s very much true and has happened to me and a ton of other drivers.”
His partnership with IC Bus, the manufacturer of the vehicle he drives everyday, and collaboration with school district officials exemplifies how social media can be leveraged to address driver shortages by highlighting the job’s rewarding aspects, as well as the universal experiences that resonate with the broader community.
“When we came across Cor’Darius Jones, more widely known as Mr. Bus Driver, it was clear he was a champion of student safety and the driver community in his own right,” commented Christy Zukowski, the senior marketing manager for IC Bus. “Those who have seen Mr. Bus Driver’s videos on their social feeds know that his passion for his career as a driver is contagious. With his unique ability to educate, entertain and connect while spreading awareness of the importance of safety best practices, Mr. Bus Driver is an empowering voice in the industry and an admirable example of the dedicated drivers who keep us moving forward.”
Navigating the Challenges
While influencers like Jones have received district support and industry backing, not all school bus drivers receive the same level of oversight — or approval — for their social media activities. The integration of government property and social media monetization raises questions about ethics and compliance.
A transportation director from a school district in the western U.S. speaking anonymously to School Transportation News expressed concern over school bus drivers creating TikTok videos without the district’s knowledge.
Like many government agencies, the director noted, transportation staff does not have access to TikTok. “So, this was not something we were monitoring,” the director added. “There are issues with broadcasting on social media in uniform, using district equipment, acting as a spokesperson without authorization, and generating revenue while on paid status.”
The director revealed that one school bus driver had been filming TikTok videos while wearing a uniform with the school district logo visible despite an attempt to obscure it. This implied, the director explained, that the driver in question was officially representing the district without having prior permission to film content. Upon discovering the videos, transportation department management addressed the issue directly with the driver as well as others, instructing them to take down any content that might appear to represent the district.
“It’s important to ensure that employees don’t unintentionally present themselves as spokespersons for the district without authorization,” the director emphasized.
The challenges outlined in this scenario highlight a key tension: While these videos can inspire and educate, they also risk crossing professional and legal boundaries. School buses are government property, and filming content for personal or financial gain without explicit consent could violate district policies or government regulations. Moreover, the perception of using public resources for private profit can risk the reputations of school bus drivers and their school district or bus company employers. Clear communication and well-defined policies are essential to navigating these challenges.
STN reviewed dozens of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos posted by school bus drivers. Many of them made attempts, not all successful, to obstruct or blur any identifying district names or logos on uniforms. Videos included school bus drivers talking about their jobs and experiences while seated behind the wheel, performing pre-trip inspections, and even driving the vehicle with students on board. Any students were blurred out, and at least one post appeared to use interior school bus camera video footage.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Social media’s potential to promote the profession and recruit new drivers is undeniable. Videos showcasing the camaraderie, dedication and unique aspects of the job can counter misconceptions and attract individuals who otherwise might not have considered the role. Drivers like Cor’Darius “Mr. Bus Driver” Jones demonstrate that with proper support and guidance, social media can be a valuable tool for advocacy and outreach.
However, districts must address the potential pitfalls. Without clear policies and communication, drivers may unintentionally breach regulations or face disciplinary actions. Establishing guidelines around social media use, including seeking prior approval for content involving district equipment, could help strike a balance between creativity and compliance.
However, the future of TikTok, one of the most influential platforms for creators and businesses alike, remains uncertain. The app has faced ongoing legal battles and scrutiny, with federal and state governments questioning its data privacy practices and connections to its parent company, ByteDance, in China. These concerns have led to restrictions on TikTok’s use on government devices and recurring threats of a nationwide ban.
President-elect Donald Trump will take office a day after a Biden administration ban is set to take effect. While Trump previously sought to ban the app due to national security concerns, he now said he acknowledges the platform’s significance as a cultural and economic influencer. He has suggested the possibility of maintaining TikTok under stricter regulations to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and protect user data, offering a lifeline to a platform that continues to thrive amid legal and political uncertainty.
This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up the case on Jan. 10 and will not block TikTok while it considers the issue.
Regardless, district leaders and transportation directors generally lack access to TikTok today, making it difficult to monitor or even be aware of the content their drivers are creating. This limitation further complicates oversight and highlights the importance of proactive communication between drivers and their supervisors.
