MCG Executive Briefing for July 18, 2014

???????????????????????????????Ford has released the final power ratings for the 2015 Mustang lineup, with the normally aspirated 5.0L V8 leading the herd at 435 hp. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

 



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+   Both Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Volkswagen AG have denied reports that the companies have engaged in merger discussions. More at Reuters. 

+   For the first time, more consumers are buying or leasing SUVs and crossovers than conventional sedans, according to a study by IHS Automotive. More at The Detroit News. 

+   Retired Ford CEO Alan Mulally has joined the board at Google, Inc., signaling increased priority for the company’s driverless vehicle program. More at Bloomberg.com. 

+   All Formula One teams have removed their FRIC (Front Rear Inter-Connected) suspension systems in advance of the German Grand Prix. More at Yahoo! Sport UK.

+   Nissan has officially discontinued the slow-selling and controversially styled Murano CrossCabriolet and Cube models for 2015. More at Autoweek.

+   NASCAR says it will communicate with the Race Team Alliance, the new association of Sprint Cup team owners, only through attorneys. More at Sporting News. 

+   Ford has announced its power ratings for the 2015 Mustang: 435 hp for the 5.0L V8, 300 hp for the 3.7L V6, and 310 hp for the 2.3L EcoBoost four. More at AutoGuide.com.

+   Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) blasted General Motors general counsel Michael Millikin for his handling of the company’s ignition switch troubles. More at The Detroit Bureau. 

+   Under new ownership, the Caterham F1 Team has cut 40 employees, including deputy technical director Jody Eggington and head of track operations Gerry Hughes. More at NBC Sports. 

For the previous Executive Briefing from July 14, click here.

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