In advance of the Geneva Auto Show, Audi has unveiled its second-generation R8 line, which includes 5.2-liter V10 models in both 540 hp and 610 hp tune. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Ford has invested $565 million and is adding another 400 jobs at its Oakville, Ontario plant to produce the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has increased his voting stake in the carmaker to nearly 1 percent just as the company prepares to spin off luxury brand Ferrari. More at Reuters.
+ Ernest Hemmings, who founded Hemmings Motor News as a mimeographed sheet in 1954 and sold the magazine in 1969, has passed away at 89. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ David Ragan will drive in this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Atlanta for Kyle Busch, who suffered leg and foot fractures at Daytona. More at Racer.
+ U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-Colorado) has introduced federal legislation to prohibit automated cameras in traffic law enforcement. More at Autoblog.
+ Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn said he considers truck boss Andreas Renschler and brand manager Herbert Diess as his potential successors. More at Automotive Business Review.
+ General Motors will close its Bekasi, Indonesia assembly plant in June due to high material costs and small scale, eliminating 500 jobs. More at The Detroit News.
+ Audi has unveiled its second-generation R8 V10, R8 e-tron, and R8 LMS sports cars
in advance of next month’s Geneva Auto Show. More at Motor Trend.
+ Female GP3 racer Carmen Jorda of Spain has joined the Lotus Formula One team as a development driver for the 2015 season. More at Motorsport.com.
For the previous Executive Briefing from February 23, click here.