MCG Executive Briefing for October 14, 2019

This track-proven 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta was the top seller at the Bonhams Zoute GP auction, bringing $3.174 million. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

 

Today’s Headlines:

 Volkswagen AG is weighing the options for its Lamborghini supercar brand, aiming to double the company’s market value through a stock offering or outright sale. More at Bloomberg.com. 

+   The ouster of Renault CEO Thierry Bollore sweeps away another remnant of the Carlos Ghosn era and allows for greater ties with Japanese affiliate Nissan, observers say. More at Automotive News Europe. 

 Used car prices fell 1.6 percent last month, signaling a potential long-term decline in new car demand, according to Cox Automotive senior economist Charlie Chesbrough. More at The Detroit News. 

+   With a win by Valtteri Bottas at the Japanese Grand Prix, Mercedes locked up the Formula 1 constructors’ title for 2019 and guaranteed a driver’s title for one of its two drivers. More at Racer. 

+   For the first time in 35 years, the nearly 3,600 members of the United Auto Workers at Volvo-owned Mack Trucks have gone on strike at six facilities in three states. More at The Drive. 

 Police in New Haven, Connecticut cracked down on illegal street racing over the weekend, arresting 47 suspects at and around a local drive-in restaurant. More at WTNH News 8. 

+  Hyundai and its affiliate Kia brand have set aside $760 million to settle claims in the USA and Korea related to engine fires on its GDI (gasoline direct injection) vehicles. More at Autoblog. 

 Aston Martin announced that four of its products, including a classic DB5, a V8 Vantage, and two current models, will be appearing in the next James Bond movie, No Time to Die. More at USA Today. 

+   Investor-grade Ferraris dominated the stage at the 10th annual Bonhams Zoute Grand Prix sale in Belgium, claiming five of the top 10 sales for the event. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

 The results of Australia’s classic Bathurst 1000 for 2019 will remain provisional until DJR Team Penske’s hearing over a team orders charge, race officials announced. More at Motorsport.com. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from October 11 here.

Photo courtesy of Bonhams. 

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