In storage for 45 years, the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Rapid Transit factory show car is now headed for auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s headlines:

+   With backing from the Canadian government, Volkswagen has committed to building a $14.8 billion battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, southwest of Toronto. More at Reuters. 

+   The Ram of Brazil division of Stellantis South America is teasing a video of an upcoming mid-sized pickup that will reportedly match up with the Ford Ranger Raptor. More at The Drive. 

+   Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) of South Korea announced that it intends to be a “top three EV manufacturer” by 2030, offering more than 30 battery-electric models worldwide. More at Car and Driver. 

+   James Allison has returned to the role of technical director at the Mercedes Formula One team upon switching jobs with Mike Elliott, who now becomes chief technical officer. More at ESPN. 

+   McLaren Automotive has appointed Tobias Sühlmann, a Volkswagen veteran who served as head of design at Bugatti and Aston Martin, as its new chief design officer. More at Motor Authority. 

+   Lloyd Reuss, former chief engineer at both Buick and Chevrolet and president of General Motors, and the father of current GM president Mark Ruess, has passed away at 86. More at The Detroit News. 

+   In storage for 45 years, the 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda specially customized for the Rapid Transit Caravan has been tracked down and will be offered at the Mecum Indy auction in May. More at Autoblog. 

+   Anne Hoffman, editor-in-chief of the German magazine Die Aktuelle, has been fired after publishing an AI-generated interview with retired Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher. More at Sports Illustrated. 

+   A couple in Sweden who built a Jaguar C-Type replica have won a five-year court battle with Jaguar Land Rover over copyright infringement, but the automaker could appeal. More at Hemmings. 

+   Team engineers at this year’s Indianapolis 500 will have a wider range of aerodynamic options to explore on their Dallara DW12 race cars to provide more rear downforce. More at Racer. 

+   General Motors is advising owners to park their vehicles outside as it recalls 40,000 Chevy medium-duty trucks to correct a brake sensor defect that could cause a fire. More at the Detroit Free Press. 

+   Bandimere Raceway, the NHRA national event dragstrip in Jefferson County, Colorado west of Denver, will cease operations at the end of 2023 after 65 years in operation. More at The Denver Post. 

Photo courtesy of Autoblog. 

Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from April 21 here. 

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