As the 2015 Formula One series opens, Mercedes will have two new service vehicles on the track: a GT S coupe safety car and a C63 S medical wagon. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ General Motors will announce a plan to buy back shares and settle with activist investor Harry J. Wilson, who will give up his request for a board seat. More at Bloomberg.
+ Audi outsold German rival Mercedes-Benz for a second month in February as the Volkswagen division benefited from its revamped model lineup. More at Reuters.
+ Ford has started production of its new twin-scroll 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engines for North America at its Cleveland, Ohio engine plant. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ The United Auto Workers plan to make two-tier wages a leading issue when the union enters contract talks this summer with GM, Ford and FCA (formerly Chrysler). More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ The Manor Formula One team, formerly known as Marussia, is one step closer to joining the 2015 season after successfully completing FIA crash tests. More at Racer.
+ Volkswagen is expected to announce a $1 billion expansion of its Pueblo, Mexico plant that will add 1,900 jobs and a production line for the next-generation Tiguan. More at Autoblog.
+ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 702,578 SUVs and minivans to correct defective ignition switches that can unexpectedly turn off the engine. More at NBC News.
+ Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon will meet with series officials this week to discuss a timeline for the installation of complete SAFER barriers at all NASCAR facilities. More at SB Nation.
+ Mercedes will supply a GT S coupe safety car and a C63 S station wagon as the medical car for the FIA Formula One series in 2015. More at Motor Trend.
For the previous Executive Briefing from March 6, click here.
Somehow, the EcoBoost Cleveland just doesn’t have the same ring as the 351 Cleveland. Regardless, it’s great to see the work come back to town.