This 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, the only four-speed, 426 Hemi example with its original engine, goes on the block at the Mecum Kissimmee auction in January. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. -Mecum Auctions photo
Today’s headlines:
+ Ford’s Lincoln division has opened its first three dealerships in China in Bejing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, where it will market the MKZ sedan and MKC crossover. More at The Detroit News.
+ Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have agreed to pay $100 million in fines to settle a federal investigation into overstatement of fuel mileage ratings on around 1.2 million vehicles. More at USA Today.
+ A merger of Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles would create a “brilliant combination,” said TrueCar Inc. president John Krafcik in an address to the Detroit automotive press. More at Bloomberg.
+ Former world champion Jenson Button indicated he may leave Formula One even if his current McLaren team offers a new contact. More at the UK Telegraph.
+ Honda Canada will invest more than $750 million to expand production at its Alliston, Ontario plant north of Toronto. More at the Wall Street Journal.
+ Third-quarter earnings at Tesla Motors beat analyst estimates, but the automaker has sharply lowered its fourth-quarter guidance. More at CNBC.
+ Tom Magliozzi, co-host of the popular public radio series Car Talk, has passed away at 77 due to complications of Alzhemier’s disease. More at National Public Radio.
+ Ford has declined to confirm reports that the head of its money-losing European operation has left the automaker and will be replaced from within. More at Reuters.
+ Chrysler reported $611 million in earnings for the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 32 percent over the same period last year. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Noted collector Tim Wellburn will sell off 23 vehicles from his muscle car museum at the Mecum Kissimmee auction January 16-25. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Longtime Daytona Prototype competitor Michael Shank Racing has added a Ligier JS P2 coupe to its stable, laying out plans to race at LeMans in 2016. More at Racer.
For the previous Executive Briefing from November 3, click here.
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