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In a remarkable display of automotive passion and community spirit, owners of the Honda S660 recently etched their names into the Guinness World Records. A total of 832 units of the beloved two-seater converged at the iconic Suzuka Circuit in Japan, not only celebrating the model's tenth anniversary but also establishing a new record for the largest parade of Honda vehicles ever assembled. This event highlights the deep affection and enthusiasm surrounding the S660, a compact sports car that, despite its discontinuation, continues to captivate its dedicated fanbase, creating a memorable moment in automotive history.

The record-breaking gathering, orchestrated by the S660 Chubu Community, took place on November 15th. The choice of Suzuka Circuit, a venue synonymous with Honda's racing heritage, added a layer of significance to the occasion. The meticulous organization and participation of over 800 vehicles culminated in an official recognition by a Guinness World Records adjudicator, confirming that all prerequisites for the record had been successfully met. This achievement not only celebrates the S660's legacy but also showcases the power of a passionate owner base to achieve extraordinary feats.

The event drew in not only enthusiastic owners but also key figures from Honda, including employees who played a role in the S660's development and production. Their presence underscored the mutual appreciation between the creators and the consumers of this distinctive kei car. As the impressive convoy of 832 S660s navigated the renowned track, it became a vivid spectacle, symbolizing a collective homage to a model that, despite its small stature, holds a significant place in the hearts of many. The successful validation of the record served as a poignant reminder of the car's widespread appeal and the vibrant community it fostered.

Beyond Honda's recent achievement, the automotive world boasts several other impressive gathering records. The largest single-model car gathering, dating back to May 1995, saw an astounding 2,728 Volkswagen Beetles converge in São Paolo, Brazil. More recently, in 2020, Subaru claimed the record for the largest single-manufacturer gathering with 1,751 vehicles at Subiefest in the United States. Even niche segments have their records; in September 2024, 179 supercars and hypercars paraded at the Angkor Wat World Heritage site in Cambodia, a unique collaboration between Gumball 3000 and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism. A more unconventional record was set in the Philippines by the Ford Everest Club, featuring the 'Largest Ensemble of Car Horns' with 1,077 synchronized honkers.

The recent gathering of Honda S660 owners at Suzuka Circuit was a powerful testament to the enduring passion for specific automotive models and the vibrant communities that form around them. This record-setting parade, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the now-discontinued two-seater, underscored its lasting impact and the strong bond among its enthusiasts. It serves as a prime example of how shared appreciation for a vehicle can bring together hundreds, even thousands, of individuals to achieve a collective, memorable milestone.

A Florida-based luxury car dealer, The Collection, has initiated a substantial legal claim against Porsche, seeking $300 million in damages. The core of the dispute revolves around the dealership's refusal to construct a standalone facility exclusively for the German automobile manufacturer. The dealership claims that Porsche subsequently retaliated by limiting its access to 'pool cars' – critical discretionary inventory that significantly impacts sales and market standing. This high-stakes legal confrontation underscores the increasing pressure on dealerships to meet specific brand requirements and the potential repercussions of non-compliance.

Florida Dealership Battles Porsche in $300 Million Lawsuit Over Brand Exclusivity

In a burgeoning legal saga spanning over three years, The Collection, a prominent luxury automobile dealership in Miami, Florida, finds itself embroiled in a major lawsuit against Porsche. The crux of the conflict emerged when Porsche mandated that The Collection erect a dedicated facility solely for its brand, a request that the dealership declined. Notably, none of the other nine luxury marques represented by The Collection, including prestigious names like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McLaren, have ever imposed such an exclusive infrastructure demand.

Following its refusal, The Collection contends that Porsche engaged in a calculated campaign of retaliation. The dealership alleges that Porsche began withholding 'pool cars,' which comprise approximately 20 percent of its total inventory and are crucial for sales performance and brand visibility, including test drives and high-demand models. This alleged restriction had a severe impact on The Collection's standing, as it reportedly plummeted from being the third-highest-ranked Porsche dealer in the U.S. in 2018 to the 32nd position by mid-2022. The dealership further claims that Porsche extended preferential treatment to other dealers who were willing to impose higher Additional Dealer Markups (ADMs) on vehicles, effectively bypassing those, like The Collection, who resisted such practices.

The financial implications of this lawsuit are significant. The Collection is seeking $100 million in compensatory damages, a sum that, under Florida state law, would automatically triple to $300 million if the dealership prevails. This case has drawn considerable attention within the automotive industry, as its outcome could set a precedent for dealer-manufacturer relationships nationwide. If The Collection is victorious, it might empower other dealerships facing similar pressures to invest heavily in exclusive facilities or risk losing crucial inventory access, potentially altering the landscape of automotive retail.

Reflections on Power Dynamics and Fair Practices in Automotive Retail

This ongoing legal dispute between The Collection and Porsche offers a compelling glimpse into the evolving power dynamics within the luxury automotive sector. It raises important questions about the balance between a manufacturer's desire for brand exclusivity and a dealership's operational autonomy and financial viability. While manufacturers certainly have a vested interest in maintaining brand image and customer experience, the allegations of retaliatory inventory control highlight the potential for coercive tactics. The lawsuit underscores the need for clear, equitable agreements between manufacturers and their dealer networks, ensuring fair competition and preventing practices that could unfairly disadvantage dealerships or ultimately harm consumers. The outcome of this case could significantly influence future business practices, potentially safeguarding dealerships from undue pressure and promoting a more balanced ecosystem in the luxury car market.