This 1959 BMW 507 Series II Roadster is expected to bring up to $2.3 million at the Bonhams Scottsdale sale. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s Headlines:

+   Tesla Inc. delivered 499,500 vehicles in 2020, a 36 percent increase over last year but just a tick short of CEO Elon Musk’s target of 500,000 vehicles in the calendar year. More at Autoblog. 

+   As part of its global turnaroud plan, Nissan Motor plans to further reduce its presence in Europe and outsource sales and manufacturing to alliance partner Renault. More at Reuters. 

+   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will fine Daimler up to $30 million for slow-walking recalls and failing to comply with reporting requirements. More at The Detroit News. 

+   NASCAR driver Brad Kesolowski’s 3D printing startup, Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing, is reportedly booming due to high demand in the aerospace sector. More at NBC Sports. 

+   Toyota-owned truck maker Hino will pause production at its plants in the United States and Canada for nine months due to issues with its diesel engine certifications. More at Commercial Carrier Journal. 

+   A worker at a General Motors stamping and sheet metal plant in Marion, Indiana died after he was hit by a metal wall that fell on him when it was struck by a forklift. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   According to Autosport.com, the Formula 1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 21 will be postponed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions there. More at Autosport. 

+   Featured consignments at the Bonhams Scottsdale sale on January 21 will include a 1959 BMW 507, a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC roadster, and a 1955 Arnolt-Bristol. More at Sports Car Digest. 

+   With a quarter-mile performance of 9.4 seconds at 158 mph, the Bugatti Chiron is now the quickest production road car in Car and Driver magazine test history. More at Car and Driver. 

+   A disgruntled former employee of a Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain reportedly stole a Caterpillar front-end loader and did more than $6 million damage to the facility. More at The Drive. 

+   Aldo Andretti, twin brother of racing legend Mario Andretti and father of NASCAR and IndyCar winner John Andretti, has passed away at age 80 due to COVID-19. More at Racer. 

Photo courtesy of Bonhams .

Review the previous Executive Briefing from January 1 here.

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