Bill Burke’s Harley-powered Bonneville streamliner will be among the featured offerings at the Mecum Phoenix sale next month. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Profits tumbled 40 percent at Honda Motor Co. in the most recent quarter on a deteriorating sales mix, rising incentives, and currency losses. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ General Motors Co. will launch a weeks-long process of laying off roughly 4,250 salaried employees as part of a plan to save $6 billion by 2020. More at The Detroit News.
+ Supercar maker Christian von Koenigsegg says his company plans to introduce a “CO2 neutral” sports car with a hybrid drivetrain and a price in the $1.15 million range. More at Autoblog.
+ Matt Campbell scored a historic victory for Porsche in a drama-filled Bathurst 12 Hour with only nine minutes remaining in the famed Australian motor race. More at Fox Sports Australia. .
+ Toyota Motor Corporation reported a 6.6 percent decline in U.S. vehicle sales to around 156,000 units in January, driven by lower demand for the Camry and Prius. More at Reuters.
+ Comedian and noted Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld has been sued by a dissatisfied buyer who alleges that the GS/GT Carrera Speedster he purchased is a fake. More at The Drive.
+ Nissan announced it has cancelled plans to built the X-Trail SUV in Northern Great Britain due to concerns over Brexit, and will consolidate production in Japan. More at CNBC.
+ After 96 years as the statistical bible of the auto industry, Wards Automotive Reports will cease weekly print publication, but will still be available to subscribers online. More at USA Today.
+ The Super Shaker, a circa 1959 Harley-Davidson-powered streamliner created by Bonneville legend Bill Burke, will be offered at the Mecum Phoenix auction. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ The FIA plans to institute a hybrid and/or electric powertrain formula for the World Rally Championship by 2022, says Jean Todt, the sanctioning body’s president. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 1 here.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Have you joined Mac’s Motor City Garage on Facebook? It’s lots of fun with rare photos, lore, trivia, and great discussions. Click here to go the page and join MCG. Be sure to check out our companion Facebook group MOTOROLOGY, too.
Electric rally cars,, with a team to change the batteries after every stage. In a great big diesel truck!! Probably with a great big diesel gen set to charge the spent batteries
And how will they be competitive? Heavier with a lot less driveability.
Oh change the rules so everyone has the same power and weight.
It’s hard to believe Jerry would knowingly pass along a counterfeit Porsche. It’s unfortunate for everyone involved.