But without access to TikTok and other social media services, district leaders may miss opportunities to guide or support school bus drivers who are using the platform to share their experiences. Additionally, the inability to monitor content means districts are often unaware of potential compliance issues, such as filming during work hours, using district equipment, or presenting themselves as spokespersons without authorization. Addressing these gaps requires clear policies and training, ensuring drivers understand the boundaries of their creative freedom while still leveraging social media to inspire and educate.
To fully harness the benefits of social media while mitigating risks, collaboration between drivers, districts, and industry leaders is essential. Districts should consider the following steps:
Develop Clear Policies: Provide written guidelines on social media use, including what is permissible when using district property or uniforms.
Training and Communication: Offer training sessions on responsible social media practices, ensuring drivers understand the potential legal and ethical implications.
Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between drivers and district officials to align content creation with district goals and recruitment efforts.
The passion and creativity of school bus drivers have the potential to reshape perceptions of the profession and address critical driver shortages. By establishing clear boundaries and fostering open communication, districts can support drivers in sharing their stories while maintaining professionalism and integrity. Social media is a powerful tool, when used responsibly or not. It can bring much-needed attention to the essential work of school bus drivers and inspire the next generation to join their ranks.
Despite the controversies, TikTok and other social media sites remain powerful tools for promoting small and large businesses and enabling content creators to connect with audiences worldwide. For school bus drivers and other professionals, it has provided a unique avenue to inspire change and attract talent to under-appreciated roles. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future highlights the need for districts to remain vigilant, crafting adaptable policies to maximize its benefits while navigating potential risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In addition to being a frequent STN contributor, S.Z. Estavillo is a social media professional and consultant with over 90,000 followers across her various channels.
While Toyota may have thought it was clever when it came up with the name for the bZ4X EV, it hasn’t been particularly well received. As a result, a change is reportedly coming soon, according to the regional director for Toyota Canada in Quebec.
While recently speaking with members of Canada’s automotive media, Patrick Ryan revealed that the electric SUV is going to be rebranded. He did not say when, but it could be for the 2026 model year as the 2025 model has already been presented and keeps the bZ4X name.
The current name stands for ‘Beyond Zero’, the ‘4’ represents its size, and the ‘X’ references it being a crossover, notes Motor Illustrated. While it kind of makes sense, the name doesn’t roll off the tongue particularly well, and it just sounds a little bit silly.
We get it, car manufacturers love using alphanumerical names for their cars nowadays. However, they’re often hard to remember and simply don’t stand out like those with real names. Heck, even the Subaru twin to the bZ4X has a real name and is dubbed the Solterra.
Ryan did not say if the name change will only be regional or if it is something that Toyota plans to change globally, although the latter would seem a little more logical. Except for the RAV4, all of Toyota’s current models in the US have real names, rather than random numbers and letters that have been jumbled together. Hopefully, Toyota will be able to come up with a proper name for its electric crossover and we won’t have to wait too long to hear it.
For the small businesses supporting school transportation, the Corporate Transparency Act may be more than a speed bump in 2025.
In hopes of preventing criminals from hiding illegal acts through corporate anonymity, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in 2021, sandwiched into a larger 1,482-page defense bill. The law initially took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, requiring companies to disclose stakeholder information to the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1, 2025.
In an order that called the law outright Orwellian, however, a federal judge on Dec. 3 granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced — a decision that U.S. attorneys quickly appealed, putting the fate of the act in legal limbo.
If the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the lower court’s decision, the Corporate Transparency Act will become a thing of the past. But if the appeals court overturns the injunction, businesses may have to file the required benefit ownership report very quickly.
While the federal judge in Texas granted an injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced, a federal judge in Oregon denied a similar request in September, which will be reviewed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Parties often ask the U.S. Supreme court to review split decisions among appeals court, but since the high court holds arguments for less than 1 percent of the cases submitted, it is impossible to know whether it will step in.
In the meantime, small businesses should keep the law on their radar. If it is revived, failure to report required information could result in $591 fines per day of violation as well as up to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in penalties.
“In a limbo like this the best practice is to be ready to file,” said Megan Henderson, an attorney at the Longmont, Colorado firm Lyons and Gaddis.
