One of 51 built, this 1948 Tucker bearing serial number 1049 is expected to bring $1.51 million to $2.07 million at the RM Sotheby’s Monaco sale in May. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Nearly every Toyota and Lexus model and trim level will be equipped with standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) in 2017, the automaker announced. More at Autoblog.
+ At Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s New York Automotive Summit, General Motors North America president Alan Batey asserted the company can now remain profitable even in a severe downturn. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Yokohama Rubber Co. has agreed to purchase the Alliance Tire Group from the U.S. private equity firm KKR for $1.2 billion, gaining a foothold in the agricultural and forestry markets. More at the Economic Times.
+ Ford CEO Mark Fields is defending the automaker’s global investment and manufacturing strategy, dismissing criticism from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. More at Reuters.
+ The strong demand for gasoline autos in China is driving oversupply of diesel fuel in the petroleum refining industry there, according to Bank of China International. More at Reuters.
+ Leading team owner Roger Penske says he has no interest in expanding the IndyCar schedule outside of North America, citing the sponsor and spectator focus here at home. More at Racer.
+ General Motors is recalling 3,137 Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2016 model year to replace side-impact airbags with potentially defective weld studs. More at Edmunds.com.
+ The 2016 RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction on May 14 will feature around 100 cars, from a 1951 Ferrari 340 America Touring Barchetta to a Tucker 48. More at Sports Car Digest.
+ An Australian media outlet reports that LS V8-powered Chevy SS, currently based on the Holden Commodore, could continue in North America after Holden ceases production in 2017. More at Car Advice.
+ Haas Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean says he is interested in doing a one-off NASCAR road course event, but says he would like to drive in a “proper test” first. More at Motorsport.com.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from March 25 here.
Photo courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.