The fabulous 1948 Norman Timbs Special was reportedly lost in the devastating Woolsey Fire near Malibu, California. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s Headlines: 

+   Volkswagen Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Renault were among the biggest losers as new-car sales in Europe fell 7.4 percent in October. More at Automotive News Europe. 

+   Honda is teasing a video of its off-road capable 2019 Passport SUV in advance of the official introduction at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 27. More at USA Today. 

+   PSA Group, which now owns Opel/Vauxhall, is preparing to close one of its two Vauxhall plants in Great Britain in case of a drop in car demand after Brexit. More at Bloomberg.com.

+   Jet dragster driver Katarina “Kat” Moller, 24, was killed in a high-speed crash at Sebring International Raceway. More at WFLA. 

+   McLaren Racing has named ex-Force India Formula 1 boss Bob Fernley to serve as  president of its IndyCar program, reporting directly to CEO Zak Brown. More at SpeedSport.com. 

+   The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers warned the Trump administration that tariffs on steel, aluminum, and complete vehicles will do grave damage to the industry. More at The Detroit News. 

+   A British firm called Charge Automotive is planning a run of 499 brand-new electric Mustangs with ’60s bodies, 402 hp, and a base price of $255,000. More at Autoblog.

+   NASCAR Hall-of-Famer and three-time series champion David Pearson, Richard Petty’s closest rival through the classic years of stock car racing, has passed away at 83. More at ESPN. 

+   The Bondurant Racing School, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in February and entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, has now shut down, probably for good. More at Hemmings Daily. 

+   Noted restorer Gary Cerveny, owner of the famed Norman Timbs Special, is among the numerous enthusiasts whose collections were lost in the devastating California fires. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

+   NASCAR veteran driver Cole Whitt, 27, has retired from competition following last weekend’s Xfinity series race in Phoenix, citing a desire for more time with his family. More at  ESPN. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from November 12 here. 

Photo courtesy of Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. 

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