This customized 1972 Chevy Blazer with 900 hp is among the early consignments at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ China’s passenger vehicle sales rose 25.5 percent to 2.1 million units in November compared to the same month last year as the nation’s automakers stepped up their price war. More at Reuters.
+ U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, a republican from Ohio, is challenging Stellantis NV’s decision to cut as many as 1,225 jobs at its Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo. More at The Detroit News.
+ Scout Keogh, CEO of the Volkswagen Group’s Scout Motors unit, confirmed that its electric SUV and pickup are being developed in partnership with Magna International. More at Motor Authority.
+ Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff says he is exploring legal action against the FIA over its two-day investigation of himself and his wife Susie Wolff. More at Autosport.
+ According to the German business newspaper Handelsblatt, Volkswagen and Renault are in talks to develop a 20,000-euro electric vehicle for the European market. More at Motor Illustrated.
+ Norway’s $1.5 trillion sovereign wealth fund is pushing Tesla to recognize the bargaining rights of Swedish mechanics, but says it will keep its $6.8 billion stake in the automaker. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Three years after its announcement, Ford Performance has released the Megazilla crate engine, a normally aspirated 7.3-liter V8 with 615 horsepower and a list price of $22,995. More at The Drive.
+ An informal study by the website GasBuddy determined that people in some cities, including Tuscon, Nashville, and the Orlando area, drive more aggressively during the holidays. More at Autoblog.
+ Early consignments to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on January 20-28 include a 1972 Chevy Blazer restomod, a 1963 Corvette Z06, and a 1970 Chevelle LS6 convertible. More at Old Cars.
+ American Honda Motorsports Manager Chuck Schifsky says the automaker may leave the Indycar Series when its current agreement ends in 2026 if costs cannot be reduced. More at Racer.
Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 8 here.
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