Toyota unveiled a new hydrogen-powered racing concept in advance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Get all the latest automotive news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Toyota shareholders reelected former CEO Akio Toyoda as chairman, indicating support among mom-and-pop investors while others are wary of Toyoda family dominance. More at Reuters.
+ Amid tariff confusion, GM plans to invest $4 billion in several American plants, including adding production of two popular Chevrolet vehicles that are currently built in Mexico. More at CNBC.
+ According to the latest Dealertrack Credit Availability Index. access to auto loan credit improved slightly in May, rising from 95.5 in April to 96.7, while interest rates rose slightly. More at CBT News.
+ The FIA General Assembly has voted through changes to the Formula 1 governing body’s statutes and ethics code, which was seen as a victory for president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Moire at Autosport.
+ On July 1, BMW will be ncreasing prices of its 2026 models by up to $2,500, with its performance SUVs receiving the greatest price hikes and the 4 Series a more modest increase. More at Autoblog.
+ Tesla stock was downgraded by Argus Research and Baird, reflecting concerns about the EV maker’s future after CEO Elon Musk and President Trump parted ways. More at The Detroit News.
+ A group of 11 state governments led by California filed suit challenging a repeal by Congress of the state’s 2035 electric vehicle rules and heavy duty truck requirements. More at Investing.com.
+ Toyota debuted the GR LH2, a new hydrogen-fueled racing prototype based on the GR010 Hybrid Hypercar, at the Circuit de la Sarthe ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. More at Car and Driver.
+ Chevroler confirmed that The 2027 Bolt EV will begin production in late 2025, with availability likely starting in early 2026, while pricing is expected to start at $30,000. More at Motor Trend.
+ Denny Hamlin will sit out the first-ever NASCAR Cup race in Mexico, staying home with long-time partner Jordan Fish following the birth of their son, with Ryan Truex filling in. More at Motorsport.com.
Photo courtesy of Toyota.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from June 9 here.
Join Mac’s Motor City Garage on Facebook and X to receive notices when every new story is published.
Hydrogen racing would be interesting to watch, but I don’t know how the logistics would work for an entire grid of cars.
Honda plans to race hydrogen-powered CR-V at Pikes Peak this year in the exhibition class.
The ACO (Le Mans’ governing body) plans to introduce a proper hydrogen class at the race by 2028 – open to both fuel cells and combustion. The FIA has already signed off the critical safety regs: tank construction, refuelling standards, crash protocols.
The Toyota burns hydrogen like an ICE engine, while the Honda uses it in a fuel cell to power electric motors. I read long ago that Mazda’s rotary engine is the perfect configuration for a hydrogen power. The early adopters will like be commercial vehicles, replacing diesel to meet clean air standards in Europe and Asia.