This 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is expected to bring up to $1.22 million in the RM Sotheby’s Open Roads online auction this month. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s Headlines:

+   In the most recent Consumer Reports survey of best-and-least-liked car brands, Tesla, Lincoln, and Ram led the rankings, while Cadillac, Nissan, and Infiniti rode the bottom. More at The Drive. 

+   According to Ford, the U.S. Justice Department and state of California have ended investigations into the automaker’s fuel mileage and emissions certification processes. More at The Detroit News. 

+   German automaker Daimler AG aims to keep a “protective hand” on Daimler Trucks, the world’s largest truck and bus maker, following the planned spin-off of the truck unit. More at Reuters. 

+   NASCAR has condensed its schedule for the season-opening Daytona Speedweek, with the Busch Clash slated for Tuesday, February 9 on the speedway’s road course. More at Beyond the Flag. 

+   A Chinese government website has provided a first, unofficial look at the Volkswagen ID.6 electric crossover, essentially a production version of the ID.Roomzz concept. More at Autoblog. 

+   Rock legend Bruce Springsteen narrated and reportedly took an active role in the writing of a Super Bowl Jeep commercial in which he urges Americans to meet “in the middle.” More at CNBC.

+   Sales of the Toyota Land Cruiser have shot upward since the automaker announced that the utility vehicle, which has been sold in the USA for 60 years, will be discontinued. More at Road & Track. 

+   The South Korean newspaper Dong-a Ilbo reported that Apple is planning to invest $3.6 billion in Kia, sending the automaker’s share price to its highest level since 1998. More at USA Today. 

+   Featured attractions in the online-only Open Roads auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s will include an exclusive group of rare Porsches from a Swiss collection. More at Sports Car Digest. 

+   Lewis Hamilton has signed a new Formula 1 contract with Mercedes, keeping the seven-time world champion with the team for the 2021 season on a one-year deal. More at Autosport. 

Photo by Remi Dargegen courtesy and copyright of RM Sotheby’s. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 5 here. 

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