A 1949 Aston Martin DB2 prototype driven by company owner David Brown is expected to bring up to $2.2 million at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island sale on March 10. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Ex-Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt, a key figure in the government’s investigation of VW’s diesel emissions scandal, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Detroit. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ As he promised five years ago, Carlos Ghosn will step down as CEO at Nissan, replaced by Hiroto Saikawa, but will remain as chairman of Nissan and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. More at CNBC.
+ IndyCar champion and Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay has won a $3.3 million award in a protracted lawsuit against former Champ Car team owner Paul Gentilozzi. More at Racer.
+ Spy photographers have captured clear photos of what is said to be the Dodge Challenger Demon due in April, sporting a widebody package and a massive hood scoop. More at Autoblog.
+ In honor of the recent victory at the Daytona 24 Hours, Ford has introduced a special-edition Ford GT Competition Series with lightweight components and distinctive paint and trim. More at Motor Trend.
+ Chairman Carlos Tavares of the PSA Group, maker of Peugeot and Citroen, said he seeks a “European car champion” with the acquisition of GM’s Opel and Vauxhall brands. More at The Detroit News.
+ Daimler is planning to open a new assembly plant in Russia for the production of Mercedes-Benz SUV and E-Class cars in Esipovo Industrial Park, 40 miles from Moscow. More at Automotive Business Review.
+ Auto production in the United Kingdom rose by an annual 7.5 percent in January to hit its highest point since 2008, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). More at Automotive News Europe.
+ A 1949 Aston Martin DB2 prototype, one of three produced, is expected to bring $1.5 million to $2.2 million at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island sale. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ NASCAR Monster Cup driver Denny Hamlin, 36, who has raced with Joe Gibbs Racing since joining the series in 2004, has signed an unspecified multi-year contract extension. More at USA Today.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 20 here.
Photos by Mathieu Heurtault, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company.
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I feel the Challenger pictured is only a test mule, those bonnet pins are illegal as probably is the hood scoop too for pedestrian safety. Those 70s bolt on flares are just that,,70s.
The Aston Martin was obviously designed for off roading with that amazing ride height! Or maybe David Brown wanted tractor ride heightAnd more amazing lack of exhaust height. Surely it was never made like that?
Apart from the grille a pretty car just 4″ too high.