MCG Executive Briefing for August 14, 2023

The 2025 Fisker Rōnin will feature a retractable hardtop, 1000 hp, 600 miles range, and a $385,000 price tag. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

Today’s headlines:

+   According to Experian data, the average monthly loan payment for a new vehicle in 2023 is $725, up from $650 in 2022, while used vehicle paymements are up two percent to $516. More at CNBC. 

+   BYD founder and chairman Wang Chuanfu called on Chinese automakers to band together against their global rivals, drawing both praise and rebukes from domestic competitors. More at Reuters. 

 Mark Stewart, chief operating officer for Stellantis in North America, called the United Auto Workers’ opening demands in contract negotiations a “losing proposition” that could risk jobs. More at The Detroit News. 

+    The IndyCar contract dispute between Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren over driver Alex Palou has resurfaced, with Ganassi asserting that he has a contract in hand. More at Motorsport.com.

+   Designed to celebrate Shelby American’s 60th birthday, the Cobra Diamond Edition roadster features carbon-fiber bodywork, a 900-hp V8, and a production run of only 10 units. More at Autoblog. 

 Stellantis will discontinue the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel option in the Jeep Gladiator pickup, signing off on the oil burners with the Gladiator Rubicon FarOut edition priced at $71,900. More at The Drive. 

+   A 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster with one-off bodywork by Mayfair will be one of the featured lots at Mecum’s 2023 Monterey Car Week auction on August 17-19. More at Motor Authority. 

 Fisker announced that the Rōnin, its four-door retractable halo car with 1000 hp, a projected 600 miles of range, and a $385,000 price tag, will be available in the second half of 2025. More at Car and Driver.  

+   In the German newsaper Augsburger Allgemeine, Renate Vachenauer, head of procurement at Audi, said he expects supply problems with microchips to continue for years. More at World Auto Forum.

+   Trackhouse Racing is finalizing a deal to bring Australian Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen to NASCAR full time starting in 2024, according to one inside source. More at Jayski. 

Photo courtesy of Fisker. 

Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from August 11 here. 

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2 thoughts on “MCG Executive Briefing for August 14, 2023

  1. I can’t believe people are making $725 car payments. And that’s just the average. Many buyers are paying even more

    • I guess Mr Barnum was right, a fool and his money are shortly parted.

      Highest car payment I ever had was about $350 for 48 long months, thought I’d never get that paid off. After that, I’ve paid cash for all my vehicles. I’ll not be a slave to a credit company just so I can have the newest and latest, I’ll stick to well used and worn. They may not always be the nicest, with all the fancy new things, but I can sleep at night knowing I don’t have a huge payment staring at me every month.

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