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    Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV Connected LED Tail Light Spied – India Launch 2025?

    Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedHyundai Ioniq 7 is expected to be launched in India sometime next year – It is based on the Kia EV9 which will launch in India this yearIn the realm of electric vehicles, Hyundai is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated Ioniq 7, a 7-seater electric SUV that is set to redefine the standards of flagship electric vehicles. The latest spy shots of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 have surfaced, showcasing an eye-catching design feature – a massive connected LED tail light setup that spans from one corner to the other at the rear.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV Spied – Massive LED connected tail lightThe Ioniq 7, poised to be Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle upon its international launch later this year, stands as a direct counterpart to the Kia EV9 flagship electric SUV. The Ioniq 7 is the production version of Hyundai’s SEVEN electric SUV concept, which was unveiled a couple of years ago.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedThe most distinctive feature revealed in the spy shots is the impressive connected LED tail light, creating a visually striking and cohesive design at the rear. This design choice adds a futuristic and dynamic element to the overall aesthetic of the Ioniq 7.Moving to the front, the SUV boasts vertically-stacked headlights adorned with pixel-shaped LEDs. These Pixel LEDs not only contribute to the illumination but also form the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) that give the Ioniq 7 a distinctive and high-tech appearance. The side body claddings, reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona, further enhance the SUV’s robust and modern appeal.Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SpiedWhile the interior details are not fully disclosed, expectations lean towards a design inspired by the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. Dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard, coupled with a blend of modern aesthetics and functionality, are anticipated. The Hyundai logo is likely to be replaced by the distinctive four-dot emblem, consistent with the brand’s recent design language.Specs, Range and Speculated India LaunchUnder the hood, the Hyundai Ioniq 7 is speculated to share the same powertrain as its Kia counterpart, the EV9. This includes a dual-motor layout with a total system output of 380 bhp and a substantial battery capacity of up to 100 kWh. The claimed range for the EV9 is 350 miles (563 km), and with the Ioniq 7’s aerodynamic design, it is expected to push the boundaries of electric vehicle range further.In terms of features, the Ioniq 7 is anticipated to incorporate level-three autonomous driving aids, the use of recycled materials in its interior, third-row seating, and Hyundai’s latest operating system, as seen in the Kona EV.While an India launch for the Ioniq 7 is yet to be officially confirmed, considering the strategic moves by Hyundai and Kia in the past, industry experts speculate a potential launch in 2025. With Kia’s EV9 slated for release this year in India, it seems likely that Hyundai will follow suit, mirroring the sequence observed with the EV6 and Ioniq 5 launches. More

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    2024 Bajaj Pulsar 250 Spied Testing – USD Forks, Digi Console, Bluetooth

    2024 Bajaj Pulsar 250 SpiedBajaj is working on updates for Pulsar N160, N250 and F250 to ensure a better overall ride experience for usersPulsar being its bestselling brand, Bajaj has introduced updates at regular intervals. By the end of this financial year, Bajaj has plans to launch six new Pulsar bikes. It will include updated versions of the N150, N160, N250 and F250. Latest spy shots provide a glimpse of the possibilities in store for enthusiasts.Updates for Pulsar N160, N250 and F250One of the key updates will be USD front forks. Currently, the N160 comes with 37 mm telescopic front forks with dual-channel ABS model and 31 mm telescopic forks with the single-channel ABS model. Pulsar N250 and F250 have 37 mm telescopic front forks. Upgrade with USD forks will result in tangible improvements in braking efficiency. Bajaj doesn’t have to start from scratch, since it already offers USD forks with Pulsar NS160 and NS200. The same kit can be used with updated versions of Pulsar N160, N250 and F250.2024 Bajaj Pulsar 250 SpiedAnother likely update is a new digital instrument console. It will be even better if Bajaj can introduce Bluetooth-based connectivity features. Rival brands like Hero MotoCorp and TVS are ahead in terms of their tech capabilities. Pulsar sales are still on the higher side. But consumer preferences keep evolving and it’s not worth taking unnecessary risks.Ensuring that their products are at par with industry standards is one of the key goals for OEMs. With connectivity features allowing access to calls, messages, navigation and music, Pulsar bikes can have greater acceptability among the masses. Especially the young buyers.2024 Bajaj Pulsar 250 SpiedThere are likely to be some new colour options for N160, N250 and F250. The bikes are also expected to get new graphics and decals. Existing Pulsar N160 model has colour options of Brooklyn Black, Racing Red and Caribbean Blue. Pulsar N250 and F250 offer colour choices of Racing Red, Techno Grey and Caribbean Blue.No change in engine optionsUpdated Pulsar bikes will continue with the existing engine options. However, there could be some improvement in power-to-weight ratio. Or, performance can be boosted slightly with some minor engine tweaks. Powering Pulsar N160 is a 164.82 cc, single cylinder, SOHC, oil cooled engine that churns out 16 PS of max power and 14.65 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. Bajaj Pulsar N250 and F250 are equipped with a 249.07 cc, single cylinder, SOHC, oil cooled engine. It generates 24.5 PS and 21.5 Nm, and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.It is likely that updated Pulsar N160, N250 and F250 bikes will be launched before the end of March 2024. With the new equipment, prices could increase by up to Rs 5,000. Even then, Pulsar bikes will continue to be an affordable choice for many. As of now, Pulsar N160 is available at a starting price of Rs 1.31 lakh. Pulsar N250 and F250 are priced at Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-sh.).Source More

