Aston Martin is seeking a technical partner to aid in advanced engine development, with Mercedes-Benz said to be the leading candidate. See this news and more in today’s Executive Briefing.  

Links open in new windows 

+   Honda executive VP John Mendel has blasted rival automakers for their allegedly inflated fuel economy claims. More here at The Detroit News. 

+   Aston Martin is shopping for a technology partner to assist in advanced engine and electronic development. More here at Bloomberg.com. 

+   Chrysler is now working on a third Super Bowl commercial to reprise the previous two “Made in Detroit” spots. More here at The Detroit Bureau. 

+   Morgan Stanley is urging General Motors to dump its troubled Opel division in Europe. More here at 247 Wall Street. 

+   Veteran IndyCar team HVM Racing has joined forces with the Status GP operation of Teddy Yip Jr. to campaign a Lola in the FIA World Endurance Championship. More here at Speed TV. 

+   BMW Chairman Joachim Milberg will stay on post beyond his 70th birthday into 2016. More here at Reuters. 

+   General Motors will close its Grand Blanc, Michigan plant this summer, with 323 hourly and 28 salaried employees to be offered positions at other GM facilities. More here at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   IndyCar and and its chassis provider Dallara have struck a deal to freeze prices for spare components through March, 2014. More here at Autosport.

For the previous Executive Briefing from Jan. 14, click here.

Have you joined Motor City Garage on Facebook yet? It’s big fun with rare photos, car lore, trivia, and great discussions! Click here to go the page and like MCG!