Ram will launch the range-extender hybrid Ramcharger in the first half of 2025. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
+ Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest automakers, are reportedly holding talks regarding a potential merger to help them compete against China’s carmakers. More at BBC News.
+ New car sales in Europe slowed again in November after showing modest growth in October, weighed down by sharp declines in France and Italy and flat sales in Germany, ACEA reported. More at MSN.
+ After 34 years and nearly 1.8 million engines manufactured, Volkswagen has ended production of the VR6 narrow-angle V6 used in multiple Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. More at The Drive.
+ Federal judge Kenneth Bell has granted a preliminary injunction to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to allow them to race as chartered teams in NASCAR Cup in 2025. More at Yahoo! Sports.
+ The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized a $9.63 billion loan to BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford and SK On of South Korea to build three battery plants in the USA. More at Autoblog.
+ S&P Global, Edmunds, and Cox Automotive expect new vehicle sales in 2025 to increase year over year by up to 2.5 percent to achieve the industry’s best result since 2019. More at CNBC.
+ General Motors and ChargePoint have announced a joint venture branded as GM Energy, with plans underway ro install up to 500 ultra-fast EV chargers nationwide in 2025. More at CBT News.
+ Switching course, Ram will introduce the range-extender version of the Ramcharger EV pickup in the first part of 2025, with the full-electric version set to roll out sometime in 2026. More at The Drive.
+ Chevrolet reports that the 2025 Corvette ZR1 with the ZTK Performance Package can run the quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds at 150 mph and 0-to-60 mph in 2.1 seconds. More at Motor Authority.
+ After four seasons, veteran driver Sergio Perez has left the Red Bull Formula 1 team, where his seat in 2025 will be filled by Liam Lawson from the Red Bull Junior Team. More at NBC Sports.
Photo courtesy of Stellantis.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 16 here.
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