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Karkrub Review
January 12 explores notable automotive achievements, milestones, and stories that occurred on this day in history.

Here are 10 significant facts:

First Automobile Advertisement (1898)

On January 12, 1898, the Winton Motor Carriage Company placed the first known automobile advertisement in “Scientific American”. The ad promoted the Winton motor carriage as a practical, affordable means of transportation, a significant step in popularizing automobiles in America.

Henry Ford Sets Land Speed Record (1904)

Henry Ford set a land speed record on January 12, 1904, reaching 91.37 mph on the frozen surface of Lake St. Clair, Michigan, in a vehicle called the “Arrow.” This achievement helped establish Ford’s reputation as an innovative automaker.

Introduction of the Mini Cooper (1961)

The iconic Mini Cooper was introduced by the British Motor Corporation on January 12, 1961. Its compact design and front-wheel-drive layout revolutionized small car design and became a symbol of 1960s British popular culture.

First GPS-Based Navigation System in a Car (1990)

On January 12, 1990, Mazda introduced the Eunos Cosmo, the first production car equipped with a GPS-based navigation system. This marked the beginning of a new era in automotive technology, leading to the widespread use of GPS in vehicles.

Launch of the Tesla Roadster (2008)

Tesla Motors began regular production of the Tesla Roadster on January 12, 2008. This was the first all-electric sports car, which played a significant role in changing perceptions about electric vehicles’ performance capabilities.

Asian Automotive History – Nissan Leaf’s Global Impact (2011)

On January 12, 2011, Nissan announced that the Leaf, its all-electric car, had become the world’s first electric vehicle to reach 10,000 units sold globally. This milestone marked a significant achievement for the Asian automotive industry in the field of sustainable transport.

Thai Automotive History – Thailand’s Eco-Car Project Launch (2009)

On January 12, 2009, Thailand officially launched the “Eco-Car” project, a government initiative to promote the production of fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles. This project has played a vital role in establishing Thailand as a major automotive production hub in Southeast Asia.

Introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette C7 (2013)

On January 12, 2013, Chevrolet unveiled the seventh generation of the Corvette, known as the C7, at the Detroit Auto Show. The C7 featured significant advancements in design, technology, and performance, cementing the Corvette’s status as an American sports car icon.

Record-Breaking Electric Car Sales (2017)

January 12, 2017, marked a significant date in electric vehicle history, as global electric car sales reached a new record high. This reflected the growing acceptance and demand for electric vehicles worldwide.

Autonomous Vehicle Legislation (2020)

On January 12, 2020, several countries implemented new laws and regulations governing the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, signaling a significant step towards the future of self-driving cars.