The Bob Hirohata 1951 Mercury is one of three historic custom cars that will be honored in a special display at the National Mall in Washington DC. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Ford has projected a pre-tax profit of $9 billion in 2017, down from $10.4 billion last year, and warns that first quarter earnings could slip to 30 cents per share. More at The Detroit News.
+ Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co. Ltd has filed a complaint over Mercedes-Benz’s use of the EQ name for a line of green-energy vehicles. More at Reuters.
+ Detroit-based auto lender Ally Financial has predicted lower profits for 2017, citing a continuing decline in used car values and a growing inventory glut. More at Crain’s Detroit Business.
+ Hyundai Motor Co. has filed a patent application for a novel type of variable-displacement engine with four cylinders of two different displacements. More at AutoGuide.
+ Three-time Formula 1 champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari is “definitely’ the favorite heading into this weekend’s season opener in Australia. More at Racer.
+ The French government would likely reduce its 20 percent ownership stake in Renault under the right economic conditions, says Finance Minister Michel Sapin. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ The first next-generation Opel Insignia, which is expected to appear in America as a Buick Regal, has rolled off the automaker’s production line at Russelheim, Germany. More at Motor Trend.
+ Three Mustang Shelby GT350 owners equipped with the Technology Package have launched a class-action suit against Ford, challenging the automaker’s “track ready” claim. More at Autoblog.
+ Bob McGee’s ’32 Ford roadster, the Hirohata ’51 Mercury, and the Gypsy Rose ’64 Impala low rider will be featured in a special display on the National Mall in Washington DC. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Stewart-Haas Racing is appealing the penalties handed out to Kevin Harvick’s team following the Phoenix race, including a one-race suspension for crew chief Rodney Childers. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from March 20 here.
Photo courtesy of the Historic Vehicle Association.
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I had the opportunity to ride in the Hirohata Merc several years ago at the Glenmoor Gathering. Tough to describe but the car has amazing presence. It was truly one of the great automotive thrills of my life.
I don’t get how Ford can offer “track ready” Mustangs anyway. That seems to be doomed to come out badly in any event.