Specializing in real estate and business transactions, Henderson said she spent much of the past year advising clients on becoming compliant under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Most businesses that filed paperwork with their state to become incorporated would be required to disclose their beneficial owners with the federal government, but exemptions abound. One big carve out is for larger companies generating more than $5 million in gross receipts annually. The umbrella of “beneficial owners” might be broader than some people think and covering not just owners but indispensable managers as well.
FinCEN published a brief guide to help businesses navigate the requirements. While neither a lawyer nor an accountant is required to file the paperwork, the process can seem daunting, especially for mom and pop establishments with limited time and resources.
“It’s going to impact the contractors that service the school districts,” said Chris Wojciechowski, an accountant at the Bonadio Group in Rochester, New York.
Wojciechowski said the regulation is more burdensome to small businesses with fewer resources.
“There’s such a tight timeline regarding compliance,” he continued. “So how is our businesses going to deal with this? They’re going to have to be nimble and be on top of the transition if they turn the law back on.”
Even if the Corporate Transparency Act is ultimately defeated in the courts, businesses should still be on the lookout for similar legislation at the state level. One of the first copycat laws comes from New York lawmakers, requiring companies to report ownership by Jan. 1, 2026.
“It’s tricky because every state has their own regulations. I’ve seen companies who operate in one state come to another state and get slapped pretty hard with fines because they did not dig deep into the state regulations for school buses in that state,” said Mark Szyperski, president of On Your Mark Transportation, a consultancy firm based in Nashville, Tennessee.
For Szyperski, who grew up on the seat of his father’s Greyhound bus between Bay City and Detroit, Michigan, transportation is a family business.
Upon entering a new state, Szyperski said he often arranges to speak with the state’s school bus administrator to go over the basics. To be ready for the court’s outcome on the Corporate Transparency Act, he set up a Google alert and included news of the injunction in his newsletter.
“People need to be aware that [the injunction] could be overturned and then you best be getting ready to put the information into the system,” he said.
The Proton e.MAS 7 has debuted in Malaysia as the automaker’s first electric vehicle.
This SUV is a rebadged Geely Galaxy E5, equipped with a 215-hp front-mounted motor.
The compact e.MAS 7 offers 410 km range, competitive pricing, and stylish color options.
Malaysia’s Proton has just unveiled its first-ever EV, the e.MAS 7, an SUV that wants to stand out but doesn’t quite stick the landing. Beneath its Porsche styling cues and ambitious marketing, the e.MAS 7 is, at its core, a rebadged Geely Galaxy E5. It’s a straightforward exercise in badge engineering that doesn’t break new ground but does manage to look modern.
Let’s start with the basics. The Proton e.MAS 7 is a compact SUV that stretches 4,615 mm long (that’s 181.7 inches if you’re too cool for the metric system) and boasts a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.3 inches). If you’ve seen the Geely Galaxy, congratulations, you’ve already seen the e.MAS 7. The only visible differences are a Proton badge slapped onto the hood and the glaring absence of the Geely’s illuminated grille. Proton’s big EV debut is essentially the automotive equivalent of putting a new logo on a Word doc template and calling it “custom design.”
Porsche Vibes, but Make It Discount
The e.MAS 7and Galaxy twins borrow some pretty obvious Porsche styling cues. The full-width LED taillights? Yep, straight off a Cayenne. The greenhouse and surface sculpting? Also Cayenne-ish. The paint? Oh, you mean “Quartz Rose,” which just happens to look suspiciously like Porsche Macan EV’s Provence debut color? Totally a coincidence, we’re sure.
Proton also offers four other shades, including Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, and Lithium White, with an Indigo Blue interior, in case you’re into low-budget luxury cosplay.
Of course, the Geely Galaxy E5 and Proton e.MAS 7 aren’t the only Chinese-derived EVs borrowing heavily from Porsche’s design playbook. The taillights on the BYD Han sedan and Song L crossover look blatantly inspired by the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne Coupe, just like Geely’s own Galaxy E8 sedan.
Powertrain and Batteries
Back to Proton, the e.MAS 7 shares its underpinnings and specifications with its Geely twin. It rides on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) and packs a single front-mounted electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It’ll hit 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds, which is decent, making it the quickest Proton yet, but still firmly in “That’s fine, I guess” territory.
