May 2020

Mecum's 33rd spring classic at Indy rescheduled, expanded

(May 11, 2020) After reviewing Governor Eric Holcomb’s recent release of Indiana’s “Back on Track” plan, Mecum has rescheduled Dana Mecum’s 33rd Original Spring Classic for July 10-18, which will position the auction safely beyond the state's plan for achieving a status of "fully open” across the board.

In addition, Mecum has expanded the event to span nine auction days, providing the opportunity for 2,500 consignments to join what is destined to become an epic return to live collector car auctions.



Honda to begin gradual resumption of auto production in U.S., Canada

(May 11, 2020) As the unprecedented economic impact of the fast-changing COVID-19 pandemic continues, Honda has continued to evaluate business conditions and make necessary adjustments to its production and business operations in North America.  Starting today, Honda will gradually resume production of automobile, engine and transmission production at its plants in the U.S. and Canada. The suspension of automobile production began on March 23. 

Nissan expands all-electric van line in Europe with e-NV200 XL conversion

(May 11, 2020) PARIS, France — Nissan has introduced an all-new, enlarged and all-electric delivery van in Europe — the e-NV200 XL Voltia van. The e-NV200 XL Voltia is a highly versatile conversion of the electric Nissan e-NV200 van. The new model is already the zero-emissions vehicle of choice for major last-mile delivery suppliers across Europe.

Students from Michigan and California take top spots in FCA design competition

(May 9, 2020) AUBURN  HILLS, Mich. — Three students from Michigan and California have taken the top spots in this year’s FCA Drive for Design contest. Entries submitted from high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country were reviewed virtually by FCA’s automotive design team and special guest judge Josh Welton. This year’s 10-week competition asked students to sketch a Ram truck of the future.

Morphy's to auction automobile, petroleum signs, gas pumps May 13-14

(May 8, 2020) DENVER, Pa. — For well over a century, the partnership of commercial art and groundbreaking technology has propelled American companies to global prominence by means of advertising signs. Whether depicting popular mascots like Mobil's Pegasus and Sinclair's Dino, or the neon-illuminated likenesses of automobiles and gasoline logos, signage is a classic form of Americana that shows off the best of our nation's ingenuity.

Volkswagen extends payment assistance options

(May 8, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America and Volkswagen Credit (VCI) today announced an extension to Community-Driven Promise customer payment relief options put in place as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program will remain in place through June 1. Extensions and continuations to payment assistance options for customers in good standing are listed below.

Ford to begin phased production operations restart May 18

(May 8, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is targeting a phased restart for its North America operations beginning May 18, including restarting vehicle production in North America and bringing back the first wave of employees that are not able to do their jobs remotely.

“We’ve been working intently with state and federal governments, our union partners and a cross-section of our workforce to reopen our North American facilities,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer.

A history lesson — ARVW the most aerodynamic Volkswagen ever built

(May 8, 2020) The ARVW (Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen) concept car was built by Volkswagen near the end of the 1970s, specially as an object of aerodynamic research to trace correlation between a vehicle body shape and fuel consumption at a high speed.  Aerodynamics play a key role in every modern vehicle — the less drag a vehicle generates when moving through the air, the less energy it consumes and the more quietly it moves.

A Texas Cadillac from 1941



Cadillac was enjoying a sales resurgence in 1941 before production was halted because of World War II. For the first time in many years all cars built by the company shared the same basic engine and drivetrain in 1941, and 1941 also saw the introduction of the optional Hydra-Matic, the first mass-produced fully automatic transmission, offered the previous year on the Oldsmobile. This 1941 Cadillac was found in Texas.
(Photo by Peter Hubbard)