The one-of-a-kind 1966 Duesenberg Model D prototype, designed by Virgil Exner with coachwork by Ghia of Italy, has been offered for sale at $475,000. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Buick was the only U.S. brand to make the top 10 in Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey, although Fiat Chrysler showed improvement. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Nissan is suspending domestic production of Japanese market vehicles for at least two weeks to address failed inspection procedures that led to a major recall. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ Taking advantage of Brazil’s repeal of a 30 percent import tax, Kia Motors plans to invest $52 million there, setting an annual sales target of 20,000 vehicles. More at Reuters.
+ Jaguar design chief Ian Callum hopes to bring back the four-place XK sports car series discontinued in 2014, to be offered alongside the two-seat F-Type. More at Motor Trend.
+ As expected, two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso has signed a contract extension with McLaren, which recently switched from Honda to Renault powerplants. More at Racer.
+ General Motors has donated $5 million to The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, endowing an exhibit space called The Gallery by General Motors. More at the Dearborn Press and Guide.
+ Former Ford CEO Mark Fields, who was forced out in Februrary, has taken a new post as senior advisor for the global private equity firm TPG Capital. More at The Detroit News.
+ Noted concept car collector Joe Bortz has placed the the one-of-a-kind, ,VIrgil Exner-designed 1966 Duesenberg Model D prototype on the selling block. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Mercedes-AMG G65 Final Edition, boasting a 630-horsepower V12, a $367,000 list price, and a production run of only 65 units. More at Autoblog.
+ IndyCar president of competition Jay Frye says the series plans to test its new driver protection shield before the end of the year, with a special emphasis on oval-track visibility. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from October 16 here.
Photo courtesy of the Joe Bortz Collection.
Have you joined Mac’s Motor City Garage on Facebook? It’s lots of fun with rare photos, car lore, trivia, and great discussions. Click here to go the page and join MCG. Be sure to check out our companion Facebook page MOTOROLOGY, too.
> Buick was the only U.S. brand to make the top 10
These things always surprise me given how much commonality there is between GM brands.
Good point and I’ve wondered about the very same thing. I think it has more to due with brand loyalty than any kind of actual survey on service calls.