Triton Solar is claiming 1,500 hp and 700-mile range for its yet-to-be-produced eight-passenger electric SUV. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s headlines:

+   In a regulatory filing, Ford reported it expects to post a $2 billion loss for the first quarter of 2020, and it plans to raise $8 billion in cash through a new debt offering. More at The Detroit News. 

+   To occupy car buffs during the COVID-19 outbreak, Nissan has released a free coloring book loaded with images of the company’s classics and concept vehicles. More at Autoblog. 

+   TVS Motor, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, has purchased troubled British bike maker Norton in a $20 million deal through one of its subsidiaries. More at Reuters.

+   Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has taken a stake in British automaker Aston Martin, whose executive chairman Lawrence Stroll runs the Racing Point F1 team. More at ESPN. 

+   Toyota is reportedly developing a high-performance version of the Corolla Hatchback for the U.S. market powered by a 1.6-liter turbo with 257 hp and a price of $30,000. More at The Drive. 

+   Mercedes-Benz will launch its most ambitious electric model to date with the upmarket EQ S luxury sedan in 2022, spearheading its “Electric First” new product strategy. More at WardsAuto. 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will postpone the production of two of its 2021 Jeep SUVs, the Grand Cherokee and the all-new Grand Wagoneer, by three months. More at Car and Driver. 

+   Auto sales are now considered an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to updated guidance from the Department of Homeland Security.  More at Crain’s Detroit Business. 

+   Bob Lazier, former SCCA and CART driver and father of Indy Racing League drivers Buddy and Jacques Lazier, has passed away at 81 due to complications of COVID-19. More at CNN. 

+   New Jersey-based Triton Solar has announced a new eight-passenger SUV claiming 1,500 hp and a range of 700 miles, but no production or release dates were disclosed. More at CarBuzz ,

Review the previous Executive Briefing from April 17 here.

Image courtesy of Triton Solar.

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