The Shockwave jet-powered exhibition truck burst into flames and crashed at an air show in Michigan, killing driver Chris Darnell. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ With assistance from the National Fire Prevention Association, General Motors is launching an EV first responder training program to address electric vehicle battery fires. More at Car and Driver.
+ Tesla sales from April through June fell to their lowest level since last fall as supply chain issues and pandemic restrictions crippled the company’s production in China. More at The Detroit News.
+ Ford has registered the Thunder name with trademark authorities in the USA and Canada, suggesting that a new trim level is coming for the F-150, Ranger, and Maverick trucks. More at The Drive.
+ Chinese Formula 1 driver Zhou Guanyu praised the FIA’s halo safety device for saving his life in a terrifying high-speed crash on the first lap of the British Grand Prix. More at the Daily Mail.
+ Toyota lost first place in sales in the USA to General Motors for the second quarter as the Detroit carmaker recorded 582,401 deliveries for the period, including 7,300 EVs. More at Reuters.
+ Rivian has once again postponed distribution of its R1T electric pickup truck In Canada, as buyers were informed that deliveries have been pushed back to mid-2023. More at AutoGuide.com.
+ The Shockwave jet-powered exhibition racing truck crashed and burned while performing a “wall of fire” stunt at an air show in Battle Creek, Michigan, killing driver Chris Darnell. More at NBC News.
+ China’s Great Wall Motor has shelved plans to invest $1 billion in India, the wolrd’s fiffth largest market, and laid off all employees there after failing to obtain regulatory approval. More at World Auto Forum.
+ General Motors will discontinue the Chevy Express and GMC Savanna, its long-runnning commercial vans, in 2026 and replace them with electric delivery vehicles. More at Autoblog.
+ NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, who scored his first Cup victory at Road America this past weekend. has signed a one-year contract renewal with Richard Childress Racing. More at Jayski.
Photo courtesy of the Shockwave website.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from July 1 here.
Sad to see Mr Darnell lose his life like that. I got to see the Shockwave truck years ago when Les Shockly had it, it was amazing. It was at a 1/8th mile track, so he could only use one engine, but he put on a fire show! RIP Mr Darnell.