MCG Executive Briefing for December 17, 2018

Formerly owned by actor Robert Redford, this 1964 Porsche 904 is expected to bring $1.4 million to $1.6 million at the Bonhams Scottsdale auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

 

Today’s Headlines: 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has scheduled extended downtime at four assembly plants in the United States and one in Canada in January to adjust for reduced demand. More at The Detroit News.

+   The Paris newspaper Le Figaro reports that the French government may back Jean-Dominique Senard of Michelin to replace Renault chairman Carlos Ghosn. More at Metro. 

 The first production 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. More at Automobile. 

+   A Mexican government official has moved to refute statements attributed to her claiming that the Mexican Grand Prix date was secured via bribes and corruption. More at Racer. 

 According to the National Auto Dealers Association, new car sales will total 16.8 million in 2019, a 1.1 percent decline from 2018 and below 17 million for the the first time since 2014. More at CNBC.  

 The state of California is pushing for a 100-percent zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040, which regulators say is equivalent to taking four million cars off the road. More at Autoblog. 

 The Tupelo Automobile Museum will be permanently closed and its 178-vehicle inventory will be auctioned to fund a charitable educational foundation. More at the Tupelo, MS Daily Journal. 

+   French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ford’s decision to shut down its Blanquefort, France plant next year was “hostile” and is seeking a buyer for the site. More at Reuters. 

 Headliners at the Bonhams Scottsdale auction will include a 1964 Porsche 904, a Lamborghini Miura, and a 1962 Porsche 356 Carrera 2 GS Cabriolet. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

+   The U.S. Air Force will continue its partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the no. 43 Ford driven by Bubba Wallace with primary sponsorship in two events in 2019. More at ESPN. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from December 14 here. 

Photo courtesy of Bonhams. 

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2 thoughts on “MCG Executive Briefing for December 17, 2018

  1. There will be lots more shutdowns and slowdowns, but they will be more quietly announced than GM’s.

  2. Sad to see the Tupelo Museum close. Supposedly the largest one east of the Mississippi river. Lots of beautiful cars there. Saw several vehicles that I had only read about or seen a scratchy b&w photo of. Going to have to make the trip back over there before they close the doors forever.

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