There are two options for the battery pack with a capacity of 49.52 kWh or 60.22 kWh, allowing WLTP ranges of 345 km (214 miles) or 410 km (255 miles) respectively. As reported by Paultan, Proton claims that the battery retains a health status of 90.5% after 921 complete cycles, which is the equivalent of 400,000 km (~250,000 miles)
Here’s where Proton is banking on the e.MAS 7 standing out—its price tag. The EV starts at RM109,800 ($24,400) and tops out at RM123,800 ($27,500). That’s significantly cheaper than its main rival, the BYD Atto 3, which starts at RM149,800 ($33,259), and is currently the best-selling EV in Malaysia.
Military vehicle manufacturers have already invested in EVs.
The incoming President may scrap a mandate for government fleets to only include EVs by 2027.
Donald Trump is due to return to the Oval Office next month, and his transition team is already planning numerous changes that will broadly impact the entire automotive industry. As we recently revealed, fuel efficiency standards could be rolled back significantly, EV incentives scrapped, and the federal government and U.S. military could be blocked from purchasing more EVs.
As it stands, the US government must purchase more EVs while replacing its old, gas-guzzling vehicles. Additionally, the government’s fleet of light-duty vehicles must all be zero-emissions cars by 2027. However, Trump is tipped to scrap this mandate. Additionally, he is expected to end Department of Defense (DOD) programs aimed at purchasing or developing electric military vehicles.
Several battery-electric or electrically-assisted military vehicles have been developed recently. For example, in mid-2023, GM Defense unveiled a Hummer EV-based military concept vehicle called the eMCV. It featured the same 212 kWh battery pack as the road-going Hummer but added a 12 kW diesel-powered generator to help charge the battery.
In October this year, GM Defense also launched its new ‘Next Gen’ tactical vehicle based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2, fitted with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine supplemented by a pair of electric motors. An electric version of GM’s nine-passenger Infantry Squad Vehicle is also being developed. The DOD also currently wants its entire fleet of non-tactical vehicles to transition to EVs by 2035.
Broad industry changes
Documents from the incoming Trump administration reveal a proposal to shift back to fuel economy standards from 2019. This could boost the average allowable emissions per vehicle mile by 25%. Trump is also said to have California in his crosshairs and may move to block the state from setting its own stricter vehicle emissions standards. If he does this, the 17 other states that use California’s standards may have to fall in line with the rest of the country.
Electric vehicles are also facing a shaky future. Trump is widely expected to eradicate the $7,500 EV tax credit, likely triggering a decrease in new EV sales across the country. Reuters also understands the administration wants to pull any leftover funds from Biden’s $7.5 billion pledge to establish a sweeping network of EV charging stations nationwide. Interestingly, Trump may scratch the environmental reviews required for things like charging stations, meaning it could be quicker for private companies to open new stations.
The new Dodge Charger isn’t available with a V8 engine.
Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is reportedly to blame for that.
While he’s gone, it sounds like the V8 still won’t return to the Charger.
The Hemi is barely alive over at Stellantis and reports say that Carlos Tavares killed it. Whether or not that’s true, it’s clear that Dodge understands that buyers want a gas-only option. That is why the production of the gas-powered Charger is ahead of schedule. A new report says that even with all the various factors at work, the new Charger isn’t going to end up with a Hemi V8 anytime soon.
As a reminder, those who claim to be familiar with the matter say that now-former CEO Tavares axed the Hemi so that Dodge and Ram could be “greener.” However, he left the company earlier this month. Now, despite some less-than-spectacular reviews of the new Charger Daytona, at least one report indicates that it won’t get a V8.
According to Jalopnik’s Andy Kalmowitz, engineers at Dodge say there are two main problems. First, the Hemi V8 won’t even fit under the hood of the new Charger. While I’m personally all for Dodge selling a Charger with a V8 literally sticking up out of the hood itself, that probably doesn’t meet safety standards.
Evidently, the engineers claim that shoehorning a V8 into the Charger would require moving the cradle and the firewall. That’s unlikely to happen simply based on the cost of re-engineering such pivotal parts. Dodge would have to run new crash tests too on top of everything.
