This 1955 Ferrari 250 GT with alloy bodywork by Pininfarina was the top seller at the the Bonhams Amelia Island 2017 auction, hammering down for $2.227 million with fees. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech is set to lose his board seat at Porsche SE, where the Porsche and Piech families hold their stake. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ Toyota and Suzuki executives met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the two Japanese carmakers accelerate their alliance discussions. More at The Detroit News.
+ The next-generation Nissan Leaf electric car with increased driving range will debut in September and go on sale before the end of the year, the automaker confirmed. More at Motor Trend.
+ Brake manufacturer Brembo issued a stern technical bulletin when the IndyCar Series switched pad and disc materials without consulting the company, resulting in apparent failures. More at Racer.
+ Hugh Jackman will reportedly play Enzo Ferrari in a Hollywood biopic covering the Italian racing hero’s life from 1957 on, with Noomi Rapace as his estranged wife. More at the UK Daily Mail.
+ The National Labor Relations Board has ruled against the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama in the case of three employees fired in a dispute over working rules. More at USA Today.
+ Englishman John Surtees, the only man to win world Grand Prix championship in both cars (1964) and motorcycles (four times) has passed away at 83. More at BBC Sport.
+ According to a study by Indiana University, tightened CAFE fuel economy standards will increase new car prices $1,800 by 2025, but the expense will be offset by lower fuel costs. More at Automobile.
+ Last week’s Bonhams Amelia Island 2017 auction at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club generated nearly $10.2 million in total sales with an 87 percent sell-through rate. More at Sports Car Digest.
+ CEO Greg Maffei of Liberty Media, new owner of the Formula 1 series, says traditional European events including the French Grand Prix are key to the future of the sport. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from March 10 here.
Photo courtesy of Bonhams.
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