Richard Kollins named to board of National Automotive History Collection

Richard Kollins is a third-generation automotive authority that has been named to the Board of Trustees of the archives housed within the Rose and Robert Skillman Branch of the Detroit Public Library.

The collection consists of one of the largest assemblies of automotive publications and collateral material in the world, with over 600,000 archival items. The volume pictured here might easily be found in their collection, though chances are the bulk of material concerns the Big Three and other US manufacturers.

In joining the board, Richard follows in the footsteps of his late father Michael Kollins, who worked for both Packard and Chrysler. He also spent over twenty-two years at the NAHC researching his SAE published four-volume set of books entitled, Pioneers of the U.S. Automobile Industry.

“We are happy to have Richard Kollins on the Board of Trustees,” said Patrice Merritt, Director of the NAHC. “This is the first time in our history that a son has followed his father in contributing to our organization. Richard Kollins background in automotive journalism will be of great value to us, as we plan to increase our public outreach.”

Richard, himself, has 30 years of international automotive manufacturing and assembly expertise focused on management reporting. He is a seasoned authority well versed in accounting practice, engineering analysis, material handling, inventory and production controls. Kollins is expected to bring his passion for the industry and acumen in management processes to bear upon the NAHC.

Kollins also has been a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, having graduated from Walsh College with a BBA in Finance plus an MSM in Management. Kollins is a member of the Walsh College Presidents Club and Founder’s Society for life as well as the Detroit automotive journalist for Examiner.com.

Building on the resource the NAHC provides to authors, the library will present the 7th annual author’s book sale at the Automobile Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI on November 17. This event provides the opportunity to meet some of the foremost entities in automotive publishing and purchase signed editions of their work.

We salute Richard Kollins and the continuing efforts to document the history of an amazing industry. The NAHC provides an invaluable and unsurpassed reference service and resource for anyone concerned with the continuing heritage of Henry Ford, Karl Benz, Walter P. Chrysler, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, among so many others.