To mark the 50th anniversary of its victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Chaparral 2 will perform demonstration laps at this year’s event on March 20-21. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Ford sales in Europe rose 11.7 percent to 78,100 vehicles in February, increasing the automaker’s market share in the region to 7.5 percent. More at The Detroit News.
+ Southfield, Michigan-based auto supplier Chassix Holdings, owned by billionaire Tom Gores’ Platinum Equity LLC, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York. More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ Citing lack of consumer interest, General Motors will reduce its five-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on Chevrolet and GMC vehicles to five years and 60,000 miles. More at Reuters.
+ Dragon Racing, the Formula E racing team owned by media entrepreneur Jay Penske, has named IndyCar driver Oriol Servia as partner and managing director. More at Racer.
+ Honda is launching a multi-million dollar ad campaign to urge vehicle owners to have their airbag recalls performed without delay. More at Bloomberg.com.
+ Workers at Volkswagen in Germany will receive $6,250 each in profit-sharing bonuses, reflecting the company’s strong 2014 performance. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Sprint Cup driver Kurt Busch has been reinstated by NASCAR and will be eligible to participate in the Chase playoffs later in the season if he qualifies. More at Fox Sports.
+ More than 500,000 fans have signed petitions in support of suspended Top Gear TV host Jeremy Clarkson, who faces a disciplinary investigation for allegedly striking a coworker. More at the UK Guardian.
+ Jim Hall II, son of race car driver and designer Jim Hall, will drive Hall’s famed Chaparral II in demonstration laps at the 2015 12 Hours of Sebring later this month. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Simona De Silvestro has secured a one-race deal with Andretti Autosport for the IndyCar season opener March 29 in St. Petersburg, Florida. More at the Indianapolis Star.
For the previous Executive Briefing from March 9, click here.