Volkswagen plans to reduce its model line by up to half to reverse its historic financial crisis. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Mercedes-Benz reported that sales in its core car business continued to fall in the second quarter, declining 8 percent year-on-year due to intense competition in China. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Production of the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV has been delayed by a minimum of eight weeks “to make final adjustments prior to launch,” a Toyota representative confirmed. More at Car and Driver.
+ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning that autonomous vehicles must never obstruct the paths of police and first responder vehicles. More at TechCrunch.
+ Veteran open-wheel mechanic, team manager, and team leader Neil Mickelwright, most notably at the Forsythe Racing Champ Car team with driver Paul Tracy, has died at 69. More at Racer.
+ Waymo reports it will soon begin fully autonomous operations in four new cities, with driverless vehicles running on the streets of San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. More at CBT News
+ Kia is recalling nearly 463,000 Telluride SUVs to correct defective power seat motors that could overheat and cause a fire, and is warning owners to park the vehicles outside. More at Autoblog.
+ At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Maserati unveiled the Project GT4, a GranTurismo-derived track car with 700 hp targeted for GT4 competition starting in 2028. More at Automotive World.
+ In Paris in February, Artcurial Motorscars will offer at auction the Thierry Dehaeck collection of 60 cars and assorted automobilia, which are expected to bring up to $25 million. More at Old Cars.
+ Volkswagen plans to drastically cut its model line by up to half and further pare back capacity in a far-reaching overhaul that sources say could cost around 100,000 jobs. More at Reuters.
+ On Conor Daly’s Speed Street podcast, Arrow-McLaren driver Pato O’Ward announced he no longer has any interest in pursuing a Formula 1 career and will focus on IndyCar. More at Motorsport.com.
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from July 6 here.
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