One of only 14 built, this 1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” factory lightweight drag racer goes on the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale next January. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Experts are blasting Volkswagen executive Michael Horn’s congressional testimony that “a couple of software engineers” were responsible for the company’s Diesel emissions scandal. More at the Los Angeles Times.
+ Volkswagen has withdrawn its application for emissions certifications of its diesel-powered 2016 vehicles in the United States. More at Motor Trend.
+ After workers rejected a first offer, the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have reached a tentative agreement on a second contract proposal. More at National Public Radio.
+ An initial two-day test by the Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT program at Daytona International Speedway was judged a success by CGR managing director Mike Hull. More at Racer.
+ Three more Japanese auto parts executives were indicted in the Justice Department’s wide-ranging investigation into price fixing and bid rigging in the auto industry. More at The Detroit News.
+ Toyota will unveil three new far-out concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month: the Kikai runabout, the FCV Plus fuel cell vehicle, and the S-FR sports car. More at Mashable.
+ Volvo Car Group became the first auto manufacturer to accept full financial liability for damages when its cars are operating in self-driving mode. More at Fortune.
+ China will enact subsidies to expedite the construction of electric car recharging stations that will handle 5 million plug-in vehicles by 2020. More at Bloomberg.
+ Known as a “Swiss Cheese” Catalina for the 120 lightening holes punched in its frame, a rare 1963 Pontiac factory lightweight drag car will be offered at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction next January. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Talladega Superspeedway has completed safety upgrades in time for the NASCAR Sprint Cup event later this month, including energy absorbing SAFER barriers around the entire track. More at Fox Sports.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from October 5 here.
Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.
These cars all self destructed with the weakened frame. ‘Smiling George’ Delorean, brother of John raced one. It can’t have the original frame, but maybe the rest is numbers matching.