At an even $6 million with fees, this stunnng red 1955 Jaguar D-Type was the top seller at the RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale sale. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ In a display of resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic, Volkswagen posted a $12.2 billion in 2020, propelled by strong sales in China, the company’s largest market. More at The Detroit News.
+ A survey by Cox Automotive determined that consumer demand for electric pickups is strong, with 40 percent of potential truck buyers saying they will consider an electric. More at Car and Driver.
+ For reasons the automaker has yet to announce, the Ford Motor Company has renewed the Thunderbird name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. More at Classic Cars.com Journal.
+ NBCSN will shut down by the end of 2021, which likely means that its NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA television coverage will be transferred to the USA Network and Peacock. More at The Drive.
+ German authorities have urged the government of Taiwan to encourage its chip makers to step up production to relieve the global shortage, which is stalling auto production. More at Reuters.
+ Tesla Inc. has posted job openings for “semi-truck production line” workers at its Sparks, Nevada plant, where it currently manufactures batteries with partner Panasonic. More at CNBC.
+ Due to the positive consumer response to the Mustang Mach-E crossover, Ford will make the next-generation Mustang pony car an all-electric as well, according to reports. More at CNET Roadshow.
+ Top sellers at the annual RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale auction included a 1955 Jaguar D-Type, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica, and a 2020 McLaren Speedtail. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Truck maker Navistar International will shut down its Melrose Park, Illinois testing and technical center and sell the 80-acre facility to a real estate developer. More at Commercial Carrier Journal.
+ Ferrari has announced plans for a seven-driver test at Fiorano next week using its 2018 Formula 1 car, including Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher. More at Motorsport.com.
Photo by Patrick Ernzen courtesy and copyright of RM Sotheby’s.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from January 22 here.
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