This 1931 Duesenberg once owned by Queen Maria of Yugoslavia is headed to auction at Amelia Island. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
+ New-vehicle sales in the USA rose to a five-year high in 2024 with a little more than 16 million vehicles sold, a 2.7 percent increase over 2023 and the best year overall since 2019. More at Yahoo! Finance.
+ Although Hyundai and Kia missed their 2024 sales targets, the Korean automakers aim to grow their combined global sales by 2 percent to 7.39 million vehicles in 2025. More at CBT News.
+ Shares in Rivian recorded their best day ever, rising 24 percent after the EV maker reported 2024 production and deliveries in line with the company’s earlier projections. More at CNBC.
+ Original owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson have departed the Arrow McLaren team now that McLaren Racing has completed its buyout of their IndyCar Series operation. More at Racer.
+ Ford sold more Mustang Mach-E EVs than traditional gasoline-powered Mustangs in 2024, though the strong electric sales are attributed in part to attractive leasing deals. More at The Drive.
+ A Los Angeles man said he missed his flight home after getting trapped on his way to the airport in a Waymo autonomous taxi that wouldn’t stop making circles in a parking lot. More at The Detroit News.
+ Volkswagen’s Scout Motors EV unit will offer satellite connectivity for use in remote areas as an option when its Traveler SUV and Terra truck arrive in showrooms in 2027. More at Autoweek.
+ The giant Uniroyal tire on Interstate 94 near Wayne County Airport, a Motor City landmark, will get a makeover to honor visitors to the Detroit Auto Show on January 10-20. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ A 1931 Duesenberg J with convertible sedan bodywork by Franay once owned by Queen Maria of Yugoslavia will be offered at the Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island sale. More at Old Cars.
+ Under the 2025 NASCAR Cup charter agreement, racing teams will be limited to three charters each, with Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports grandfathered in at four. More at Jayski.
Photo by Joshua Sweeney courtesy and copyright of Gooding & Company.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from January 3 here.
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