Latest news with #Hondas
Egypt Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
‘We are living in a war': Mexicans brace for violence ahead of judicial elections
Mexico City CNN — Gadi Mokotov makes cars bulletproof. Living in Mexico City, he sees all sorts of demands for armored vehicles – from military trucks and secretive government vehicles to the Cadillacs of the capital's high rollers and even 10-year-old Hondas. As criminal violence ticks up across the country, the lines for his services have grown longer – and more of his customized cars are coming back for repairs with bullet pocks and shattered windows. 'We are living in a war,' he told CNN. 'A war with the cartels.' Despite the efforts of successive governments to combat Mexico's deeply entrenched cartels, tens of thousands of people are killed each year in crime-related deaths, according to government figures. Recently, Mokotov says one of his private clients in Guadalajara brought their Ford pick-up truck back to his shop with over 100 bullet marks, breaking down into tears, thankful to have survived an ambush. In years past, Mexico City was seen as a relatively peaceful oasis in the country. But even here, violence is spiking, with murders up over 150 percent compared to the same period last year, according to reporting by El Pais. Some attacks appear to be designed to send a message to Mexico's political class. Last week, two aides to the mayor of Mexico City were gunned down on their way to work, in what authorities concluded was a 'direct and highly planned attack.' A few days earlier, a mayoral candidate in the state of Veracruz had been shot and killed alongside three other people during a festive campaign march. As controversial national judicial elections approach on Sunday, some Mexicans across the country are preparing for the worst. According to Mexican think tank Laboratorio Electoral, last year's legislative elections were the most violent on record, with over 40 candidates assassinated and hundreds more violent incidents, including attacks and kidnappings, largely attributed to cartels aiming to sway the vote and intimidate candidates. While the run-up to this year's judicial vote has not been quite as bloody, a climate of fear persists. Across the country, at least four candidates have already abandoned their campaigns after receiving threats, per the international conflict research organization Crisis Group, and several judges have refused to campaign at all in areas controlled by cartels. Since 2012, at least 17 judges and six clerks have been killed in connection to their work, the group notes. Cars being reinforced with armor by Gadi Mokotov's company ETTS Blindajes in Mexico City. Evelio Contreras/CNN A controversial vote One of the last acts of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2024 was to pass a constitutional reform mandating that all judges in the country be elected by direct vote – a radical shift from the system of internal appointments that had populated most of Mexico's judiciary until then. The vote – seen by supporters as an effort to guarantee judges' autonomy and impartiality – has been embraced by Lopez Obrador's successor and protege, President Claudia Sheinbaum. On Sunday, June 1, thousands of candidates will be competing for the 881 seats up for grabs. César Gutiérrez Priego, a criminal lawyer in Mexico City running for a seat on the country's Supreme Court, told CNN he's been campaigning this spring with a bulletproof vest under his suit. César Gutiérrez Priego at home in Mexico City. Evelio Contreras/CNN Priego's protective vest, which he's worn everyday under his clothes as he campaigns for a seat on Mexico's Supreme Court. Evelio Contreras/CNN 'It doesn't smell very good. But it's something that I needed to do because I have to protect myself. I have two kids and I don't want to just be another number,' he says of the vest, which he's been wearing for two months on the campaign trail. Priego is no stranger to the potential for violence and corruption in Mexican politics – he decided to study law when he was in his 20s, after seeing his high-ranking military father, Mexico's then-drug czar, imprisoned on what he says were false charges. Across the country, trust in the justice system has been broken over and over. Judges are widely perceived as among the most corrupt officials in the country, and many high-profile cases have never been concluded. In 2022, just 16 percent of criminal investigations overall were resolved, according to Human Rights Watch. Critics argue that addressing these issues requires far more profound change – including repressing organized crime and addressing corruption at the prosecutorial level and in government – than this week's judicial vote can address. Both the Biden and Trump administrations in the US have warned against the judicial vote, voicing concern that making judges run for election could further expose them to political interests and to potential corruption or intimidation by organized crime groups. Still, Priego says he's willing to try the new system – and to face the personal risk to his own life – for a shot at a seat on the highest bench in the country. 'In Mexico, we have a big trouble here in our country. And what is that trouble? It's that criminals take control of some places, some institutions, and one of those institutions is the justice system. And I believe if we change that, we can make the change that really helps people, because if you make the criminals go to jail, you can end impunity,' Priego tells CNN. Ending impunity, everyone agrees, is long overdue in the country – though not everyone agrees on how to get there. In his Mexico City garage, Mokotov sees daily evidence of the crisis, including a fast-growing number of first-time clients asking for his services: women looking to add bulletproof armor to humble commuter cars. It's a request that leaves even him a bit disturbed, he says. 'It's not nice to see moms coming here saying 'I need to protect my kids to go to school.' They're afraid for the lives of their kids.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
