This 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione is among the star attractions at the RM Sotheby’s Villa d’Este 2015 auction in Como, Italy on May 23. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ As a result of its 2009 bankruptcy and reorganization, General Motors is shielded from lawsuits related to ignition switch defects, a federal judge has ruled. More at CNN Money.
+ Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn appeared before the auto maker’s leadership committee to fight for his job amid a fierce power struggle with Chairman Ferdinand Piech, sources report. More at The Detroit News.
+ Chinese conglomerate Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co. Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Plymouth Township, Michigan-based Prestolite Electric, manufacturer of alternators and starters. More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has renewed calls for a return to V8 engines for the series, along with regulations allowing them to produce 1000 hp. More at Racer.
+ Cadillac chief Johan De Nysschen has confirmed via social media that the brand has an all-new V8 engine in the works. More at Motor Authority.
+ Magneti Marelli will expand its automotive parts plant in Giles County, Tennessee, adding 80,000 square feet and another 450 workers. More at Automotive Business Review.
+ Chinese automaker Geely will soon produce a small crossover utility with a common platform jointly developed with Volvo, and plans to market the vehicle in Asia, Europe and eventually the USA. More at Reuters.
+ Cadillac will add more power and range to the 2016 ELR plug-in hybrid coupe while dropping the base price $10,000 to $58,495. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Consignments for the RM Sotheby’s Villa d’Este 2015 auction, to be held 23rd May at Villa Erba on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, will include several noteworthy vintage Ferraris and a Lancia Stratos HF Stradale. More at Sports Car Digest.
+ The Riley Motorsports-TI Automotive Dodge Viper GTR-S has secured an entry for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, following the withdrawal of one of Team SARD-Morand’s Morgan LMP2 EVOs. More at Motorsport.com.
For the previous Executive Briefing from April 13, click here.