Nissan is considering a small electric pickup for the USA that could take some cues from its Surf-Out concept. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Toyota president and CEO Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder, is stepping down to become chairman as Lexus president Koji Sato will take over as chief executive in April. More at CNN Business.
+ Tesla reported record earnings of $24.32 billion and a gross margin of 25.9 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022, while projecting its 2023 production at 1.8 million vehicles. More at CNBC.
+ General Motors Co. is investing $20.5 million in three of its customer care and aftersales parts distribution centers, including two in Burton and Ypsilanti, Michigan. More at The Detroit News.
+ Sauber managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi has been appointed team representative for the Alfa Romeo Formula One team, taking the team principal role. More at ESPN.
+ Spy photographers captured images of a heavily camouflaged Ram 1200 pickup in cold weather testing in the Arctic Circle that could become the 2024 Dakota in the USA. More at Autoblog.
+ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners might receive a warranty extension and cash as compensation in a settlement for a suspension defect known as the “death wobble.” More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Lightyear has halted production of the Lightyear 0, its $260,000 solar-assisted luxury EV, to concentrate on development of its more affordable $43,000 Lightyear 2 for 2025. More at Autoweek.
+ According to a report from Automotive News. Nissan is considering a mid-size battery-electric pickup for the USA as a new EV category appears to be shaping up. More at Car and Driver.
+ In a news conference at Daytona, four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves confirmed that he has shelved his plans to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in February. More at Jayski.
+ The City of Seattle has filed suit against automakers Kia and Hyundai, alleging they disregarded public safety by failing to install immobilizers on their easily stolen cars. More at The Drive.
Photo courtesy of Nissan.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from January 23 here.
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Please let whoever is in charge of the title of the Executive Briefing that it is no longer 2022.
Good grief, thanks.
Thanks again. All fixed. Some of these convenience features aren’t that convenient.