The smaller, more affordable Rivian R2 SUV will be priced at $45,000 despite tariffs, the EV maker says. Get all the latest automotive news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Stellantis is reportedly closing in on its selection of a new global CEO, with current chief operating officer for North America Antonio Filosa said to be a leading candidate. More at The Detroit News.
+ A group representing General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis blasted President Trump’s pending trade deal with the United Kingdom, charging that it punishes domestic automakers. More at Reuters.
+ Volkswagen is looking to sell off Italdesign, the Turin styling and enginering firm responsible for many memorable VW vehicle designs, in its campaign to reduce costs. More at The Drive.
+ Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is reportedly planning to obtain a DMSB Nürburgring Nordschleife racing permit after testing a Ferrari 296 GT3 racer there. More at Motorsport.com.
+ General Motors is recalling nearly 50,000 full-size pickups and SUVs in Canada due to a manufacturing defect in the 6.2L V8 L87 engine that can cause damage or failure. More at Motor Illustrated.
+ The first-quarter results at used-car retailer Carvana easily topped Wall Street’s expectations as the company reported a 46 percent year-over year increase in sales. More at CNBC.
+ China’s car sales in April rose for a third month, up 14.8 percent from a year earlier, as government-subsidised auto trade-ins mitigated the impact of U.S. tariff concerns. More at World Auto Forum.
+ Rivian announced that despite tariff pressures, the smaller, more affordable R2 SUV will still begin production in the first half of 2026, and it will still be priced at $45,000. More at Car and Driver.
+ California and 16 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting billions of dollars in congressional funding to expand the USA’s EV fast-charger infrastructure. More at CBT News.
+ Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania has been named the “Best NASCAR Track” for the second consecutive year in the 10Best Readers’ Choice poll of race fans by USA TODAY. More at Jayski.
Photo courtesy of Rivian.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from May 9 here.
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