Jeep CEO Mike Manley says a new pickup model (2012 J-12 concept shown here) is a definite possibility but not a priority. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Brieifing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Earl Baltes, the founder and promoter of famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, has passed away at 93. More at National Speed Sport News.
+ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will investigate an air bag recall on 989,000 Nissan vehicles to determine if it was effective. More at The Detroit News.
+ Cadillac has revealed the available powerplants in the upcoming CT6 luxury sedan, including a 3.0L twin turbo V6 with 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. More at Automobile.
+ Toyota is finalizing plans for its first passenger car assembly plant in Mexico, which could be approved by its board as early as next month, sources say. More at Reuters.
+ NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Brian Vickers has again been sidelined by blood clots and will miss at least three months while he is treated with blood thinners. More at ESPN.
+ Delegates from more than 800 United Auto Workers locals will meet in Detroit this week to formulate strategy for this year’s contract negotiations with the automakers. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Don Panoz says his DeltaWing Technology Group will be racing a GT concept based on the DeltaWing before the end of the 2015 season, supporting development of an eventual road car. More at Autoblog.com.
+ AutoCanada Inc., one of the country’s largest dealer chains, plans to use the current slump in oil prices to acquire more dealerships at bargain prices. More at Bloomberg.com.
+ Jeep could add a pickup to its product lineup after the 2018 model year, most likely based on the next-generation Wrangler. More at Motor Trend.
+ IMSA, the official body of American sports car racing, and ACO, the organizer of the 24 Hours of LeMans, have extended their strategic alliance through 2020. More at Motorsport.com.
For the previous Executive Briefing from March 20, click here.