A group of four classic Buick Gran Sport models from the Matt Wagoner collection, including this 1972 455 Stage 1, will cross the block at the Mecum Indy Auction May 15-19. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ Notable product intros at this week’s New York Auto Show include the 2019 Toyota RAV4, Lincoln Aviator concept, and the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup concept. More at Motor Trend.
+ Longtime business partners Nissan and Renault are in talks to fully merge as a new multinational automaker with a single stock and Carlos Ghosn as chairman. More at Bloomberg.com.
+ British investment company Melrose Industries has clinched an $11 billion deal to acquire automotive and aerospace supplier GKN in a hostile takeover. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ Stewart-Haas Racing competition director Greg Zipadelli attributes the team’s dominating NASCAR record in 2018 to overcoming “growing pains” from switching to Ford last year. More at Motorsport.com.
+ Ford CEO Jim Hackett, who joined the company last May upon the ouster of previous chief Mark Fields, received $16.73 million in salary and compensation in 2017. More at The Detroit News.
+ The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reject the Obama administration’s vehicle fuel efficiency rules, setting up a regulatory battle with California and other states. More at CNBC.
+ The family of an Arizona woman killed when she was struck by an autonomous Uber vehicle reportedly has reached a financial settlement with the company. More at the Los Angeles Times.
+ Four rare Buick Gran Sport muscle cars from the 1970 through 1973 model years will be offered at the annual Mecum Indianapolis Auction on May 15-19. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ The 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo will boast a Ferrari-built twin-turbo V8 with 590 horsepower, propelling the midsize luxury crossover to 187 mph. More at CNET Roadshow.
+ Former CART champion Paul Tracy will make his Trans-Am series debut at Road Atlanta this weekend, wheeling a TA2 Camaro for veteran owner-driver Doug Peterson. More at Racer.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from March 26 here.
Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Have you joined Mac’s Motor City Garage on Facebook? It’s lots of fun with rare photos, lore, trivia, and great discussions. Click here to go the page and join MCG. Be sure to check out our companion Facebook group MOTOROLOGY, too.
Would VW go straight up against Ford, GM, and Chrysler, or would it be more of a niche vehicle?
I believe it’s intended to compete against the smaller pickups like the Ranger but VW is #1 in sales worldwide so they don’t necessarily have to beat Ford and Chevy. If they wanted to occupy a niche, they could build an actual work truck similar to what Toyota sells overseas.
Some of today’s trucks cost more than a house in parts of the United States. I would prefer an even smaller truck based on a Passat platform. I don’t need to tow or haul concrete blocks, just bring back a few things from Lowes.