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    Yamaha Sales Breakup Dec 2023 – FZ, RayZR, R15, MT15, Fascino, Aerox

    Image – Patna BikesYamaha FZ was the most in demand model both in domestic and global markets in December 2023 with over 21,000 units soldYamaha India sales in domestic markets have reported growth on a YoY basis but dipped MoM while exports have seen significant improvement both on a YoY and MoM basis. Yamaha Motor Company has reported a total (domestic + exports) of 63,375 units sold in December 2023 as against 80,844 units sold in November 2022, thus relating to volume de-growth of 17,469 unitsYamaha Domestic Sales December 2023Yamaha domestic sales stood at 40,042 units in December 2023. This was a 32.78 percent growth over 30,157 units sold in December 2022 relating to a 9,885 unit volume growth. MoM sales however saw every model in the company lineup post lower sales with an overall 33.50 percent de-growth from 60,212 units sold in November 2023. Yamaha FZ was the highest selling model in December 2023 as sales grew to 10,783 units, up 76.68 percent YoY over 6,103 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales slipped by 33.57 percent over 16,233 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha sales breakup / exports Dec 2023 – YoY comparisonAt No. 2 was the Ray ZR which saw lower demand in domestic markets in December 2023 as sales fell to 8,643 units. This was an 11.02 percent YoY de-growth from 9,713 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales also ended down 24.20 percent over 11,402 units sold in November 2023. Yamaha Aerox sales stood at 1,302 units in the past month relating to a 63.85 percent MoM decline in sales from 3,602 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha R15 and MT15 have seen better performance with a 7.38 percent and 97.23 percent improvement in sales on a YoY basis respectively. There had been 7,331 units of the R15 and 6,404 units of the MT15 sold last month. Its MoM performance however continued in the red. Fascino sales also grew by 30.78 percent YoY to 5,579 units from 4,266 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales fell by 34.86 percent over 8,565 units sold in November 2023.Yamaha sales breakup / exports Dec 2023 – MoM comparisonYamaha Exports Grow YoY and MoM in December 2023Yamaha has seen outstanding demand in global markets in December 2023. Exports grew to 23,333 units in the past month, up 7.68 percent YoY over 21,669 units shipped in December 2022. MoM exports also went up by 13.09 percent from 20,632 units sold in November 2023.As was also seen in domestic markets, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that amassed most sales globally as well. FZ exports stood at 10,970 units, down 2.94 percent when compared to 11,302 units shipped in December 2022. It was a 5.68 percent growth on a MoM basis from 10,380 units sold in November 2023. The FZ currently commands a 50.31 percent share on the company’s export list.Ray ZR exports grew significantly YoY by 499.71 percent to 4,066 units from 678 units shipped in December 2022 while MoM sales were down 9.84 percent from 4,510 units shipped in November 2023. There was the Yamaha Saluto RX at No. 3 with 3,660 units shipped last month, down 22.75 percent from 4,738 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales surged by 79.76 percent from 2,036 units sold in November 2023.The export list also had MT15 (1,340 units), SZ (1,300 units), FZ25 (978 units) and Saluto (526 units) while sales dipped significantly for the R15 (487 units) and Fascino (6 units) and exports of the Aerox fell to 0 units from 4 units sold in November 2023. Speaking about recent updates, the company launched the R3 and MT-03 More

