Prewar American classics dominated the Auctions America Auburn Fall Sale, led by this 1933 Duesenberg Sweep-Panel Phaeton that sold for $2.3 million. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Mazda’s head of research and development, says the company intends to return the rotary engine to the market, but that profitability comes first. More at Motor Trend.
+ Three environmental groups have sued the Department of Transportation for delaying higher penalties against automakers that fail to meet fuel efficiency standards. More at the Washington Examiner.
+ Kia has released photos of its Proceed shooting break concept in advance of its formal introduction at the Frankfort Motor Show later this month. More at Automobile.
+ India’s Eicher Motors, maker of Royal Enfield, is set to offer $1.8 billion to $2 billion for Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, currently owned by Volkswagen. More at Reuters.
+ Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, says the team could add a third IndyCar next yearr alongside the entries of Graham Rahal and Takuma Sato. More at Racer.
+ Four small pickups earned “good” overall ratings in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though two extended cab models earned only “acceptable” grades. More at The Detroit News.
+ BMW plans to be mass producing electric cars by 2020 and to be offering 12 different models by 2025 as traditional carmakers seek to gain electric car market share. More at CNBC.
+ Lamborghini has unveiled a roadster version of the Aventador S coupe with V12 power, a price tag of $460,000, and only 110 lbs. of additional curb weight. More at Autoblog.
+ Prewar American classics from Duesenberg, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Cadillac made up six of the top 10 sales at the Auctions America Auburn Fall Sale. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ In an effort to control costs, NASCAR Monster Cup teams will be required to run engines in multiple races next year, under rules to be formalized in October. More at NBC Sports.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from September 4 here.
Photo by Darin Schnabel courtesy of Auctions America.
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