Business briefs, April 5, 2016

MANATEE -- Retail gasoline prices in the Bradenton-Sarasota area have not moved in the past week, averaging $2.03 Monday morning, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 308 area gas outlets.

This compares with the national average that increased 2.1 cents per gallon last week to $2.06 a gallon, according to the gasoline price website.

Local prices Sunday were 48.1 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 22.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 24.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 33.6 cents per gallon lower than this day a year ago.

Statewide, prices averaged $2.06 a gallon, showing no change from a week ago.

Gas prices are expected to remain relatively low compared to recent years, though average prices could rise another 25 cents per gallon by Memorial Day.

"High demand and season maintenance should keep upward pressure on gas prices through Memorial Day," said Josh Carrasco, spokesman, AAA -- The Auto Club Group. "Even though gas prices currently remain volatile, drivers are saving $4 to $9 every time they fill up their tanks compared to last year."

Mastro Subaru donates to Southeastern Guide Dogs

PALMETTO -- Mastro Subaru has donated more than $27,000 to Southeastern Guide Dogs as the recipient for Mastro Subaru's 2015 "Share the Love" charitable campaign.

During the "Share the Love" program from the end of November through the beginning of January, Subaru of America donated $250 to Southeastern Guide Dogs for every car sold. The Mastro family matched the amount raised, bringing the total to $27,481.69. The Mastros have also sponsored a puppy named Mastro, and Subaru of America a puppy named Subie. The yellow Lab males are brothers and both are enrolled in harness training on the Southeastern Guide Dog campus.

"It is rewarding to know that our contributions and efforts go toward such a great cause," said Stephen Mastro of Mastro Subaru. "We are excited to again select Southeastern Guide Dogs for our 2016 "Share the Love" campaign for both our Tampa and Orlando area dealerships."

Orders for Tesla Model 3 already hit 276,000

DETROIT -- Worldwide orders for the new lower-priced Tesla electric car hit 276,000 over the weekend, surprising even the company's CEO, who says it may force Tesla to open another factory.

CEO Elon Musk posted the number Sunday on his Twitter feed and said if the trend continues, Model 3 orders could hit 500,000 and would require another factory in Europe to meet demand. Tesla also hopes to avoid the production delays it has had with other vehicles. The company said Monday that its deliveries were hampered in the first quarter by a parts shortage, due in part to it adding "far too much" new technology to the Model X in its first version. The company said it is addressing the "root causes" of the shortages to ensure these mistakes are not repeated with the Model 3 launch, which is expected in late 2017.

Customers must put down $1,000 each to order the cars, which start at $35,000 and have a range of 215 miles per charge.

The Palo Alto, Calif., company started taking orders early Thursday, shortly before Musk unveiled the car in Los Angeles.

At 276,000 orders, Musk's company gets a cash infusion of $276 million from deposits and an order book valued at $11.6 billion based on Musk's estimated average Model 3 cost of $42,000 with options.

-- Herald staff and wire reports

This story was originally published April 4, 2016 at 10:56 PM with the headline "Business briefs, April 5, 2016 ."