An original 1966 Ford GT Mk I road car is headed to auction in January. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
+ Following discussions reported earlier, Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have agreed to merge their operations under a joint holding company with Honda leadership. More at AP News.
+ Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn cast doubt on the success of a potential merger between Honda and Nissan, saying the plans for the proposed alliance “do not make sense.” More at World Auto Forum.
+ Jinjiang Group, a contractor for Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, has denied claims from Brazilian labor authorities that their workers endure “slavery-like conditions.” More at Reuters.
+ Judge Kenneth D. Bell denied NASCAR’s motion for a partial stay on the preliminary injunction in the anti-trust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. More at Motorsports Wire.
+ President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada represents an existential threat to the Canadian auto industry, says Ontario premier Doug Ford. More at CNBC.
+ Subaru has confirmed that it will offer a hybrid version of the Forester in 2025, which is expected to share its series/parallel powertrain with the upcoming Crosstrek hybrid. More at Car and Driver.
+ The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has sent a cease-and-desist letter to VW-owned Scout Motors, seeking to block its direct-to-customers retail program. More at The Drive.
+ Hyundai will provide eligible electric vehicle owners in the United States with free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters starting in the first quarter of 2025. More at Motor Illustrated.
+ An original Ford GT Mk I road car, one of just 31 road cars built and bearing the chassis number P/1034, will be offered at the Mecum sale in Kissimmee, Florida on Jan. 7-19. More at Motor Authority.
+ Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Max Verstappen’s attitude as he clinched the 2024 Formula 1 title despite team struggles, saying the driver “never panicked.” More at Motorsport.com.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Review the previous MCG Executive Briefing from December 23 here.
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I realize that Honda will gain a solid truck platform and EV experience but I think the transition process will ultimately weaken Honda and give Toyota a bigger edge. With Chrysler sinking as well, this is an opportunity for GM, providing that they also supply sedans as the Japanese do.
It would be interesting to know the role of the Japanese government in this merger. Japan has a long history of actively protecting its automakers through various means, and I can easily imagine the government working behind the scenes to prevent a Nissan bankruptcy or other corporate un-winding. I am a little surprised that nobody in the automotive media has tried to dig into it (or if they have, they haven’t said anything about it that I’ve seen).
Honda will indeed gain a solid truck platform, but Honda’s corporate intransigence toward V8 engines may handicap any benefits it might realize from that platform.