Auto Industry News: Daytona Turkey Run, Arizona International Auto Show, Cyber Monday Deals, & Ghosn Removal
The Daytona Turkey Run and Arizona International Auto Show prove we have plenty to be thankful for. It’s all fun and games with these Cyber Monday deals. And Nissan shakes up its executive office after a massive scandal with Ghosn. Let’s get down to business with this week’s Auto Industry News!
Daytona Turkey Run
This past weekend, a heavy metal, holiday-season tradition that started in 1974 graced Daytona International Speedway. More than 5,000 custom and classic cars across every genre and decade you can imagine were on public display at the annual Daytona Turkey Run. Marvels that include everything from refurbished stock cars to a low-riding ’54 Ford pickup. Participants came from all over, even as far as Iceland.
As a unique addition, the Daytona Turkey Run featured the Hops & Hoods Beer Festival. This bottoms-up side attraction featured over 120 styles of beer from over 48 different breweries to cool spectators as they enjoyed those hot rides in the warm Florida sun.
2018 Arizona International Auto Show
The end of the month brings the LA Auto Show, where vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator, 2019 Porsche 911, and others like them will make their big debut. But the west also hosts the Arizona International Auto Show, which took the weekend by storm. Boasting an array of new vehicles and concepts, it is no slouch on the circuit of “What’s happening, what’s hot, and where are things heading?”
The 2019 Ford Ranger and its small but capable 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine (which comes standard), made another pit stop on its American comeback hype tour. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler was in attendance as well, and despite the shakeup of its mechanical makeup, its perennial prowess remains undeniable.
But the crown jewel of the show just may have been the F-150 Raptor Simulator. Spectators were beyond eager, as they jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel and virtually rip around in the performance truck. Given the price tag of the Raptor, that’s as close as many of us will come to the real thing…
Cyber Monday Must-Haves
Of the seemingly millions of deals available on Cyber Monday, we chose to focus on the fun factor. Christmas is around the corner and video games bring out the kid in all of us. It’s time to channel your inner F1 driver. If you’re lucky, these steals published by CNET are still in play and available for the taking:
Nintendo Switch + $50 Gift Card: $300 at GameStop
“The earlier version of this bundle, which also included a $35 eShop credit, sold out earlier on Monday. But you can still grab the Switch with a $50 GameStop gift card.”
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for $54 (save $16)
“The JoyCon controllers that come with Nintendo’s Switch are cool and innovative but serious gamers may find them too small for extended sessions. Enter the superb Pro Controller, which makes the Switch play more like an Xbox. It rarely goes on sale, and this is a sweet deal. See it at Target.”
Xbox One S + Minecraft: $200 at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc. (save $100)
“The console normally retails for $300 and then you get Minecraft thrown in—all for $200. See it at Walmart (in-store only) and at Best Buy. Add $30 and get it bundled with the all-new Battlefield V game. This deal throws in Battlefield: 1943 and Battlefield 1 Revolution for free, too: See Battlefield V bundle at Walmart.”
Xbox One X Deals: Save $100+
“If you want true 4K power, step up to the Xbox One X.” Bundle packages available while supplies last. See Fallout 76 bundle at Walmart.
Nvidia Shield TV with Remote $140 (save $40) at Multiple Retailers
Alright, so this one isn’t a video game, but it’s one of the most powerful streamers around. More streaming means easier access to all your fav gearhead shows, right? “The Shield throws together Android TV and Google Assistant thanks to the voice remote. This version lacks a game controller, but you could always get one later (they cost $60).” This price is available now from Walmart and other retailers.
Nissan’s Ghosn to be Removed
Sadly, it can’t be all fun and games though. The big headlines over the past week: Carlos Ghosn of Nissan is being removed from his chairman position after manipulating funds to allocate $40 million in funds to himself and another initially unnamed company executive.
Further internal investigation by Nissan proved that the executive was Representative Director Greg Kelly. According to prosecutors, the two men allegedly collaborated to under-report Ghosn’s income by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) over a five-year period ending in March 2015. The maximum punishment in Japan for filing a false financial statement is up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 10 million yen ($89,000). Neither Ghosn nor Kelly has officially stepped down from the company…yet.
Around the Circuit
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Racing has released its four-member roster for American off-road racing events in 2019. Veterans Colton Haaker and Thad Duvall will return to the team next season. And joining their worldwide experience are Andrew Short and Trevor Bollinger. Short is set to add WORCS racing to his international rally events and Bollinger will race GNCC. “With my motocross background and continuing to race rally, I feel like offroad is a great combination of the two and I am hoping to find a lot of success doing it!” said Short.
In F1 news, Pirelli has been locked and loaded as the sole tire provider in the sport. The partnership began in 2011 and was contractually expected to continue through 2019. Now, however, the deal has been extended into 2023. “They are leaders in providing innovative, state-of-the-art capabilities. They are a premium brand, a clear global leader in motorsport,” said F1 CEO Chase Carey.
