Corvette Racing officially debuted its new Corvette C7.R racer on Thursday in Detroit, along with its complete driver lineup for the 2014 endurance racing season. Get all the latest car biz news in the Executive Briefing. –Chevrolet Racing photo
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+ Chris Perry, head of Chevrolet’s U.S. marketing operations, has left the company effective immediately. More at The Detroit Bureau.
+ Honda will debut the 2015 Fit and an Acura TLX luxury sedan concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. More at The Detroit News.
+ Daimler AG has taken a 5 percent ownership stake in Aston Martin Lagonda and will assist the British automaker with V8 engine development. More at ABC News.
+ China has dropped its stiff tariffs of up to 34 percent on American vehicles of more than 2.5 liters, allowing its 2011 measures to expire. More at Motor Trend.
+ Ford is warning investors that 2014 profits could slip $500 million to $1.5 billion as the company unveils 23 new models in the coming year. More at CNBC.
+ Pirelli is insisting its 2014 Formula One tires are safe following Nico Rosberg’s 200 mph blowout in a private test at Bahrain. More at BBC Sport.
+ Tesla Motors is now offering its Model S sedan in China, but the car lacks a Chinese name due to a long-running trademark dispute. More at Reuters.
+ Ryan Briscoe will join the Corvette Racing C7.R factory GT effort for the Daytona and Sebring races. More at Racer.
+ Nissan will launch its Datsun brand in Russia in 2014, joining Indonesia, India and South Africa as markets for the reborn nameplate. More at Automotive Business Review.
For the previous Executive Briefing from December 16, click here.