In addition, the engineers claim that going back to the V8 would “fly in the face of what they were trying to accomplish with the car.” To be very clear, the goal was to build the next generation of muscle cars for the modern world. Did Dodge pull that off? The reviews are mixed and there’s still no indication of exactly how customers will adopt the car. In any case, a Stellantis spokesperson responded to the report with the following statement:
“Dodge is focused on launching the all-new, all-new electric Dodge Charger Daytona models, as well as the Dodge Charger SIXPACK ICE-option models coming next year. We have nothing additional to share in regard to potential future products.”
Granted, this neither confirms nor refutes the original report, although, given the engineering hurdles, it’s unlikely that the new Charger will be available with a V8 in the future. At least, for now, the Hemi lives on in cars like the Jeep Wrangler 392 and the Durango that we drove recently, as well as in heavy-duty Ram trucks. Nevertheless, if you insist on having it in a muscle car, there are still plenty V8 Chargers and Challengers sitting at dealers’ lots.
A camouflaged prototype suggests that BYD is working on a new electric sports car.
The EV looks like the production version of the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 concept.
The electric coupe is set to debut under the Denza brand at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April.
Update 12/19: New photos of the camouflaged prototype have surfaced online, showcasing its muscular stance, haphazard camouflage, and unfinished bodywork from various angles. Check them out below.
Remember when Chinese automakers were known for making knockoff versions of Western cars with all the structural integrity of a soda can? Well, those days are officially dead. BYD, the company that’s already entered the world of supercars with the YangWang U9 capable of jumping (literally) and doing zero-to-sixty in sub-two seconds has now decided to give the world one more reason to side-eye Stuttgart: a Denza-branded electric sports car rumored to launch in 2025.
The teaser comes in the form of a camouflaged prototype that was spotted in China on a flatbed truck. The blurry Weibo snapshot shows a coupe with classic sports car proportions but missing vital bits like the headlights and rear bumper, which either weren’t ready or BYD decided to keep them a surprise. Think of it as a sneak peek at your dream car before it puts its pants on.
A BYD Sports Car? Blame Wolfgang Egger
Now, if you’re wondering who’s responsible for BYD’s glow-up from “budget EVs” to “supercar contender,” point your finger squarely at Wolfgang Egger. This is the guy who’s worked at Audi, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and basically every design studio with a leather couch and espresso machine.
Egger reportedly put his stamp on the concept car that inspired this prototype: the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9, a two-door coupe unveiled in April 2024. Think of it as the sports car you’d design if you had a portfolio full of Italian exotics and a mandate to beat Tesla. And yes, BYD seriously needs to rethink its naming strategy, as “Fang Cheng Bao Super 9” sounds less like a sports car and more like the combo platter you regret ordering at 3 am.
Of course, BYD isn’t stopping at just one version. Rumor has it a roadster variant is also on the way, that’ll look more similar to the speedster concept.
BYD didn’t reveal much in the way of technical details during the concept’s presentation, aside from confirming its fully electric nature. However, Car News China speculates that the production version could borrow the tri-motor powertrain from the Denza Z9. With a combined output of 952 hp (710 kW / 965 PS), this setup promises some seriously impressive performance.
Europe, You’re Next
What makes things more interesting is that the Denza-badged sports car won’t be exclusively available in China, as it could also be offered in Europe. Denza will make its debut in the Old Continent with the Z9 GT in 2025, and the electric sports car sounds like a great option for expanding its lineup.
The EV is expected to debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April, exactly one year after the concept. As reported by local media Autohome, pricing could start from around ¥300,000 (equal to around $41,200) in China, making it significantly more affordable than any variant of the Porsche 911 despite offering high levels of performance.
Industry expert, NAPT Hall of Famer, TSD Tenured Faculty Member, and consultant Linda Bluth, Ed.D joins us for the first time on the podcast to share insights on students with special needs. She addresses the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), departmental collaboration, aides, alternative transportation, substitute drivers, training and more.
New Zonar CEO Charles Kriete discusses the technology provider’s combination with GPS Trackit, as well as efficiencies and innovations planned for the future.
The deadline passed for Lion Electric Company to repay loans needed to overcome hundreds of millions in debt, but the school bus manufacturer is not heading into bankruptcy, a company spokesperson said.
