MCG Executive Briefing for July 17, 2020

Famed Nissan stylist Yoshihiko Matsuo, lead designer of the game-changing Datsun 240Z, has passed away at 86. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

Today’s Headlines: 

 Nissan is planning a 30 percent year-on-year cut in global vehicle production through December as the COVID-19 pandemic interferes with its turnaround campaign. More at Autoblog.

+   Ron Tauranac, the legendary Australian motorsport designer and engineer who won numerous races and championships with Brabham and Ralt, has passed away at 95, More at Speedcafe. 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot have announced the new name for their combined auto companies: Stellantis, which they say means “to brighten with stars.” More at Car and Driver. 

+   Ford successfully launched its new 2021 Bronco off-roader this week with a list price of less than $30,000 and features designed to lure current Jeep Wrangler shoppers. More at CNBC. 

+   Racing Point driver Sergio Perez says he has been approached by another Formula 1 team amid rumors that four-time champion Sebastian Vettel could join Racing Point. More at Racer.

+   General Motors released its 2019 Sustainability Report, revealing more details of its upcoming flood of electric vehicles and its plans to increase hiring diversity. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its most powerful V8 road car ever, the GT Black Series, powered by a 4.0-liter, 720-horse engine that sports a flat crank and twin turbos. More at The Drive. 

 New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to invest $750 million in charging stations and other electric-vehicle infrastructure to reduce emissions. More at Reuters. 

+  Famed NIssan designer Yoshihiko Matsuo, who was lead stylist of the game-changing Datsun 240Z among his many accomplishments, has passed away at 86. More at Road & Track. 

 Maserati introduced its new Ghibli Hybrid with a 48-volt alternator, an electric supercharger, and a 2.0-liter turbo four with a total of 330 available horsepower. More at CNET Roadshow. 

+    According to veteran racing insider Michael Knight, Phoenix will again host the NASCAR championship weekend for all three professional series in 2021. More at Jayski. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from July 13 here.

Photo courtesy of Nissan. 

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