The Ford GT Mk. II that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 has been named one of eight finalists for the International Historic Motoring Awards 2016 Car of the Year. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

Today’s headlines:

+   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed an investigation of the automatic braking system on the 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee without initiating a recall. More at The Detroit News. 

+   Volkswagen AG confirmed it will make $1.21 billion in payments to 652 U.S. brand dealers as part of its $16.5 billion diesel emissions settlement. More at Yahoo! News. 

+   Audi has opened a new plant in San José Chiapa, Puebla, Mexico to produce the Q5 SUV with 4,200 workers and a capacity of 150,000 units per year. More at Mexico News Daily. 

+   The IndyCar operations of Andretti Autosport and Bryan Herta Autosport will continue their partnership through 2017 and intend to continue with Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi. More at Racer. 

+   Buick will launch the Avenir sub-brand to distinguish the higher trim levels of each model in its lineup, much as GMC has done with Denali. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   BMW will offer battery-electric versions of its X3 compact SUV and the Mini sedan to debut within the next three years, company officials stated. More at CNBC. 

+   Lon Bromley, who headed the pioneering CART on-track safety team from the ’80s until the series ended in 2007, died in boating accident near his home. More at Racer. 

+   Responding to comments by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Ralf Speth said Brexit compensation deals must be fair for all. More at Reuters.

+   Finalists for the International Historic Motoring Awards 2016 Car of the Year include the Ford GT Mk. II 1966 Le Mans winner and a 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Cupola. More at Hemmings Daily. 

+   Mexican driver Sergio Perez, 26, has signed for a fourth season through 2017 with the Force India Formula 1 team, currently fourth in constructor points. More at BBC Sport. 

+   Drivers for the Lyft ride-sharing service, in which General Motors is a major investor, will be among those first in line to buy the Chevy Bolt EV as it becomes available. More at Autoblog. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from September 30 here.

Photo by Ford Motor Company. 

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