This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC from a Turkish museum will be among the featured consignments at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Dropping his threat to seal the southern border, President Donald Trump is now warning that he will impose a 25 percent tariff on automobiles from Mexico. More at The Detroit News.
+ Carlos Ghosn’s lawyer slammed what he called Japan’s “hostage justice” system after prosecutors again arrested and jailed the former Nissan chairman. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ Ram has climbed to number two in the U.S. sales charts behind the Ford F-150, following a 16 percent decline in sales for the recently redesigned Chevrolet Silverado. More at Motor Trend.
+ Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join Leigh Diffey, Paul Tracy, Mike Turico, Danica Patrick, and crew on the NBC Sports broadcast team for the 2019 Indianapolis 500. More at the Indianapolis Star.
+ According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), increased speed limits between 1993 and 2017 were responsible for 36,000 additional fatalities. More at Autoblog.
+ A consignment of 24 classic cars from the Key Museum in Turkey has been added to the docket for Bonhams’ annual Goodwood Members’ Meeting auction. More at Classic Cars.com Journal.
+ Ford unveiled the latest version of its Escape compact SUV, its first redesign since 2013, with increased passenger space and a turbocharged three-cylinder base engine. More at Automobile.
.+ Federal Judge Alison Nathan has directed Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to resolve their differences in the next two weeks. More at The Drive.
+ A 2019 Corvette Grand Sport will pace the field at this year’s 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500, the 16th time since 1978 a Corvette has been selected. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and Gander Outdoors Truck Series calendars for 2020 will feature a return to historic short track venues including Richmond and Martinsville. More at Racer.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from April 1 here.
Photo courtesy and copyright of Bonhams.
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I’ve got to take issue with IIHS on their findings that increased speeds caused more deaths. While it could be a contributing cause, there are other things to be considered as well. In 1993 there were no cell phones, so no texting, either. Autos are supposedly safer now that back then, but drivers aren’t. Driver education is pretty much history in schools anymore, so who teaches these kids to drive? Their parents, along with their own flawed driving habits. Most of these parents never had drivers education in school like their parents did, so they didn’t get fresh, updated teaching.
There is more to it than speed, and IIHS knows that. They are simply trying to lay the foundation to try and have vehicles speed limited and speed limits lowered to hopefully cut the costs paid out by their members—the insurance companies. Can’t blame them for trying, but they already have a monopoly on the product–auto insurance, it’s required in all 50 states as far as I know. This is just part of a plot to increase their profit margins. Insurance is legalized gambling–you’re gambling you might need it someday, they’re gambling they can get your money and never pay you a cent back. But, ya gotta have it, or awfully deep pockets!