The U.S. Postal Service is purchasing six Canoo electric delivery vans for evaluation. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Tesla plans to launch production of its much-anticipated low-priced electric crossover, estimated to cost less than $30,000, at its Austin, Texas gigafactory in 2025. More at engadget.
+ General Motors and Honda have begun shipping fuel-cell power units to customers from their joint-venture factory near Detroit, with hopes to produce 2,000 units annually by mid-decade. More at Reuters.
+ Production and skilled workers at Ford represented by the United Auto Workers have begun receiving $50,000 buyout offers under the company’s 2024 retirement incentive program. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco, who finished fifth in the 2023 driver championship, has signed a multi-year contract extension of undisclosed length with Ferrari. More at BBC Sport.
+ South Korea’s Hyundai Motor predicted slower sales growth this year due to weakened demand and economic uncertainties including higher interest rates and inflation. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni slammed carmaker Stellantis, accusing it of weakening Italy’s industrial footprint since the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Groupe. More at The Detroit News.
+ General Motors is delaying the third shift at its Flint Assembly plant where HD trucks are built so workers can watch the Detroit Lions play in the NFC championship game. More at Autoblog.
+ California senator Scott Wiener has proposed a bill that would require cars in the state to incoporate electronic regulators to limit speeds to 10 mph over the posted speed limits. More at The Drive.
+ The United States Postal Service will acquire six LDV190 right-hand drive electric delivery vans from Torrence, California-based EV startup Canoo Inc. for evaluation. More at Car and Driver.
+ Legacy Motor Club announced that 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne will join the NASCAR Cup organization as a driver optimization leader for the team’s three drivers. More at Jayski.
Photo courtesy of Canoo Inc.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from January 22 here.
Join Mac’s Motor City Garage on Facebook and X (Twitter) to receive notices when every new story is published.