In 1908, there were very few automobiles in the US, roads were rutted and driving them was much like driving over a washboard. Consequently, road signs and maps were almost non-existent and there were no petrol pumps - drivers purchased petrol in canisters from a general store.
In order to convince the public about usefulness of automobiles, Robert Guggenheim announced in 1909 that he would sponsor..., from New York to Seattle. It took the competing vehicles 23 days to cross the country from New York to Seattle on roads that were rudimentary at best. It was won by a Ford Model T. However, the vehicle was disqualified later because the car had made an engine change along the route.
Still, Henry Ford immediately launched a marketing campaign touting the fact that his lightweight, affordable Model T was the superior car!
Ocean-to-Ocean Being Reimagined for Ford EV
Just as the prevailing road-anxiety of 1909, these days electric vehicles EVs are facing range anxiety. So, Ford is taking a pair of its electric-powered new Mustang Mach-E models on a coast-to-coast drive that it is calling “Ocean-to-Ocean Reimagined”, a tribute to the 1909 Ocean-to- Ocean Automobile Endurance Contest.
The cross-country trip by the electric-powered Mach-E begins in New York City, works down the East Coast to Amelia Island, Florida, and then goes to Las Vegas before ending in Seattle. This route will cover 6,500 miles and will involve crossing 20 states, Ford said.
On February 25, 2021, another Mustang enthusiast, Sergio Rodriguez began a road trip from Murrieta, in California, towards the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of nearly 2,500 miles in a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV. The Mach-E consumed 790 kWh in the road trip, which gives it an energy consumption of 3.1 miles per kWh.
Rodriguez also kept track of how much time he spent charging and the amount of money the trip cost him in electricity. Charging at the “Electrify America” network took 586 minutes, or a little less than 10 hours, and it cost the Mach-E owner USD 160 value in INR needs to be mentioned? He also noted that he never spent more than 35 minutes at a charging station, thanks to the network of Electrify America fast-chargers along his route.
According to Rodriguez, range anxiety should not be a concern for people that are considering an EV as their next vehicle. Although he used the Electrify America chargers for more than 90 percent of the charging, the Mach-E owner said there were plenty more to choose from, such as “EVGo”, “ChargePoint”, “Greenlots”, “Volta” and many more!
At present, there are more than 26,000 electric vehicle charging stations open to the public in the US with more than 90,000 outlets. But the country, and the world, will need thousands more if drivers are going to adopt vehicles powered by batteries alone. “The automakers, more and more of them, are committing to manufacture electric vehicles,” said Mike Moran, spokesman for Electrify America, builder of charging station network. “Last year, automakers announced a combined $225 billion in investments in electrification.” With more than 40 fully electric vehicles on the market in the US or coming within the next three years, the demand growth for charging infrastructure is assured. (MT)
Navnit Motors Inaugurates BMW Service Workshop In Mumbai
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2026
BMW Group India and Navnit Motors have opened a service workshop facility in Mumbai, designed in accordance with the manufacturer's Retail.NEXT standards.
Located in Andheri East, the facility covers approximately 115,000 square feet and operates 53 service bays, comprising six consultation bays, three diagnostic bays, 21 mechanical and electrical bays, and 23 body and paint bays.
The centre incorporates infrastructure for electric vehicle maintenance, high-voltage equipment, solar power generation covering 20 percent of electricity needs, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. Digital integrations include service scheduling via the MyBMW App, personalised video repair estimates with digital payment options, and real-time vehicle tracking. BMW Group India currently operates 56 service workshops across its national network.
Ralf Hattler, Senior Vice-President of Customer Support and Aftersales, BMW Group, said, "Aftersales is a strategic pillar of the BMW Group’s long-term relationship with its customers. As mobility evolves, our focus is to build a service ecosystem that is ready for every drivetrain, intelligently connected and consistently centred on individual customer needs. The new Retail.NEXT service workshop in Mumbai translates this global ambition into a powerful local reality - combining scale, specialist competence and responsible operations to safeguard vehicle performance. For our customers, this means peace of mind: knowing that BMW is always by your side and keeps you mobile throughout the entire ownership journey."
