Kia unveiled the Vision Meta Turismo Concept, though with no drivetrain details or production date. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume says the automaker will invest $186 billion between now and 2030 as it faces stiff headwinds in two chief markets, China and the USA. More at The Economic Times.
+ In Europe, Tesla has introduced a more affordable Model 3 variant with fewer comfort features in an effort to regain market share, which has fallen from 80 to 38 percent. More at Autoblog.
+ Canadian authorities informed Stellantis it is in default on its taxpayer-backed financial aid after it moved auto production to a U.S. plant, says Industry Minister Melanie Joly. More at The Detroit News.
+ Though title contender Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lando Norris finished third to sew up up the 2026 Formula 1 championship by two points. More at BBC Sport.
+ According to the the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI), wholesale used vehicle prices rose 1.3 percent in October, with luxury vehicles and EVs leading the increase. More at CBT News.
+ In Japan, Toyota debuted the GR GT, its road-going supercar with a twin-turbo V8 hybrid drivetrain, all-wheel drive, a $225,000 price tag, and a release date sometime in 2027. More at The Drive.
+ Canada and Mexico should not be used as export hubs for products from China, Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries, says U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer. More at World Auto Forum.
+ On a state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron said he supports a plan to require 75 percent local content in Chinese vehicles manufactured in Europe. More at Automotive World.
+ Kia has unveiled the Vision Meta Turismo Concept with unorthodox styling and an equally radical interior, but drivetrain details and a possible production date still await. More at Car and Driver.
+ In NASCAR Cup, RIck Ware Racing will switch from Ford back to Chevrolet in 2026 in a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and powerplants supplied by ECR Engines. More at Catchfence.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 5 here.
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That Kia is probably larger than I prefer but the paint complements the design and I like the side view. The pictures of the front are all bird’s eye but I can tell it is all black and looks like the trendy disaster that has proliferated among modern cars. The headlights are crap as usual, for looks rather than function. But probably not production. I’ve liked many of Kia’s recent production designs. Surprising because I wasn’t a fan of the ’80s origami coming out of Italy.
Sooner or later, China is going to kick everyone’s butt in automobile manufacturing and several companies will go out of business. It’s 1958 all over again.