The Heritage Division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has launched a “Reloaded by creators” program to find, restore, and sell the automaker’s vintage Italian models. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Eight spectators were killed when a car plowed into the crowd at an illegal street race on Indian Head Highway in Accocreek, Maryland, a location known for illicit racing. More at CBS News.
+ U.S. investigators have found emissions defeat software on Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles similar to that illegally used by Volkswagen, the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported. More at Reuters.
+ With Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne set to retire, his successor is expected to come from within the automaker’s Group Executive Council. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ Austin Dillon, grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, survived a last-lap tangle with Aric Amirola to win the season-opening Daytona 500. More at USA Today.
+ According to a Japanese magazine, only a racing version of the new Toyota Supra will be displayed at Geneva, delaying the debut of the road car until the New York Auto Show. More at Motor Trend.
+ The U.S. Commerce Department has recommended high tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, a move likely to increase manufacturing costs for American automakers. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ At Retromobile in Paris, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced a “Reloaded by creators” program to find and restore the automaker’s vintage Italian brands. More at Classic Cars.com Journal.
+ Porsche’s Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliserdenied denied reports that the next-gen 911 will feature an all-turbo engine line-up and aluminium platform architecture shared with Audi. More at Autoblog.
+ ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Detroit, supplier of high-strength, laser-welded steel blanks for the auto industry, will open its new $83 million plant this week. More at The Detroit News.
+ The Williams F1 team has unveiled its Mercedes-powered 2018 F41 race car, which chief technical officer Paddy Lowe calls a significant departure from its previous entries. More at Sky Sports.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 16 here.
Photo courtesy of FCA Heritage.
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The white sedan in the Maryland crash was a Crown Victoria. I wonder if it was an off-duty policeman looking for a commendation. Four in the morning is an unusual time to be cruising a back road without headlights. Other reports say that the crowd moved onto the roadway after the racers passed and tire smoke prevented the driver from seeing them. No charges are pending are pending. These people were older than you expect to be out that early watching a street race, there must have been gambling involved.