MCG Executive Briefing for December 30, 2024

Stellantis will market the 2025 Dodge Charger in Europe in both gasoline and EV versions. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

Today’s headlines: 

 Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Suzuki Motor Corporation who helped turn the Japanese mini-vehicle maker into a global auto manufacturer, has passed away at 94. More at AP News. 

+   Stellantis has agreed to pay a settlement of $4.2 million to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for emissions defeat devices installed on diesel-powered ProMaster vans. More at The Drive. 

+   Government safety regulators have closed an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after finding that the automaker has properly resolved the issues. More at The Detroit News. 

 Dale Coyne Racing, the only remaining IndyCar team with seats still open for 2025, hopes to name its two drivers soon, with Rinus VeeKay and Linus Lundqvist said to top the list. More at Racer.

+   The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced its safety award winners for 2024, with electric and hybrid vehicles leading the rankings in its rigorous testing. More at CBT News. 

 Recent filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) indicate that the Ford Motor Company has been developing its own electronic steer-by-wire system. More at Motor Authority. 

+   Road congestion cost the U.S. trucking industry $108.8 billion in 2022, the most recent recording period, says the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). More at Commercial Carrier Journal. 

 Starting in late 2025, Stellantis intends to market the next-generation Dodge Charger in Europe and the Middle East in all versions: two-door and four-door, gasoline and electric. More at Autoblog.  

+   Threatened by recent proposals from the incoming Trump administration, Ford and General Motors will donate $1 million each and contribute vehicles to the presidential inauguration. More at World Auto Forum.

 USAC Sprint Cars will compete in a points race for the first time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July of 2025 on a quarter-mile dirt track in the Speedway’s infield. More at Jayski. 

Photo courtesy of Stellantis. 

Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 27 here. 

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