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    Ather Rizta Electric Scooter Spied Testing – Branding Revealed

    Ather Rizta Electric Scooter SpiedAther Rizta electric scooter launch is planned sometime in mid 2024 – Deliveries are scheduled to start within 6 monthsIn a strategic move to broaden its product portfolio, Ather Energy has confirmed the launch of their new electric scooter, christened the “Ather Rizta.” The announcement, shared by Ather’s CEO, Tarun Mehta, on social media, has generated fervent excitement among electric mobility enthusiasts, signalling a paradigm shift in the company’s design philosophy.Ather Rizta – Latest Spy ShotsIn a departure from its sporty and youthful 450 Series, Ather Energy is gearing up to deliver a more family-centric offering with the Ather Rizta. Latest spy shots of Ather Rizta reveal that it is tailored to meet the demands of Indian buyers seeking a harmonious blend of practicality, comfort, and familial appeal. The scooter is expected to be larger and more accommodating, redefining the electric scooter landscape in the country.New Ather Rizta – Official brandingOne notable feature of the Ather Rizta is its horizontally integrated LED headlight, seamlessly embedded within the front panel. The taillight follows the same format, contributing to the scooter’s modern and cohesive aesthetic. Moreover, the floorboard area is anticipated to be more spacious compared to the existing 450X model, promising enhanced comfort for riders.Ather CEO shared insights into the extensive development process, revealing that Ather’s teams have been diligently working on the Rizta since 2019. What sets the Rizta apart are the groundbreaking integrations that promise to enhance the overall riding experience, introducing industry-first features. Despite the shift in focus, Mehta assured enthusiasts that the Ather Rizta would maintain the high standards of quality and reliability synonymous with the Ather brand.Ather Rizta Electric Scooter nameAther Rizta Expected Specs, RangeIt is possible that Ather Rizta will inherit its hardware, features, motor, and battery from the successful 450 bloodline. Ather currently offers the 450S with a 2.9kWh battery, while the 450X is available with options of 2.9kWh and 3.7kWh batteries. Both models boast a top speed of 90kmph. The 450S provides a range of 115km, whereas the 450X variants offer 111km and an impressive 150km of range, respectively.Ather Rizta is expected to feature the 450S’ Deep View display, a move likely aimed at cost optimization. Additionally, the scooter may include ride modes, multiple screen readouts, and seamless smartphone connectivity, enhancing the overall user experience.ACDC 24 Unveiling: A Grand ShowcaseTo build anticipation and engage with its dedicated community, Ather Energy plans to unveil the Ather Rizta at ACDC 24 – Ather Community Day Celebration 2024. Mehta encouraged enthusiasts to stay tuned for further updates, hinting at a grand showcase that will offer a comprehensive look at the family-oriented electric scooter.Ather Energy is rumoured to position the Rizta at an attractive price point of around Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing strategy is poised to make the Ather Rizta a compelling competitor in the electric scooter market, directly challenging the TVS iQube range. More

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    2024 BMW Electric Scooter Spied In Bengaluru – Launch Soon