The statement made to School Transportation News on Tuesday came amid a Lion press release earlier in the day that highlighted use of the Companies Credit Arrangement Act (CCAA), a Canadian federal law dating back to 1933 that allows insolvent companies to avoid liquidation. This occurs through court-directed compromise or arrangement made by a debtor company and its secured creditors.
Lion on Wednesday formally applied for CCAA protection. It also said it will seek recognition of the CCAA process under chapter 15 of the U.S. bankruptcy code.
In the press release on Tuesday, Lion said it “is currently in discussions with its senior lenders to obtain additional funds pursuant to a new debtor-in-possession credit facility and expects to seek creditor protection” under the CCAA as it seeks to restructure its business and financial affairs. Lion added it pursues a formal sales and investment solicitation process for the company’s business or assets.
The Lion spokesperson referred to the CCAA proceedings as a “stable and structured environment” for various restructuring measures under a Revolving Credit Agreement with two lenders represented by the National Bank of Canada and a loan agreement with Finalta Capital Fund that expired on Monday. No timeline was given for when the CCAA agreements will be finalized.
On Dec. 1, Lion announced the latest of four amendments to the Revloving Credit Agreement and an extension of the Finalta Capital loan agreement, a halt to all production at its manufacturing plant in Joliet, Illinois, and the laying off an additional 400 workers on top of the 120 employees laid off in April. The company has trimmed its workforce from nearly 1,300 employees to about 300.
A separate SEC filing that same day announced the Nicolas Brunet resigned as president.
Four days later, Lion said it reached an agreement to sell its Quebec innovation center for $35 million U.S. The company noted in its third-quarter financial results total liabilities of $500 million and a net loss of nearly $75 million as of Sept. 30.
The yellow school bus might be the most iconic way for students to get to school but the industry is also increasingly utilizing alternative vehicles in circumstances where a traditional school bus may not be able or be the best option to accommodate the route or students.
“While it is always preferable that children ride on yellow school buses there are some areas and instances where this may not be possible,” reads a statement paper the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) released earlier this year and ahead of the National Congress on School Transportation in May. “In such situations, it is crucial that children are transported in the safest possible vehicles and driven by qualified, trained, and well-regulated drivers.”
The NAPT paper outlines the current emerging trend of alternative transportation and the association’s recommendations to student transporters who are using vehicles other than the school bus. It notes the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers is a contributing factor to the increase of use of alternative vehicles.
“As this trend has increased, NAPT believes it is important to clarify appropriate and necessary steps to ensure the safety of our school children when such services are utilized by school districts,” the statement says.
It comes as no surprise that safety is the top priority and consideration, which NAPT says includes driver qualifications, vehicle integrity and safety features. The statement recognizes that alternative transportation service providers have taken the initiative to set safety standards and that the NAPT has worked directly with some of these providers.
“Our purpose and interest is to create clearer and nationally applicable standards that can be employed by school districts to make appropriate decisions to meet their needs,” emphasizes the statement. “We intend to involve the alternate provider community in our efforts as partners and collaborators.”
School Transportation News discussed the statement with Peter Mannella, who is NAPT’s public policy and communications liaison. Mannella recently spoke at the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference in November, leading a panel discussion on alternative transportation services for students with special needs. He mentioned the statement and pointed attendees to it on the NAPT website. He also said the NAPT took no position in publishing the paper.
Instead, he told STN that NAPT intentionally did not set standards but chose “to identify those elements or factors for which school districts should have standards, especially in the absence of national standards or even consistent state-level standards. Clearly, standard setting rests with federal and/or state agencies with input from professional associations like NAPT and our partners.”
During the Nov. 11 TSD Conference panel discussion, Mannella noted that the industry recognizes that alternative transportation can be a good thing “but it would be better if we could shape it differently, if we could put some restrictions or regulations or requirements around it to help us be sure we’re doing the right thing.
The NAPT statement lists what it describes as “clear and reasonable criteria” to help districts ensure that the alternative transportation service providers are not only able to meet the transportation needs of the students but that they are meeting the same or similar safety standards that are required of the yellow school bus and its drivers.
“We are seeing diverse approaches to these services including entry into the market of major private school bus contractors, parental arrangements and more,” Mannella said, which he added also emphasizes the need for consistent federal and state regulations.
