Is the Viper nearing the end of its run? Chrysler has cut production of the 2013 model by a third due to thin sales. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Links open in new windows
+ A German car magazine reports that Daimler AG may build a new Mercedes plant in North America if the demand for compact cars continues to rise. More at Reuters.
+ Hyundai Motors is replacing the cigarette lighter with a USB port in all its Korean market vehicles, and has plans to take the change global. More at Quartz.
+ Plans for an initial public offering of Chrysler shares could be delayed until next year, says Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler and Fiat CEO. More at The Detroit Bureau.
+ Following a vehicle fire in Washington state and a lukewarm analyst’s report, Tesla Motors shares (TSLA) were hammered in Wednesday and Thursday trading. More at USA Today.
+ Penske Racing has signed Sprint Cup driver Brad Keselowski and sponsor Miller Lite to contract extensions through the 2017 NASCAR season. More at ESPN.
+ After selling only 426 units so far in 2013, Chrysler is cutting Viper production at the Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit from nine to six cars per day. More at MLive.
+ The four best selling cars in China for August were all Volkswagens, with the Ladiva sedan by Shanghai VW leading the pack. More at China Auto Web.
+ Acting through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, F1 drivers are expected to seek an increase in minimum car weight for the 2014 season. More at UK Yahoo! Sport.
For the previous Executive Briefing from September 30, click here.