    New BMW Electric Scooter for India – SpiedSome of the key USPs of BMW CE02 electric scooter include its quirky design and a wide range of customization optionsBMW CE02 electric scooter has been spotted on road tests in India on multiple occasions. The latest spy shots are from Bengaluru. BMW CE02 is already available in international markets. In the USA, BMW CE02 is available at a starting price of $7,599 (approx. Rs 6.32 lakh). Prices in India will be much lower, as the bike will be locally manufactured by TVS at its facility in Hosur.2024 BMW Electric Scooter CE02 – Styling and featuresWith its innovative design, it’s a bit difficult to place the CE02 into the typical categories of an electric scooter, bike or moped. Even BMW feels the same, which is why the company calls the CE02 an ‘eParkourer’. CE02 is primarily targeted at young riders, who need a stylish, agile and reliable machine for their urban mobility. Furthermore, CE02 can be personalized with a wide range of convenience, safety, comfort and ergonomics and storage options.New BMW Electric Scooter for India – SpiedSome of the key highlights of BMW CE02 electric scooter include LED headlight, USB-C charging port, keyless ride and basic connectivity functions. CE02 is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display. The electric reverse gear comes handy while manoeuvring the bike across narrow urban spaces.2024 BMW Electric Scooter riding stance is fairly comfortable with wide handlebars and mid-mounted footpegs. The flat seat allows users to adjust their stance, as per their height, ride preferences and environment.New BMW Electric Scooter for India – SpiedColour options include the base Cosmic Black and Cosmic Black 2 with Highline package. The latter has optional equipment such as heated grips, external quick charger, third FLASH riding mode, backend connectivity and highly integrated SP Connect smartphone holder. Other optional accessories for the BMW CE02 electric bike include top case, footrests, comfort seat, cockpit fairing and side bags.BMW CE02 – Specs, performanceBMW CE02 electric scooter has USD front forks in golden finish and an adjustable rear shock absorber. Suspension travel is 116 mm and 55 mm for front and rear, respectively. The bike is 1,970 mm long which is pretty close to that of Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Hero Splendor. Height and width are 1,140 mm and 876 mm. Seat height is 749 mm, which should ensure optimal control and handling. The low seat height also makes the scooter suitable for shorter riders.BMW CE02 has aluminium cast wheels, shod with 120/80 R14 front and 150/70 R15 rear tyres. Braking setup comprises 239 mm disc with 2-piston floating calliper at front and 220 mm disc with 1-piston floating calliper at rear. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard.Equipped with an air-cooled synchronous motor, BMW CE02 delivers 15 hp of max power and 55 Nm of peak torque. The electric scooter uses a belt drive system. Standard ride modes are SURF and FLOW. Range is approximately 55 miles (~ 88 km). The battery supports charging with 900 W and 1,500 kW with an optional quick charger. With standard charging, 20 to 80% charging takes around 2:40 hours. With the quick charger, charging time is reduced to 1:40 hours.Source More

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    Top 10 Motorcycles Dec 2023 – Splendor, Pulsar, Apache, Classic 350, Unicorn

    Image – The Sameer VlogsHero Passion registered the highest YoY growth at 1373.47 % even as MoM sales dipped 56.83%Top 10 motorcycle sales in December 2023 has seen a marginal YoY improvement in demand by 3.17 percent while sales fell on a MoM basis down by 27.28 percent. Total sales in this list stood at 6,40,103 units in December 2023, as against 6,20,421 units sold in December 2022 while on a MoM basis, it was a de-growth over 8,80,174 units sold in November 2023.Hero Splendor at No. 1 on Top 10 Motorcycle ListHero Splendor topped the list with 2,27,748 units sold in December 2023 with a 1.02 percent YoY growth over 2,25,443 units sold in December 2022. This was a marginal growth of 2,305 units with the Splendor commanding a 35.58 percent share. MoM sales however, dipped by 9.19 percent from 2,50,786 units sold in November 2023.At No. 2 was the Bajaj Pulsar with 1,06,734 units sold in the past month, a YoY growth of 42.75 percent from 74,768 units sold in December 2022. It was however a MoM decline of 18.15 percent when compared to 1,30,403 units sold in November 2023. Bajaj is also currently testing the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N150 and N160 which also sees several feature and technology updates.Honda Shine sales dipped both YoY and MoM to 85,144 units in December 2023 whereas there had been 87,760 units and 1,55,943 units sold in December 2022 and November 2023 respectively. It was the same case with Hero HF Deluxe, sales of which fell by 43.34 percent YoY and 47.56 percent MoM to 61,056 units. TVS Raider sales improved by 51.34 percent YoY to 39,443 units in December 2023 though sales dipped marginally by 0.97 percent on a MoM basis.Top 10 Motorcycles Dec 2023Hero Passion Posts 1373% YoY GrowthLower down the list it was the Hero Passion that has seen outstanding improvement in December 2023 when sales escalated 1371.47 percent YoY to 33,551 units. There had been just 2,277 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales however, fell by 3.45 percent over 34,750 units sold in November 2023. Bajaj Platina faced a decline of 27.63%, selling 26,166 units in December 2023 compared to 36,157 units in December 2022.TVS Apache experienced a slight decline of 3.04%, with 21,506 units sold in December 2023 compared to 22,181 units in December 2022. Royal Enfield Classic 350 demonstrated a modest 2.67% growth, selling 21,234 units in December 2023 compared to 20,682 units in December 2022. Honda Unicorn witnessed a marginal 1.07% growth, with 17,521 units sold in December 2023 compared to 17,335 units in December 2022.YoY vs MoM performanceThe total motorcycle sales in India for December 2023 reached 6,40,103 units, indicating a YoY growth of 3.17%. The total motorcycle sales in India for December 2023 reached 6,40,103 units, reflecting a substantial month-on-month decline of 27.28% from November 2023, where total sales stood at 8,80,174 units.These variations indicate the influence of factors such as seasonality, consumer preferences, and economic conditions on the Indian motorcycle market. Manufacturers will closely monitor these trends to strategize for the months ahead and adapt to the evolving market dynamics. More

