MCG Executive Briefing for December 27, 2019

The historic 1955 Chevy Barris custom known as the Aztec is expected to bring $350,000 to $450,000 at the Mecum Kissimmee auction next month. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

 

Today’s Headlines:

+   Honda Motor CEO Takahiro Hachigo says the company expects two-thirds of its sales to be in electrified vehicles by 2030, with hybrids playing the critical role. More at Automotive News Europe. 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is offering its largest rebates in a decade as it works to clear a backlog of as many as 70,000 vehicles from its dealer inventories. More at The Detroit News. 

+   As part of its technology alliance with Volkswagen, Ford could offer a smaller version of the Mach-E electric crossover based on VW’s MEB electric vehicle platform. More at Autoblog. 

 Ferrari intends to add female drivers to its Formula 1 junior program and is working to make sure it happens “very soon,” says team manager Mattia Binotto. More at Motorsport.com. 

 In response to a lawsuit from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA),  the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued draft replica car regulations. More at Hemmings Daily.  

+   Tesla Inc. has obtained $1.29 billion in secured loans from four Chinese lenders for its new assembly plant in Shanghai, along with another $321.5 million in unsecured loans.  More at Reuters. 

+   The Oscar Meyer division of Kraft Heinz Foods is taking applications between now and Jan. 31 for public relations specialists to drive its 27-ft. Wienermobiles on tour. More at Car and Driver. 

+   The Barris Kustoms ’55 Chevy known as the Aztec will join 3,500 collector cars and 120 classic guitars to be offered at the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee sale on Jan. 2-12. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

+   Michigan-based EV maker RIvian lit up the internet this week with video of its R1T  electric pickup using its four electric motors to perform zero-radius “tank turns.” More at The Drive. 

+   NASCAR stars Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell both suffered nasty crashes while racing dirt midgets in New Zealand this week, but escaped serious injuries. More at NBC Sports. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from December 23 here.

Photo courtesy and copyright of Mecum Auctions.

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3 thoughts on “MCG Executive Briefing for December 27, 2019

  1. Hachigo and Honda are taking the sensible approach. I don’t think the EV turnover can happen as fast as companies are expecting

  2. Applications for the Wienermobile? FINALLY,,,I’ve waited 40 years for that. Have a safe New Years all.

  3. That poor 55 Chevy totally lost it’s identity. Only the dash remains as a clue. Stunning amount of work to create a cross between a 57 Plymouth and a 58 Buick.

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