The inaugural Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm in South Bend, Indiana will feature a spotlight category for 1956-1964 Studebaker Hawk models. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Volvo Cars, which posted a 7 percent sales gain in 2017, expects an expanded SUV lineup to help the automaker continue its growth, says CEO Hakan Samuelsson. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ In advance of the Chicago Auto Show, Ford introduced the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon, which will be marketed in both five-passenger and seven-passenger models. More at The Detroit News.
+ To celebrate 50 years in America, Subaru will offer 50th anniversary editions of all the models in its current lineup, featuring special badges and silver exterior trim. More at Motor Trend.
+ Austin Cindric, 19 year-old son of Penske Racing chief Tim Cindric, will drive in the NASCAR Xfinity series full-time in 2018 splitting his time between the Penske and Roush teams. More at Racer.
+ Tesla reported a quarterly loss of $675.4 million, its largest ever, as founder and CEO Elon Musk asserted the carmaker’s Model 3 production problems are being corrected. More at BBC News.
+ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has reshuffled several top management positions, with U.S. passenger car boss Tim Kuniskis becoming global chief of Maserati and Alfa Romeo. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ The Hyundai Kona electric crossover to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show next month will reportedly have a range of 292 miles, as compared to 240 miles for the Chevy Bolt. More at Autoblog.
+ In Chicago, Toyota unveiled off-road-prepared versions of its Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma equipped with special dampers and other gear from Toyota Racing Development. More at USA Today.
+ The first Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, open to all makes, will be held adjacent to the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana on August 11. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Sauber Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson says the team’s same-spec powerplants and closer ties with engine supplier Ferrari will represent a big step forward in 2018. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 5 here.
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> To celebrate 50 years in America, Subaru…
Are they going to mention that those first cars were so poorly received that Malcom Bricklin, the importer, was forced to turn them into a go-kart attraction?
Hyundia Kona has a capacity for 292 miles. That is in perfect conditions and pleasant weather. Very cold day knock a third off at least.
And Musk has lost $675 million in the last quarter. Who is underwriting these massive losses? . The big 3 at their worst could not sustain that let alone year in year out.