From Russia with love: In response to global demand, Ford has switched from CKD assembly to full on-site production of its Explorer SUV at the Ford-Sollars plant in Tatarstan. Read this news and more in the Executive Briefing.
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+ Multiple automakers, including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda, are recalling over 3.4 million vehicles from 2000-2002 to replace defective airbag inflators manufactured at a Takata Corporation plant in Mexico. More here at NBC News.
+ Ford has begun full-scale production of the Explorer SUV at its Ford Sollers joint-venture plant in Russia. More here at the Detroit Free Press.
+ A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is expected to come within days at Fisker Automotive. More here at MSN Autos.
+ General Motors has committed $5.2 billion over the next four years to a turnaround of its Opel division in Europe. More here at Motor Trend.
+ Robert Kubica says his confidence is rising for his World Rally Championship debut in Portugal this weekend. More here at Yahoo! Sport.
+ Ford has introduced a fifth 1.5-liter version of the turbocharged EcoBoost engine for a Mondeo manufactured in China. More here at Reuters.
+ Al Jazeera will open a news bureau in Detroit to cover the auto industry. More here at The Detroit News.
+ Sebastian Vettel has reversed his earlier apology for defying team orders in Malaysia and now says he would do it again. More here at the UK Guardian.
For the previous Executive Briefing from April 8, click here.