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    Top 10 Scooters Dec 2023 – Activa, Jupiter, Access, Ola, Chetak, iQube, Pleasure

    TVS iQube electric scooterBajaj Chetak recorded the highest YoY growth of 277.70% in December 2023, whereas MoM sales improved by 53.54%Scooter sales in India in December 2023 saw the same names in the top 10 list with some changes in performance. Honda Activa topped the list, leading in scooter sales by a huge margin and the only scooter to cross sales above the 1 lakh mark.Top 10 selling scooters of India contributed a total sales of 3,89,267 units, witnessing a significant year-on-year (YoY) growth of 45.1 percent. This was over 2,68,158 units sold in December 2022 relating to a 1,21,109 unit volume growth. MoM sales however, fell by 16.52 percent from 4,66,291 units sold in November 2023.Top 10 Scooters Dec 2023 – Honda Activa LeadsOnce again it was the Honda Activa scooter that topped the sales charts and that too by a significant margin. Activa sales stood at 1,44,335 units in December 2023, up 49.65 percent from 96,451 units sold in December 2022. This was a YoY growth of 47,884 units with the Activa commanding a37.88 percent share on this list. However, its performance on a MoM basis was not as good as sales slipped 26.38 percent from 1,96,055 units sold in November 2023.TVS Jupiter was next in terms of sales with 59,538 units sold in December 2023 relating to a 49.41 percent YoY growth from 39,849 units sold in December 2022. This was a 19,689 unit volume growth. MoM sales fell by 18.28 percent over 72,859 units sold in November 2023. There were also increased sales noted for the Suzuki Access scooter, sales of which improved by 78.30 percent to 52,898 units in December 2023 from 30,228 units sold in December 2022 while MoM sales also grew by 2.64 percent from 52,512 units sold in November 2023.Top 10 Scooters Dec 2023Sales growth on a YoY basis was also reported for the Hero Pleasure (24,862 units) and TVS Norq (18,851 units), though Ntorq sales dipped 37.98 percent MoM from 30,396 units sold in November 2023. Sales of Honda Dio increased to 23,089 units in the past month, up 12 percent from 20,615 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales fell by 3.7 percent over 23,979 units sold in November 2023.3 Electric Scooters In Top 10Talking about sales in the electric scooter segment, it was the Ola S1 that has seen a huge growth of 74.21 percent YoY and 1.52 percent MoM to 30,263 units. This was retail sales. There had been 17,372 units and 29,808 units sold in December 2022 and November 2023 respectively.Improved demand for the Bajaj Chetak saw sales up 277.70 percent YoY to 13,008 units in December 2023 from just 3,444 units sold in December 2022. It was also a MoM growth of 53.54 percent over 8,472 units sold in November 2023. Bajaj Chetak received an update with a better design and improved ergonomics along with the addition of a new 5-inch colour TFT screen.The list of top 10 scooters also included the TVS iQube with 11,232 units sold last month and the Hero Destini of which 10,191 units were sold in December 2023, both showing off a YoY growth but a MoM decline in sales. More

