Top sellers at the RM Sotheby’s St. Moritz auction included this 1953 Fiat 8V Berlinetta, which brought $1.46 million. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Speaking at Italian TechWeek, Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicted that the current global microchip shortage is a “short term” problem that will be resolved by next year. More at Fox Business.
+ A Ford Pro law enforcement electric prototype vehicle based on the Mustang Mach-E has passed rigorous testing by the Michigan State Police and is eligible or fleet use. More at Car and Driver.
+ A 1993 Toyota pickup truck with only 84 miles showing on the odometer and described as a New Hampshire barn find sold for $45,100 in an eBay online auction. More at The Drive.
+ With a dramatic victory over Lando Norris in the rain-soaked Russian Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton scored his 100th Formula 1 victory. More at the UK Guardian.
+ BMW is not pursuing a range of greater than 600 km (372.8 mi) in its electric vehicles, calling that distance sufficient, according to BMW i4 project leader David Ferrufino. More at Australia’s Wheels.
+ On Wednesday, Sept. 29, Stellantis will unveil the short-wheelbase 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including a 4xe plug-in hybrid model with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. More at Autoblog.
+ Ford platform chief Hau Thai-Tang says there will be no more Mustang Shelby GT500 convertibles on the current platform as the coupe is already at its structural limit. More at Motor Authority.
+ Mercedes-Benz will become an equal partner in Automotive Cells Co., Stellantis NV’s battery manufacturing venture in Europe with French oil giant TotalEnergies SE. More at The Detroit News.
+ The inaugural RM Sotheby’s auction held in conjunction with St. Moritz International Automobile Week featured only 24 vehicle lots but brought $17.8 million in sales. More at ClassicCars.com Journal.
+ As expected, Formula 1 veteran and IndyCar freshman Romain Grosjean has inked a contract to run the next two IndyCar seasons, including the Indy 500, with Andretti Autosport. More at ESPN.
Photo courtesy and copyright of RM Sotheby’s.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from September 24 here.
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