Edsel Ford’s own custom-built 1932 Ford Speedster will star at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction, where it is expected to bring $1.2 million to $1.4 million. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler has ruled out selling its Italian brands Lamborghini and Ducati to help offset costs of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions test-rigging scandal. More at Reuters.
+ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has named longtime Jeep director Jim Morrison to replace Bob Hegbloom as head of the company’s Ram Truck brand for North America. More at The Detroit News.
+ At the Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet unveiled the 2017 Corvette Gran Sport, which combines Z06 chassis and body enhancements with the standard 460-hp Stingray powerplant. More at CNet.
+ Ford sold 20.2 percent more vehicles in February versus the same period last year, while Fiat Chrysler rose 12 percent and GM slipped 1.5 percent due to a cutback in fleet sales. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ In a company-wide email to employees, NASCAR Chairman Brian France defended his decision to endorse Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. More at Motorsport.com.
+ Calling himself an “Apple freak,” Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne wants his company to manufacture the Apple car now under development. More at the International Business Times.
+ The next-generation Audi A8 due in summer of 2017 will include mild hybrid technology, electric turbochargers, autonomous driving features, and a 48-volt electrical system. More at Auto Express.
+ In Geneva, Morgan introduced an all-electric version of its venerable three-wheeler sport roadster powered by a 46-kW (63 hp) motor and 20-kWh lithium battery. More at Motor Trend.
+ More than 90 automobiles are set to cross the auction block at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on March 12. More at Sports Car Digest.
+ Current Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton bitterly criticized the new cockpit halo safety cage unveiled this week, calling it “the worst-looking mod in Formula 1 history.” More at Racer.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from February 29 here.
Photo courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.