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    Mullin Automotive Museum to Close Its Doors Forever Feb. 10

    The world-renowned Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, has announced it will close its doors for good on February 10.The museum opened in 2010 and housed the greatest collection of French cars of the 1930s ever assembled, rivaled only by the Schlumpf Collection in Molsheim, France. Peter Mullin passed away last year at age 82. While four cars will go to the Petersen Automotive Museum, there is no word yet on what will happen to the rest of the automobiles and to all of the art. It was great while it lasted.The Mullin Automotive Museum, a bastion of great French cars of the 1930s, as well as art, furniture, and even fashion of the Art Deco movement, will close its doors for good on February 10.The museum is located in Oxnard, California. It was founded by Peter Mullin and his wife, Merle, as a place to gather their unsurpassed collection of Bugattis, Delages, Delahayes, Voisins, and other sculptured French cars, as well as furniture and objets d’art from a time that many consider the epitome of car design and artistic expression.”Peter and Merle Mullin founded the Oxnard-based museum in 2010 to educate guests about 20th-century French automotive styling and design by showcasing the finest vehicles, sculptures, and artifacts from the most esteemed French master coachbuilders,” read a statement from the museum released today.Click for articlePebble Beach ConcoursPeter and Merle Mullin after their Voisin C-25 Aérodyne won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours.Peter Mullin passed away on September 20, 2023, after a long illness. Merle continued to show cars from the collection at gatherings such as Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este, and Amelia Island, often winning Best of Show honors. The Mullins won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 2011 for their uniquely inspiring 1934 Voisin C-25 Aérodyne and took top honors at Amelia as well as awards at Chantilly and Villa d’Este, among many other shows. Mullin rose from humble beginnings in Southern California to found a financial empire that allowed him to pursue his artistic enthusiasms, particularly with French cars. Mullin started out in college at UC Santa Barbara as an art major but came to a realization early on that made him change his major to economics.”A friend and I were working for an artist, a man of considerable talent, but there came a point where he couldn’t afford to pay us,” Mullin once told Autoweek. “I realized that something was wrong—here was this guy who had all this artistic talent, but who couldn’t make a living at it. So I went into business instead.”He founded Mullin Consulting in Los Angeles when he was just 28 and co-founded M Financial Group 10 years later. His businesses were successful enough to allow him to pursue his first passion, French cars of the 1930s.The Mullins supported many charities throughout the years, among them the Music Center of Los Angeles, St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica, Occidental College in Eagle Rock, and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Most recently, the Mullins made a $15 million donation to fund the Art Center’s South Campus.The Mullin Museum has nearly 47,000 square feet of exhibit space, with a main floor filled with cars surrounded by galleries above that showcase the furniture and other Art Deco items. The museum includes a rooftop garden, theater, gift shop, and archival storage.Four of the Mullin Museum’s most iconic vehicles have been donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum, of which Peter Mullin had served as chairman: the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 CS “Teardrop,” the 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia, the 1939 Delahaye 165, and the 1938 Delahaye 145 will all become part of the Petersen Automotive Museum, an institution that Peter Mullin also helped transform into a world-class museum.There is no word yet on what will happen to the rest of the collection.”Sharing these ‘rolling sculptures’ and beautiful art with others was Peter’s truest passion, and the museum helped bring that vision to life,” said Merle Mullin. “We are deeply indebted to our staff, docents, volunteers, visitors and supporters who have dedicated their time and passion over the past 13 years. I hope past and first-time visitors will have a chance to say goodbye before we close.”Mark Vaughn grew up in a Ford family and spent many hours holding a trouble light over a straight-six miraculously fed by a single-barrel carburetor while his father cursed Ford, all its products and everyone who ever worked there. This was his introduction to objective automotive criticism. He started writing for City News Service in Los Angeles, then moved to Europe and became editor of a car magazine called, creatively, Auto. He decided Auto should cover Formula 1, sports prototypes and touring cars—no one stopped him! From there he interviewed with Autoweek at the 1989 Frankfurt motor show and has been with us ever since. More