EV startup Slate has set the base price of the bare-bones Blank Slate electric pickup at $24,995. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ The China-made Polestar EV brand is leaving the U.S. market due to the connect-car rule that bans foreign-made cars with certain connected software and hardware. More at Car and Driver.
+ According to Cox Automotive, the average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle in the U.S. is holding steady at $49,220 as total sales are expected to slip 2.9 percent in 2026. More at Autoweek.
+ An 85 year-old man was arrested by the Lake County, Florida Sheriff’s Office for driving 110 mph in a 45 mph zone in his Nissan Z, but denies he was street racing a Corvette. More at The Drive.
+ Meyer Shank Racing confirmed that Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist will depart the team at the end of the season, accepting a lucrative offer from an unspecified team. More at Racer.
+ According to the JD Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), vehicle quality is improving, giving dealers stronger messaging about quality and reliability to new-car shoppers. More at CBT News.
+ Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn said calls by some shareholders for his return to the automaker reflected deep anger over years of failed turnaround plans. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Reportedly, Cadillac may revive the discontinued-in-2025 XT6 SUV to fill a current gap in its lineup, with the new model based on the C1 platform with ICE and hybrid drivetrains. More at Autoblog.
+ Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has promoted Nick Keen, general manager of client and brand, as president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, the brand’s largest region. More at Automotive World.
+ EV startup Slate has officially announced the base price of its bare-bones electric pickup, the Blank Slate, at $24,995, but it does not include destination or document fees. More at Road & Track.
+ NASCAR has issued a technical rules change for short tracks intended to make the noses on Cup cars less rigid to discourage bumping and ramming tactics among drivers. More at Motorsport.com.
Photo courtesy of Slate Auto.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from June 22 here.
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Even if that old man were John Force (age 77), I think a Corvette has about a second on him.
I think Ford is set to crush Slate with the Maverick and new smaller EV pickup. But Slate could become one of those “Tik-Tok memes” that the kids are always on about. That would keep them afloat for about two years. The Slate is a great idea in theory but EVs don’t fit into my life.