Category Archives: milestones

Holiday Travel Put at 36.8 billion Miles

Americans are expected to log 36.8 billion miles on the road visiting family and friends – a 46% increase (11.6 billion miles) compared to 2015. Continue reading

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First 1967 Camaro at Woodward Dream Cruise

The Historic Vehicle Association illuminates a glass showcase containing the first 1967 model Camaro built for the Woodward Dream Cruise tonight. Continue reading

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Volvo 144 – Its First Million Seller at 50 Years

The classic 1966 box, the Volvo 144 and derivatives during the ensuing eight years to sell 1.25 million cars, thereby creating Volvo’s first million seller. Continue reading

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BMW 507 Driven by Elvis at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The BMW 507 driven by Elvis Presley while he was doing military service in Germany is restored and will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The 507 disappeared for nearly 50 years, and was believed to have been lost. After almost two years of restoration work, BMW Group Classic is presenting the roadster for the first time on 21 August 2016.

Elvis Presley used the BMW 507 to drive between his home in Bad Nauheim and the U.S. Army Base in Friedberg, Southern Germany. He was often mobbed by female fans. The paintwork of the roadster was frequently daubed with messages of love painted in lipstick. Continue reading

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Milestones – 40 Years of Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta first appeared 40 years ago in 1976, launching at the same time as a new technology company dubbed Apple. Continue reading

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Milestones: Honda Accord 40 Years Later

Baby Boomers made the Honda Accord, and Honda’s pioneering decision to build a plant in Ohio ultimately put the company in the automotive big leagues to the astonishment of Toyota and Nissan executives, who were, eventually, forced to follow. Continue reading

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Eightieth Anniversary of the Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’

How appropriate, the little mouse in the automobile business is celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the Fiat 500 “Topolino.” Events at FCA in Turin from June 16-19 will commemorate it. The tiny car was part of the motorization in Italy … Continue reading

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Milestones: Toyota Indiana 20 Years, 4.45 Million Vehicles Later

In an ironic twist that saw the Detroit Three automakers demanding that offshore makers build here, Toyota Indiana – staffed by non UAW union members – now with 5,000 workers – has built 4.45 million vehicles that are selling, and selling well, in the Detroit Three’s most profitable segments. Continue reading

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Mobility Company or Automaker? Toyota Signs MOA with Uber

This is a complicated deal, given Uber’s current legal and regulatory challenges in the U.S., as well as global business conditions and regulations, and – at the end of the road – consumer desires. Continue reading

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Toyota Automobile Museum to Hold a Giant Classic Car Party

In addition to a diverse selection of exhibitions and other events to enjoy, a parade of privately-owned Japanese, U.S., and European classic cars dating from 1986 or earlier will be held on the public roads. Continue reading

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National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum adds Mustang Exhibit

Ironically, when Mustang launched, no specific styling patents were granted. Only after the original pony car proved such a success – more than 1 million sold in the first 18 months – were styling patents even considered and applied for over time. Continue reading

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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Most Fuel-Efficient SUV CR Tested

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 31 mpg combined in Consumer Reports testing has the best overall fuel economy of any SUV that doesn’t plug in, CR said today. It returned 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway – better than most mid-size sedans. Continue reading

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Milestones: Lexus Hybrid Sales Top 1 Million

With 10 models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury segment hybrid leader, much to the chagrin of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz executives. Continue reading

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2016 Argetsinger Racing Award Goes to Roger Penske

My favorite Penske moment came when I was covering the Indy 500 back in the CART days – the best open wheel racing around until the Tony George’s IRL disaster that reorganized the series and destroyed it. Team Penske finished second Al Unser in a March chassis with a Cosworth engine as I recall. Continue reading

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Detroit Tigers Home Opener Against the Hated Yankees

The Tigers’ home opener is Friday, April 8 against the hated New York Yankees. Continue reading

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