He also advised districts to involve legal departments and insurance providers to make sure liability considerations are addressed.
“These arrangements are legal and financial transactions and need to be handled and managed accordingly,” he said. “It is incumbent on a school district to take reasonable care and precautions in ensuring the safety of their students and to not compromise on safety in those relationships, and that of necessity applies to alternate transportation providers.”
NAPT said alternative transportation providers should ensure that all their drivers have a current license appropriate to the vehicle they are using and have systems in place to require drivers undergo criminal background checks and random drug and alcohol testing. Training is also crucial, including training for emergency situations, loading and unloading, student behavior management, bullying and bullying prevention. Transporting students with special needs will also require drivers to be aware of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) requirements and provisions that need to be made.
The statement continues that vehicle safety requirements should include “adequate signage to ensure that the public is aware that the vehicle is transporting children, and that caution is needed.” There should also be frequent maintenance inspections to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe, in accordance with state requirements.
NAPT also lists evacuation training protocol, enforcement of vehicle capacity, and ensuring that safety equipment outlined in the IEP is onboard, which can include child restraint safety systems, capacity to secure wheelchairs or medical equipment, as factors that should be present.
“The board and our CEO/Executive Director [Molly McGee Hewitt] have determined that it is important for NAPT to offer members resources to help them in the performance of their duties for their schools and the children they serve. We believe this statement sets the table for further conversations and advocacy,” Mannella added
NAPT concludes the papers aying that it will continue to collaborate with state associations, business partners, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and the National School Transportation Association to continue the discussion, moving towards consistent, safety-centered federal/ state guidelines and legislations regarding alternative transportation.
The new-gen 2026 Mercedes CLA has been spied wearing less camouflage than ever before.
The four-door coupe adopts a streamlined design, but sports an awkward greenhouse.
It will be offered with hybrid and electric powertrains as well as front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive.
Update 12/27: As the debut of the next-generation CLA approaches, Mercedes seems less concerned with concealing the fastback sedan. Our spies have spotted what is believed to be the EV version undergoing testing in Germany. According to Mercedes-Benz, the ICE and electric variants will look nearly identical, with only minor differences, such as tailpipes (likely hidden under the bumper in non-AMG models anyway) and unique grille trims.
SH Proshots
The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past 22 months, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin. While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.
The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.
At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.
The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).
Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.
We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.
If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.
Ryan and Tony analyze headlines including Lion Electric’s reduction of electric school bus manufacturing, technology provider Zonar’s acquisition by GPS Trackit, and what such developments mean for the industry.
T.J. Reed, the new president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, joins us to discuss his vision for the company and exciting future innovations.
Join us at STN EXPO Charlotte for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Thomas Built Buses C2 Plant in High Point, N.C. Learn more at stnexpo.com/east.
Author and speaker Scott Welle will be appearing at the 2025 STN EXPO East conference to help attendees raise their performance to the next level.
Working in the student transportation field brings unique challenges and can sometimes feel like a thankless job. Welle will inspire STN EXPO attendees to challenge the limiting beliefs that could be holding them back from reaching their highest performance potential. He will outline the power in pursuing the person you need to become versus only focusing on job roles. Attendees will receive strategies that high performing individuals use to handle pressure and thrive in unpredictable situations.
Welle will give an exclusive keynote during the Transportation Director’s Summit on Saturday, March 22 at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest. “ELEVATE: How Exceptional Leaders Inspire Peak Performance” will share how to implement successful leadership practices. His keynote session, “Outperform the Norm,” sponsored by Thomas Built Buses, is on Monday, March 24 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord and will be open to all main conference attendees.
Welle’s background in motivating individuals from professional athletes and CEOs to any person looking to improve spans over 15 years. His master’s degree in sports psychology paired with his commitment to pushing physical limits through completing 30 marathons and five Ironman triathlons shows Welle’s dedication to not only teaching but modeling personal and professional excellence. Welle is the author of the “Outperform the Norm” book series, founder of the Outperform podcast, and has his own Youtube channel.
Save $200 on conference registration with Super Early Bird registration by Dec. 20. Stay tuned for updates on the conference agenda, exhibitor lists, hotel information and registration at stnexpo.com/east.