This rare 1968 Firebird coupe with Ram Air II engine and M21 four-speed gearbox is expected to bring $150,000 to $200,000 at the Mecum Auctions Anaheim sale on November 19. Get all the latest automotive news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s headlines:

+   Third-quarter earnings at Ford fell more than 56 percent to $957 million due to recall costs, reduced dealer inventories, and an adjustment in F-150 sales. More at The Detroit News. 

+   In Santa Monica, California, Volkswagen debuted the new Atlas seven-passenger crossover SUV, called the largest VW ever offered in America. More at USA Today. 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will build a new Mopar parts distribution center in Romulus, just outside Detroit, investing $10.4 million and generating 100 jobs. More at MLive. 

+   In advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, Mazda is teasing a silhouette image of its new CX-5 compact crossover set to debut there. More at Motor Trend.

+   Audi has officially pulled out of the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans to focus its motorsport efforts on the all-electric Formula E series. More at BBC Sport.

+   General Motors earned $2.8 billion in the third quarter, exceeding Wall Street estimates and doubling its profit over the previous year, but share prices fell in expectation of lower sales. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   Tesla shares rose in price after the company posted its second profitable quarter in history and exceeded analysts’ predictions for the third quarter. More at CNBC. 

+   A listing at the Environmental Protection Agency’s website confirms that Dodge will produce the all-wheel-drive Challenger GT sometime in 2017. More at Autoblog.

+   A 1968 Firebird in classic Verduro Green with Ram Air II engine and four-speed transmission will star at the Mecum Auctions Anaheim sale on November 19. More at Hemmings Daily. 

+   NASCAR has placed new limits on the participation of Sprint Cup series drivers participation in its second-tier Xfinity and Truck Series for 2017. More at Racer. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from October 24 here.

Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.  

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