This turbine-powered 1989 Batmobile recreation will be among the movie and TV cars at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in January. Get all the latest automotive news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ U.S. new vehicle sales are expected to decline in December as high prices and rising loan costs deter consumers, according to a study from J.D. Power-LMC Automotive. More at Reuters.
+ Dan O’Brien Kia of Concord, New Hampshire, was hit with a $1.25 million fine after allegedly luring car buyers into unaffordable auto loans with a nonexistent refinancing plan. More at The Drive.
+ Self-driving truck startup TuSimple Holdings Inc. announced it will lay off 25 percent of its workforce, or nearly 350 employees, after ending a development agreement with Navistar. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Formula 1 drivers will need advance permission from the sport’s governing body to make “political statements” next year following an update of the International Sporting Code. More at the The Guardian.
+ Toyota is offering a $140 aluminum shield as a dealer accessory for the Prius hybrid to protect the catalytic converter from theft, a rapidly growing crime in the United States. More at Car and Driver.
+ Ford of Europe offered a brief first glimpse of its new battery-electric crossover, which is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform and will share hardware with the VW ID.4. More at Autoweek.
+ A 1989 Batmobile recreation powered by a Boeing jet turbine engine will be among a number of movie and TV cars at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on January 21-29. More at Old Cars.
+ Piero Ferrari, son of founder Enzo and the second largest shareholder in Ferrari, has set up a family trust to manage his 10 percent stake in the Italian luxury sports car maker. More at Euronews.
+ As Kia ends production of the Stinger performance sedan, it will offer a Tribute Edition limited to 1,000 units and featuring special paint, trim, wheels, and upholstery. More at Autoblog.
+ NASCAR Cup 2020 champion Chase Elliott is slim favorite to win the 2023 title over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, according to the gaming website BetOnline. More at Jayski.
Photo courtesy and copyright of Barrett-Jackson.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 19 here.
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