MCG Executive Briefing for February 5, 2021

Cadillac has unveiled its latest V-sedans, the 442-hp CT4-V and the 668-hp CT5-V Blackwings. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing. 

 

Today’s Headlines:

+   German transportation giant Daimler will split into two publicly held units this year, one to produce trucks and the other to manufacture Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. More at Financial Times. 

 Ford reported a $1.3 billion loss on $127.1 billion in revenue for 2020, while announcing it will increase its investment in electric vehicle development to $22 billion. More at The Detroit News.

After 17 years in production for the previous-generation Nissan Frontier, the company has unveiled a 2022 version of the midsize pickup that will appear in showrooms this summer. More at The Drive. 

+   Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean will join the IndyCar operation of Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing to run the road and street course venues in 2021. More at the Indianapolis Star. 

 Sales of electric and plug-in hybrid cars in the European Union nearly tripled to more than one million vehicles last year, accounting for more than 10 percent of total sales. More at Reuters.

 BMW will begin to use aluminum produced using solar energy, a move the German carmaker described as “an important milestone” in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. More at CNBC. 

 Swedish carmaker Volvo reported an 8.2 percent increase in second-half operating earnings, but warned that the current semiconductor shortage could stall production. More at Autoblog. 

 The RM Sotheby’s 2021 Paris Auction, to be staged online on February 13, will feature four exceptional Ferraris, from a 1963 250 2+2 to the 2016 F12tdf 120th Anniversary. More at Sports Car Digest. 

+   General Motors reports that the newest Cadillac V-sedans, the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings, will likely be the final V-models powered by internal combustion engines. More at Car and Driver. 

 Formula 1 series owner Liberty Media plans to make a big push to boost interest in the United States this year, as it continues to evaluate a second Grand Prix here. More at Motorsport.com. 

Photo courtesy of General Motors. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from February 1 here. 

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