Originally driven by Ken Miles, this 1965 Mustang Shelby GT350R will be among the featured attractions at the rescheduled Mecum Indy Auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ The Chevrolet Silverado has regained a slight edge in sales over Fiat Chrysler’s Ram pickup, while the Ford F-150 is expected to retain the top spot. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ The 2021 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe will debut in mid-September with up to 510 horsepower, an available manual transmission, and an AWD option at a later date. More at CNET Roadshow.
+ German automaker Daimler announced it will begin talks on selling its Hambach plant in eastern France where the Smart subcompact car has been assembled. More at The Detroit News.
+ Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and has stepped out of his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet ride indefinitely. More at CNN.
+ Ford has unveiled a program to buy back customer’s vehicles if they involuntarily lose their jobs within a year, countering job-loss fears due to the pandemic. More at Car and Driver.
+ Workers at Bajaj Auto, India’s largest motorbike exporter, are demanding the temporary closure of one of its plants after 250 employees tested positive for COVID-19. More at Reuters.
+ Software giant Microsoft and tire manufacturer Bridgestone have partnered to develop a warning system that can alert drivers of potential tire damage. More at The Drive.
+ Los Angeles-based startup Czinger is moving forward with plans to start production of its 21C hypercar, which boasts 1,223 hp and a price of $1.7 million, in 2021. More at Autoblog.com.
+ After two postponements, the annual Mecum Indy collector car auction will go live on July 10-18 in full compliance with state and city COVID-19 health precautions. More at Classic Cars.com Journal.
+ Poor ventilation due to IndyCar’s new protective aeroscreen combined with 90-degree weather to create severe overheating for drivers at the Indianapolis Grand Prix. . More at Racer.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from July 3 here.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
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