At $1.98 million, this 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible in Lemon Twist was among the top 10 sellers at this year’s Mecum Indy auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s Headlines:

+   After 13 years as CEO at Daimler, Dieter Zetsche is stepping down to join the company’s supervisory board, while his current post will be taken by Ola Kallenius. More at AP News. 

+   GAC Motor, one of China’s largest carmakers, has postponed its launch in the USA because of the ongoing trade war between the two countries, the company reported. More at CNBC.

+   Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas says Ford’s layoff of 7,000 salaried workers is not sufficient and another 23,000 must be cut to meet the company’s cost goals. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+  Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton was exempted from his media duties for the Monaco Grand Prix following the death of three-time F1 champion and team executive Niki Lauda. More at CNBC. 

+  Audi will kill its trademark TT sports car and replace it with an electric vehicle as part of a plan to eclipse Tesla as the leading premium electric-car manufacturer. More at Automotive News Europe. 

+   Spy photographers have captured a camouflage-free example of the Jeep Wranger EcoDiesel, which boasts 260 hp and is expected to enter production by year’s end. More at Autoblog.

+   NASCAR announced it will purchase International Speedway Corporation (ISC), the owner of 12 NASCAR track venues, for $2 billion, taking the company private. More at Fox Sports. 

+   This fall, BMW will offer the E-Scooter, a stand-up electric scooter with a 150-watt motor, a top speed of 12 mph, a range of 7.5 miles or 37 minutes, and a price of $892. More at The Drive. 

+   Top sellers at this year’s Mecum Indy extravaganza included a 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, the final 427 Cobra sold new, and a 1940 Big Tank Crocker. More at Hemmings Daily.

+  Self-driving car startup Aurora Innovation Inc. announced that it will acquire Montana-based Blackmore, a company that develops Lidar detection technology. More at Reuters. 

+   NASCAR has announced its 2020 Hall of Fame inductees: Drivers Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, and Buddy Baker, crew chief Waddell Wilson, and team owner Joe Gibbs. More at USA Today. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from May 20 here.

Photo courtesy and copyright Mecum Auctions.  

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