This rare 1955 Mercedes 300SL Alloy Gullwing will be the featured attraction at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction Week Sale. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s Headlines:

+   Toyota Motor Corp. outsold General Motors in the United States in 2021, marking the first time the Detroit automaker has not led U.S. auto sales for a full year since 1931. More at Reuters. 

+   The 2024 Volkswagen ID.Buzz battery-electric Microbus will debut on March 9 in a three-row version using the same EV platform as the ID.4 and priced at $40,000. More at Car and Driver. 

+   The Ford Mustang suffered its worst sales year in history in 2021 with only 52,414 vehicles delivered, allowing the rival Dodge Challenger to take the top spot in the class. More at Motor1.com. 

+   Aston Martin Formula 1 CEO and team principal Otmar, who has been with the team since 2009 when it was known as Force India, has left the operation, the team announced. More at SkySports. 

+   General Motors unveiled its new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado electric pickup, which will be offered in two versions, work truck and luxury, and priced at $39,900 to $105,000. More at CNBC. 

+   Vietnamese automaker VinFast plans to cease production of internal combustion vehicles and construct a vehicle assembly plant in Germany and a battery plant in the USA. More at Electdrive. 

+   According to info compiled by Edmunds.com, the average used car payment in the United States is now a whopping $520 per month, with terms extending to 70 months. More at The Drive. 

+   Stellantis has unveiled the Chrysler Airflow electric sedan, which is considered a preview for a 2025 production model as the brand goes entirely electric by 2028. More at Autoblog. 

+   The annual RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction Week sale at the Arizona Biltmore Resort on Jan. 27 will feature the rare Mercedes Lightweight Gullwing known as the “African Alloy.” More at ClassicCars.com Journal. 

+   Brad Moran, who previously served as managing director of the NASCAR Truck series for the past six seasons, has been promoted to the same position in the Cup Series. More at Speed Sport. 

Photo courtesy and copyright RM Sotheby’s. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from December 31 here.