This 1966 McLaren Mk1B will cross the block at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island auction next week, where it is expected to bring up to $325,000. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ French automaker PSA Group is reportedly closing in on a deal to acquire the Opel division of General Motors, creating Europe’s second largest car company. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ New car and truck sales slipped 1.1 percent to 1.33 million units in February, but the industry remains on track for a third consecutive year of record volume. More at USA Today.
+ The Michigan congressional delegation has asked the federal government for $200 million to fund test facilities for self-driving automotive technology. More at The Detroit News.
+ Ferrari topped the final day of the first pre-season Formula 1 test of 2017 in Barcelona, with Kimi Raikkonen outpacing Red Bull’s Max Verstoppen. More at Motorsport.com.
+ The 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, due in showrooms later this year, will make its official debut on March 7 at the Geneva Motor Show. More at Automobile.
+ Mexico’s Economy Minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, will meet in Detroit with leaders from Ford and General Motors in a campaign to deter President Trump from punishing Mexican exports. More at Reuters.
+ Ohio-based drivetrain manufacturer Dana has completed the purchase of U.S. Manufacturing, based in the former Detroit Arsenal tank plant, for $100 million. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ According to a study by credit monitor Experian, the price gap between new and used car loans jumped to $11,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016, an all-time record. More at CNBC.
+ A 1966 McLaren Mk1B originally driven by Chris Amon, Skip Barber, and Peter Revson will be featured at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island sale on March 10. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ As a cost-saving measure, Martinsville and Watkins Glen will join Pocono in holding Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying and the race on the same day in 2017. More at Racer.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 27 here.
Photo courtesy of Gooding & Company.
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