MCG Executive Briefing for July 3, 2020

After an 80-year product run, Lincoln is dropping the Continental after 2020 to concentrate on crossovers and SUVs. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

 

Today’s Headlines: 

+   Each of the Detroit Thee automakers posted sales declines of more than 30 percent for the second quarter of 2020 as COVID-19 shutdowns paralyzed the new car market. More at The Detroit News.

 After an 80-year production run in numerous guises, Ford’s Lincoln Motor Company division is retiring the Continental name to concentrate on crossovers and SUVs. More at Motor Trend. 

 Shares in Tesla Inc. shot up as the electric automaker delivered more than 90,000 vehicles in the second quarter, soundly exceeding analysts’ expectations. More at CNBC. 

+   The Mercedes Formula 1 team has unveiled a new black livery for the 2020 season as part of a campaign to oppose racism in the world motorsports community. More at Motorsport.com. 

+   Fiat Chrysler Automobiles confirmed that Dodge will discontinue the Grand Caravan and Journey after model year 2020, leaving the brand without a minivan or a crossover. More at Autoblog. 

 According to a report in the German daily Der Tagesspiegel, the nation’s new car registrations plunged 40 percent in June, setting the stage for the worst year since 1989. More at Reuters. 

 As it celebrates its corporate centennial this year, Mazda will offer a 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5 Miata for the North American market. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. .

+   Already delayed once, the annual Hemmings Motor News Great Race, a time-speed-distance event for vintage cars, has been postponed until 2021. More at Hemmings Daily.  

 Dodge is readying three new models for 2021 with more than 700 horsepower each: Challenger SRT Super Stock, Charger Hellcat Redeye, and Dodge Durango Hellcat. More at Autoweek. 

 NASCAR is among the sports and entertainment interests lobbying congress for legislation to enable business interruption insurance for protection in the COVID-19 era. More at Jayski. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from June 29 here.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company. 

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