On this noteworthy day of September 12, we embark on a fascinating journey tracing pivotal moments that have shaped the automotive industry globally. Today, we spotlight ten significant milestones, including unique glimpses into Asian and Thai automotive advancements. Strap in as we navigate through a rich tapestry of innovation and collaboration that marked this day in the annals of automotive history.
On September 12, 1958, Derrick Kuzak, a prominent American automobile designer, was born. Throughout his career, he played a significant role in developing various iconic cars, serving as Group Vice President of Global Product Development at Ford Motor Company before retiring in 2013.
2. 1966 – “The Monkees” Television Show Debut
The television show “The Monkees” debuted on this day in 1966, which prominently featured the Monkeemobile, a customized Pontiac GTO. This car became an iconic representation of the 1960s pop culture and brought the automotive industry into the limelight of entertainment media.
3. 1970 – Introduction of the Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto was officially introduced to the public on September 11, 1970. This event marked a significant milestone in compact car design, albeit the car later became infamous for safety issues related to fuel tank design.
4. 1980 – Establishment of AutoAlliance Thailand
Although not precisely on September 12th but in the year 1980, Ford and Mazda established a joint venture called AutoAlliance Thailand. This venture marked a significant milestone in Thailand’s automotive history, boosting the nation’s position as a critical player in the global automotive industry.
5. 1987 – Launch of the Ferrari F40
Around this time in September 1987, the Ferrari F40 was launched. It was a significant milestone in the automotive industry, being the first legal road car to break the 200 mph barrier, showcasing the advancements in automotive engineering.
6. 1993 – Inaugural Petit Le Mans
In 1998, the inaugural Petit Le Mans took place, a 10-hour endurance race held at the Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. This race has since become an iconic event in the racing calendar, hosting various car manufacturers in a true test of automotive engineering and endurance.
7. 2003 – Formation of Chery Jaguar Land Rover
In September 2012, Chery Jaguar Land Rover, a Chinese-British automotive joint venture, was established. This marked a significant event in Asian automotive history, symbolizing the increasing collaboration between Western and Asian automotive industries.
8. 2011 – Launch of the Ultra-Luxurious Mulsanne Convertible Concept by Bentley
On this day in 2011, Bentley revealed the ultra-luxurious Mulsanne Convertible Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This car showcased Bentley’s commitment to offering unrivaled luxury and performance, maintaining its reputation as a leading luxury car manufacturer.
9. 2017 – Presentation of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE
At the 2017 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz presented the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, a high-performance hybrid that transferred the latest and most efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology almost one-to-one from the track to the street for the first time.
10. 2019 – Announcement of the Volkswagen ID.3
On September 9, 2019, Volkswagen officially announced the ID.3, an electric hatchback that marked a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s push into the electric vehicle market. This announcement represented a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable automotive industry.
hope you find this compilation of automotive milestones interesting, even though not all events took place precisely on September 12th. It illustrates the ongoing evolution and collaboration within the global automotive industry, from groundbreaking vehicle introductions to significant advancements in technology and sustainability.
Leave a Reply