Category Archives: milestones

Milestones – Acura Celebrates 40th Birthday

Posted on 27 March 2026 by Ken Zino

My own personal experience and respect for Acura came in 1990. Covering the auto business Acura debuted of the groundbreaking NSX. This mid-engine sports car that would establish new levels of performance, refinement and drive-ability at a relatively inexpensive price compared to, oh, Ferrari and Porsche. I remembered a conversation with the esteemed and estimable John Dinkel of Road&Track who I had known years before I joined the magazine as its Detroit editor. Having gone to Japan to drive the car prior to its introduction, John – when I asked about it – just shook his head and said “they are going to own the world.” This opinion was not contested among the entire R&T staff as I recall. Ferrari performance, Japanese quality and an undervalued price. Continue reading →

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Roman Well Unearthed at Goodwood Rolls-Royce Site

Posted on 27 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Experts from Oxford Archaeology, one of Europe’s largest and longest-established independent archaeology and heritage practices, discovered the remains of a Roman well during the closing stages of a six-month investigation, following earlier geophysical surveying and exploratory trenching. The well would have stood seven tiers high and was constructed from 28 timbers. The team identified evidence that eight timbers had previously been used as they displayed mortices, tenons and chamfered edges. These woodworking features suggest they were formerly used in buildings, most likely as sill beams and posts, before being reshaped to build the lining of the well. Comparable examples of recycled timbers have been recorded at other major Roman settlements, including York, Carlisle and London,” Rolls-Royce said. Continue reading →

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Corvette Grand Sport to Share LS6 6.7L V8 with Sting Ray

Posted on 26 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Grand Sport has always been the Corvette for drivers who want the spirit of a race car in a package they can enjoy every day,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “With the new Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, we’ve taken that formula into the mid-engine era, pairing a heritage-rich design with the most advanced Corvette technologies we’ve ever offered. The Grand Sport model has historically acted as a high-volume player in the Corvette lineup. We expect the Stingray and Grand Sport lineup combined to account for the vast majority of Corvette sales.” Continue reading →

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Magna Increases Its Hybrid Drive Offerings

Posted on 24 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Magna’s approach to electrification is centered on giving our customers flexible pathways forward,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “DHD REX reflects our commitment to adaptable, customer‑focused solutions that support a wide range of performance and market expectations.” Continue reading →

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Mustang GTD Applications Open April 17

Posted on 23 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know. That’s not just a motivational saying. It’s true of Mustang GTD ownership, too,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang GTD brand manager. This is part of the celebrations of the 62nd birthday of the Ford Mustang. Continue reading →

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Toyota – $1 Billion Investment in Kentucky and Indiana

Posted on 23 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“The investment is part of Toyota’s ‘best-company-in-town, approach – investing and producing locally, contributing to the local community and offering diverse options tailored to local needs through a multi-pathway strategy. In the U.S., Toyota employs approximately 50,000 people and has been involved in the development and manufacturing of over 35 million vehicles across 11 manufacturing plants,” TMNA said. Continue reading →

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Honda Heritage Parts Program Debuts

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“In this 40th anniversary year of the Acura brand, the launch of Honda Heritage Parts is especially meaningful, giving Acura enthusiasts the support they need to continue enjoying their first-generation Acura NSX,” said Steven Bailey, vice president of Honda and Acura Parts, Service and Technical Division. “At its core, the new Honda Heritage Parts program honors our shared passion for these iconic vehicles and helps ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Freedom 250 to Run Past U.S. Capital

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said two‑time NTT IndyCar Series champion and back‑to‑back Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who toured the circuit on Monday morning. “You’ve got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect. Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can’t wait to be back here to race and celebrate America’s birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” Continue reading →

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Acura and Honda to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Since Honda began auto production in America more than four decades ago, we have been dedicated to delivering quality for the world, made in the U.S.A.,” said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “From the onset, Honda has believed in our American manufacturing talent, and we are proud to export quality vehicles built by our associates in Alabama to Honda customers in Japan.

“Building Acura models in America for the past thirty years has been a source of immense pride, and now exporting the American‑built Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level,” said Jayaraman. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Plant Spartanburg is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength,” said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. “Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Pushing for Optimal State Safety Belt Use Laws

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“This calculator will help advocates and policymakers understand the safety benefits a state can reap with simple legislative changes,” said Chuck Farmer, IIHS vice president for research. “For the 22 jurisdictions that already have the strongest provisions in place, it shows the cost of any potential backsliding.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Vault Online Debuts

Posted on 3 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Goodyear* (NASDAQ: GT) has introduced another way for consumers to “experience the company, its brands and its 128-year legacy.” The so-called “The Vault” is an online marketplace where consumers can explore and purchase historic artifacts, signed memorabilia, limited-edition merchandise and … Continue reading →

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Toyota Debuts Home EV Charging With Treehouse

Posted on 27 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA – NYSE:TM) this week announced the use of Treehouse, a software operating system with the stated goal to make home EV charger purchase and installation easy. All 2026 and newer Toyota and Lexus BEVs and … Continue reading →

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Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen workers have voted by a 96% margin to ratify their first union contract. The UAW contract – the first at major Southern auto plant comes with 20 % wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, among other things, that make the UAW a formidable rival for wealthy global corporations. The final tally was announced last night.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.” Continue reading →

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Audi Revolut F1 Team and Fanwear Launched

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“As a blend of modern lifestyle and sportswear, the fan collection – including the DNA Range, the Elevated Fanwear Range and drivers’ merchandise – targets a broad audience. Designed for everyday wear, not just race weekends, the diverse product portfolio spans T‑shirts, hoodies, jackets, caps, shoes and more,” Audi said in a release.

“The DNA Range forms the foundation of the collection, focusing on essential pieces built around core styles and the team’s primary colors to clearly express the Audi Revolut F1 Team identity. The Elevated Fanwear Range complements this with lifestyle‑driven key pieces that combine comfort, clean design and subtle branding for a modern everyday look.

“In addition, the collection includes exclusive merchandise from the team’s two drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Several limited‑edition special drops released throughout the season further expand the collection – bold statements that celebrate style, culture and the evolving identity of the Audi Revolut F1 Team,” Audi said. Continue reading →

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