Ford reports that the new 2021 Bronco is so popular that there is now an 18-month backlog on new orders. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s Headlines: 

+   Fiat Chrysler workers in Toledo are suing the automaker and the United Auto Workers, alleging that their welfare was ignored while officials pursued lavish perks. More at the Detroit Free Press.

+   Chinese electric vehicle maker Li Auto Inc, backed by food delivery giant Meituan Dianping, has launched an initial public offering in the USA of up to $950 million. More at Reuters. 

+   Audi CEO Markus Duesmann conceded that the German automaker could be two years behind Tesla in electric vehicle engineering, and trails in computing technology as well. More at CNET Roadshow. 

+  Formula 1 continues to modify its 2020 race calendar due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and Brazilian events are now canceled. More at Racer.

+   Reversing course, Jeep will continue the current Grand Cherokee through the 2021 model year while its fifth-generation replacement gets another year of development. More at Autoblog. 

+   According to Mercedes-Benz, the next generation S-Class luxury sedan due in 2021 will include rear seat passenger airbags, the first production car to be so equipped. More at The Drive. 

+   BMW will offer a limited number of X5 SUV models in 2022 with hydrogen fuel cell power, dubbed the BMW i Hydrogen Next and producing 374 horsepower. More at Motor Trend. 

+   At a historic race in Wisconsin, a Shadow DN4 race car that won the 1974 Can-Am title was nearly destroyed in a high-speed blowover, but driver Jim Pace was uninjured. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

+   Ford reports that so many buyers have reserved the new Bronco sport utility that latecomers to the party may have to wait until mid-2022 before they can take delivery. More at Car and Driver. 

+   Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has introduced the e-Scrambler, an “urban ready” electric bicycle with an aluminum frame, a 250-watt motor, and a 504 Wh battery. More at Auto Futures. 

+  NASCAR Hall of Famer Maurice Petty, brother of Richard Petty and the team’s engine builder for the bulk of Petty’s race wins and championships, has passed away at 81. More at Yahoo! Sports. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from July 24 here.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company. 

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