Steve McQueen’s personal 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera will star at the Mecum Monterey 2015 auction on August 13-15. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) will fine Fiat Chrysler Automobiles a record $105 million for mishandling 23 vehicle recalls and will appoint an independent monitor. More at CNN Money.
+ Johnson Controls will spin off its $22-billion automotive seating and interiors business into a separate company over the next 12 months. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Daimler AG is planning to test self-driving trucks as early as this year, executive board member Wolfgang Bernhard told a German newspaper. More at Reuters.
+ In an effort to modernize the race cars and renew spectator interest, the National Hot Rod Association announced sweeping rules changes for the Pro Stock category. More at the Pasadena Star News.
+ Volkswagen AG has no plans to reduce production in China despite falling demand in the world’s largest auto market, the company reported. More at Bloomberg.com.
+ General Motors has opened a 52-acre facility dedicated to active safety and automated driving technologies at the Milford Proving Ground near Detroit. More at Motor Trend.
+ In response to reports of remote cyber-hacking, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will recall 1.4 million vehicles to perform a software update. More at the Los Angeles Times.
+ Bentley Motorsport Boss Brian Gush has ruled out an entry in the GTLM category in IMSA but says the company is still considering a P2 bid for 2017. More at Racer.
+ A 1976 Porsche Turbo Carrera custom-ordered by Steve McQueen will be among the headline consignments at the Mecum Monterey 2015 auction, More at Sports Car Digest.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from July 24 here.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
A few weeks ago Sergio Marchionne was quoted in MCG’s executive briefing as saying he wants more consolidation in the auto industry. I think there will be consolidation, but it won’t make Sergio happy. I can see Ford, GM, VW, all picking over the bones of FCA.
After Henry Ford II gets his revenge from the grave and they buy Ferrari, I don’t think anyone else will want any of FCA. Alfa Romeo is hardly a going concern, Fiat is a non-contender and Chrysler has tried to rise from the grave more times than Dracula. They say everybody wants Jeep but everyone has SUVs now and the Wrangler has been watered down to the point where I don’t think it has any unique qualities. Maybe China or India will take them.
“General Motors has opened a 52-acre facility dedicated to active safety and automated driving technologies at the Milford Proving Ground”
Heh, I guess U of M didn’t invite GM to use their MCity (which had its grand opening last week)? Just as well; GM’s got plenty of land out there.
Not unusual for automakers to use both in-house and outside facilities, like when multiple programs have pending deadlines and can’t wait for a reservation.