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Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected

MILAN — Stellantis softened up investors ahead of its electrification strategy event on Thursday by flagging that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a chip shortage that has hit automakers worldwide. Stellantis, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, faces an investor community keen to hear how it plans to come up with a range of electrified vehicles (EVs) to rival Tesla. At its "EV Day 2021" kicking off at 1230 GMT, Stellantis will disclose significant investments in electrification technology and connected software as it aims to be an industry frontrunner, it said in a statement. In April, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said it would offer low-emission versions — either battery or hybrid electric — of almost all of its European models by 2025, and they should make up 70% of European sales and 35% of U.S. sales by 2030. Stellantis, the world's fourth-biggest automaker, has 14 brands in its stable, including Jeep, Ram, Opel, Fiat, Peugeot and Maserati.   Stellantis EV Day coverage: Dodge will launch the 'world's first electric muscle car' in 2024 Fully electric Ram 1500 will begin production in 2024 Jeep will have 4xe plug-in hybrid models across the lineup by 2025 Stellantis teases mystery electric Chrysler concept Stellantis previews 4 electric platforms: Here's how they'll be used Fiat says all Abarth models to be electric from 2024 Opel Manta E will be the electric revival of the classic German coupe Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected   At a similar EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault announced that 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target. Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to make up 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand. Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to a global shortage of semiconductor supplies. Stellantis shares listed in Milan were down 2.6% at 0920 GMT, underperforming the broader European car index. Bestinver analyst Marco Opipari said Thursday's news was positive but that the stock was suffering from profit taking as it had moved up about 20% since the end of April.

Haas F1 names Esteban Gutierrez second driver

The 2016 Formula 1 grid is nearly complete with the announcement that Esteban Gutierrez will join the Haas F1 Team. To make the most of the signing the Mexican's appointment was announced during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, and if the crowds at the grand prix are anything to go by then Haas can count on an instant and large fan base as of right now. The 24-year-old Gutierrez will drive alongside Romain Grosjean, who was announced at the end of September at Haas' US base in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Gutierrez spent a little more than two years as a test and reserve driver for Sauber, plus another two years as a Sauber race driver in 2013 and 2014 before being let go at the end of last year and signing on as a Ferrari test and reserve driver. Haas' relationship to Ferrari and Gutierrez' local fans made him - politically, at least - a viable candidate. Manor is expected to be the only team that might have vacancies, but with recent upheavals there it's yet to be seen if they'll make the grid next season. The press release below has more information on the Haas F1 Team signing. Related Video: Haas F1 Team Names Gutierrez to 2016 Race Seat MEXICO CITY (Oct. 30, 2015) – In a press event inside the main lobby of the Soumaya Museum, Haas F1 Team founder and chairman Gene Haas named Mexican driver Esteban Gutierrez to a race seat with his team when it makes its 2016 debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Gutierrez will race alongside driver Romain Grosjean, who was previously announced by Haas on Sept. 29 in a press conference at the team's U.S. headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Haas F1 Team is the first America-led Formula One team in 30 years. The 24-year-old Gutierrez is currently the third driver at Scuderia Ferrari, the technical partner of Haas F1 Team. Gutierrez joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015 after spending the 2013-2014 seasons with the Ferrari-powered Sauber F1 Team. "I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he's had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team," Haas said. "He's young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see firsthand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula One. "We're very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team.

These are the top 10 highest-grossing auctions of Scottsdale 2015

Scottsdale always brings some pretty high-value metal across the auction block, but this year saw a particularly pricey array of classics trade hands. In fact, Hagerty reports that, with over $292 million in total sales from the various auction houses present, this past holiday weekend saw an 18 percent increase over last year – the second-highest year-to-year increase in Arizona automobile auction history. The Pratte Collection auction handled by Barrett-Jackson sold to the tune of $35.5 million, accounting for a large portion of overall sales, but even without that staggering array of classics, there was still an enviable array of machinery on the block this year. The highest-value lot not only of this year's event but of any year prior was the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that RM Auctions sold for $9.6 million. And as you might have guessed, Ferraris accounted for the lion's share of the top ten results this year – including the first, second, third, fifth, seventh, eighth and both the lots that tied for tenth place on the list. In fact, three out of the top ten were Ferrari 275s. Coming in second place was the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione that Bonhams sold for $9.4 million, which – like the 250 LM – was also raced by Scuderia Filipinetti. It was followed by a '59 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder sold by Gooding & Company for $7.7 million. Barrett-Jackson sold a '66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake for over $5M, Gooding handled a '62 Ferrari 400 Superamerica ($4M), and Barrett-Jackson's 1950 GM Futurliner brought in another $4M for charity. The remaining top ten was filled out by a '67 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ($3.6M – RM), a '73 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder ($3.3M – RM), and a '54 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama concept ($3.3M – BJ), with a '66 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 Longnose and an '84 Ferrari 288 GTO tying for tenth place at $2.75M apiece by RM. Featured Gallery Top 10 at Scottsdale 2015 View 11 Photos News Source: Hagerty Ferrari Auctions Classics bonhams rm gooding hagerty