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, "Customer experience does not end with the purchase of a BMW, it continues throughout the ownership journey. With Navnit Motors, we have established one of India’s largest automotive service workshops and the country’s largest BMW service workshop facility, bringing together scale, digital innovation, sustainability and future-ready expertise under one roof. It is a significant expression of our ‘Relax. We Care.’ promise and our commitment to making BMW ownership effortless, transparent and rewarding."
Krishna Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors, said, "As we celebrate 30 years of a strong and enduring partnership with the BMW Group, this landmark facility is a significant milestone in our shared journey. Our deep understanding of Mumbai and the evolving needs of BMW customers have shaped our vision to create this world-class service facility. As the largest BMW service workshop, it reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in aftersales excellence. With significantly enhanced service capacity, advanced diagnostic systems, dedicated EV facilities, connected service technologies and highly skilled specialists, the facility combines scale with precision and personalised care for BMW customers across Mumbai."
Taiwanese Suppliers To Showcase Automotive Solutions At AAPEX 2026
- By MT Bureau
- October 22, 2026
Over 200 suppliers from Taiwan will participate in AAPEX 2026, North America’s leading automotive aftermarket exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from 3rd November to 5th November.
Presented by the International Trade Administration and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the delegation will exhibit under the Team Taiwan banner at Booth V19622.
The display features products across categories including components, electronics, lighting, tools and collision repair parts. The showcase incorporates an industry scenario zone, digital kiosks, and scheduled presentations.
The events during the exhibition include an opening ceremony, networking sessions, procurement meetings and pitch demonstrations focusing on maintenance equipment, diagnostics and advanced driver assistance systems.
Image for representational purposes only.
Indraprastha Gas Deploys Nawgati Automated Safety Framework For CNG Stations
- By MT Bureau
- October 21, 2026
Indraprastha Gas has introduced Nawgati's artificial intelligence (AI) vehicle recognition and safety verification system at fuel stations in Delhi.
The rollout was inaugurated at the Shantipath CNG facility by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives for the North Circle at the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The initiative implements a three-pronged compliance framework to verify compressed natural gas cylinder hydrotest validity before refuelling.
The system incorporates the consumer-facing Nawgati app, the Aaveg compliance application used by queue marshals and automated license plate recognition cameras linked to digital LED displays and public announcement systems. Non-compliant vehicles with expired certifications trigger automated alerts to station staff to halt refuelling operations.
Ambuj Singh, Senior Vice President of Business and Operations, Nawgati, said, "Fuel retail safety relies on robust enforcement and friction-free technology. Having senior leadership inaugurate this rollout at IGL Shantipath is a testament to the urgency and impact of our solution. By combining our proprietary technology, the Aaveg Compliance app for queue marshals, and consumer-facing transparency through the Nawgati app, we are helping operators eliminate manual blind spots, prevent unverified cylinders from refuelling, and set a new benchmark for smart infrastructure safety."
The safety deployment is accompanied by public awareness campaigns across media channels and operational protocols implemented by Indraprastha Gas to support national energy targets and infrastructure expansion.
AXOR Introduces Agera Full-Face Helmet With Integrated Aerodynamic Rear Spoiler
- By MT Bureau
- October 19, 2026
AXOR, the premium helmet brand from Vega Auto, has launched the Agera, a full-face helmet designed with aerodynamic engineering and ventilation features for high-speed riding.
The helmet features a shell profile with an integrated rear spoiler engineered to manage airflow, reduce aerodynamic drag, and lower neck strain at high speeds. The rear spoiler functions as an integrated exhaust vent to assist with thermal management and interior airflow extraction. The product will be retailed in domestic markets and exported across AXOR's international distribution network.
The Agera features a double D-ring retention system and an Emergency Quick Release System for cheek pad removal during emergency situations. The helmet is equipped with an optically correct, scratch-resistant, UV-protected Revo outer visor featuring a tool-free quick-release mechanism and Pinlock anti-fog compatibility, alongside an integrated internal smoke sun visor for glare reduction.
Uttam Chandak, Joint MD and Head of Research and Development, AXOR, said, "Aerodynamic engineering plays a critical role in the overall riding experience, particularly at higher speeds. With the Agera, our focus has been on developing a shell profile that manages airflow effectively. By combining aerodynamic considerations with functional ventilation and a race-inspired design, we aim to deliver a helmet that reflects our continued focus on engineering-led product development."
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