TT riders get track time in free practice session
Competitors in this year's Isle of Man TT availed themselves of some valuable track time in Tuesday's untimed free practice session for the event. The session went ahead after inclement weather earlier in the day cleared sufficiently, although riders reported that they were exercising caution due to damp patches on areas of the circuit which made conditions difficult. The sidecars were first off the line at 18:35 BST in bright sunshine, followed by the Supersports and Supertwins and finally the larger capacity Superbikes and Superstocks. Each session was afforded 35 minutes, with the solo sessions held in more overcast conditions. The opening day of the 2025 TT meeting on Monday had seen all laps except the newcomers' speed-controlled lap cancelled. It had initially been planned that Tuesday's session would be a timed qualifying one but ultimately rain showers during the day led to the practice being declared as untimed. Among those out on the Mountain Course for the first time this year were the most successful rider in the history of the races, Michael Dunlop, who took his wins tally to 29 last year courtesy of the fourth four-timer of his career at the event. Dunlop took out all four of his machines, including his World Superbike-spec Rokit BMW and World Supersport-spec Ducati V2 Supersport bike. The Northern Ireland rider has changed manufacturer for both classes, having campaigned Hondas in the big bike classes and a Yamaha in the middleweight category in 2024. Despite his prolific winning record of recent years, the 36-year-old has not tasted success in the blue riband Senior race since 2017, an eight-year gap the Ballymoney man will be keen to bridge this year. Other leading contenders for this year's races include 14-time winner Peter Hickman, Honda Racing's Dean Harrison and Davey Todd, who earned his first two TT wins 12 months ago. Todd's mounts this year include a Padgett's Paton for the Supertwins class, a first foray into that category for the renowned Yorkshire-based team. Among those getting acclimatised to new machinery were Mike Browne from the Republic of Ireland, who has replaced the injured Jamie Coward in the KTS Racing team for the 1000cc races. James Hillier had first outing of the season on a closed public roads circuit after missing the recent North West 200 in Northern Ireland. Qualifying sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, followed by an afternoon session on Friday, before the scheduled start of racing on Saturday.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Steele Honda Expands its Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPO) Inventory in St. John's, NL
Drivers in Newfoundland can now buy the Honda CPO models at the Steele Honda dealership. ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Steele Honda has expanded its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle inventory, offering more high-quality Honda options to local drivers. Located at 547 Kenmount Road, St. John's, NL A1B 4J8, the dealership continues to serve the community with dependable vehicles and transparent service. Customers now have increased access to rigorously inspected, pre-owned Honda models that meet manufacturer certification standards. Every CPO vehicle undergoes a multi-point inspection to ensure safety and reliability. This expansion supports growing demand for affordable and trustworthy vehicle options across Newfoundland. Each Certified Pre-Owned Honda offers peace of mind. These vehicles meet high standards for performance and reliability. Shoppers benefit from a 7-year/100,00-miles limited powertrain warranty. Also included is a 100-point mechanical and appearance inspection. Buyers receive a free vehicle history report from CARFAX. The roadside assistance is valid for 7 years from the original in-service date. Customers can expect 24/7 support across Canada and the United States. Steele Honda focuses on quality, transparency and peace of mind. Every technician follows strict manufacturer guidelines. The vehicles that pass inspection receive certification from Honda Canada. All CPO models are reconditioned using genuine Honda parts. Each unit includes a no-deductible warranty for eligible repairs. In addition, Steele Honda offers flexible terms tailored to buyers' budgets. Unlike private sellers, all CPO Hondas include legal documentation and certified paperwork. Shoppers can trust every mile driven in a CPO vehicle. Also, customers can test drive multiple units under one roof. The dealership's team ensures every CPO customer enjoys a seamless, informative experience. Financing a Certified Pre-Owned Honda is quick and simple. Steele Honda partners with leading lenders to offer competitive rates and flexible terms. Buyers can fill out a secure online loan application which takes only minutes and includes pre-approval for qualified applicants. Many CPO vehicles are eligible for low-interest rates and deferred payment options. Applicants with a wide range of credit profiles are welcome. The dealership's finance team works to secure the best deal for each customer. Customers can also schedule test drives, browse inventory and review current offers online. To learn more about the dealership's CPO program or to apply for financing, visit the dealership's website or call 709-700-9911. Media Contact: Dean Jacobs, 709-579-1999, djacobs@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Steele Honda
Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
UPDATE: A1 AUTOMOTIVE TO CELEBRATE SECOND STORE OPENING ON MAY 23
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — City officials, commissioners and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives will celebrate the opening of A1 Automotive's second store location at noon on Friday, May 23, at 52nd and Yankee Hill. 'We are full of gratitude as we expand our services and support to the automotive industry in a bigger capacity to the city's southside,' said owner and founder Kendall Warnock. 'Small businesses are the engines of local economies, creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to the very fabric of our great City. My family and I are very grateful to be in this space and make an impact in our community.' The full-service, local family-owned automotive repair shop, specializes in all makes and models, including EVs, Hybrids, Porshe's, Land Rovers, Chevrolets, Hondas and preparing for Hydrogen as an energy source, has been providing personalized service for the past 15 years throughout Lincoln and have customers driving from Council Bluffs, Iowa and Marysville, Kansas. The new location at 5110 State Hill Drive will also offer free meeting space in a new on-site Community Room, which can be used at no cost for HOA meetings, business meetings, family gatherings or Birthday parties. In honor of the new store opening, A-1 will be offering through July 31 $25 off any service over $300; $50 over $500; and $75 over $750. The store will also be giving away 55 free oil changes and $30 oil changes through July 1. 'My wife, Desiree, I and our three children are grateful to see the positive effect that our business has had on the automotive repair industry through the years and with the addition of this new location, that service is even more enhanced,' he said. 'We understand the importance of caring for others, nothing matters much more to me then taking care of as many people in this community that we can, and sometimes; that is outside of the automotive repair industry.' Warnock is quick to credit his parents for the work ethic instilled in him as a young man growing up in Rosalie, on the Omaha Indian Reservation. 'We really didn't know what money was, we had food, and a warm home and kitchen sink to brush our teeth,' Warnock said. 'But my parents taught me about hard work at their own two-stall garage and filling station. Through them I learned that caring for others is our first priority and that will never change until my time on earth is up' To learn more about A1 Automotive, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A1 AUTOMOTIVE TO CELEBRATE SECOND STORE OPENING ON MAY 30
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City officials, commissioners and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives will celebrate the opening of A1 Automotive's second store location at noon on Friday, May 30, at 52nd and Yankee Hill. 'We are full of gratitude as we expand our services and support to the automotive industry in a bigger capacity to the city's southside,' said owner and founder Kendall Warnock. 'Small businesses are the engines of local economies, creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to the very fabric of our great city. My family and I are very grateful to be in this space and make an impact in our community.' The full-service, local-family-owned automotive repair shop specializes in all makes and models, including EVs, hybrids, Porsches, Land Rovers, Chevrolets and Hondas. They are also preparing to introduce customers to hydrogen-powered vehicles. A1 Automotive has been providing personalized service for the past 15 years throughout Lincoln and has customers driving from Council Bluffs, Iowa and Marysville, Kansas. The new location at 5110 State Hill Drive will also offer free meeting space in a new on-site Community Room, which can be used at no cost for HOA meetings, business meetings, family gatherings or birthday parties. In honor of the new store opening, A1 Automotive will be offering from now through July 31, 2025, $25 off any service over $300; $50 over $500; and $75 over $750. The store will also be giving away 55 free oil changes and $30 oil changes through July 1, 2025. 'My wife, Desiree, I and our three children are grateful to see the positive effect that our business has had on the automotive repair industry through the years and with the addition of this new location, that service is even more enhanced,' he said. 'We understand the importance of caring for others. Nothing matters more to me than taking care of as many people in this community that we can, and sometimes that is outside of the automotive repair industry.' Warnock is quick to credit his parents for the work ethic instilled in him as a young man growing up in Rosalie, on the Omaha Indian Reservation. 'We really didn't know what money was. We had food and a warm home and kitchen sink to brush our teeth,' Warnock said. 'But my parents taught me about hard work at their own two-stall garage and filling station. Through them I have learned that caring for others is our top priority and that will never change until my time on earth is up.' To learn more about A1 Automotive, or to schedule an appointment, please visit CONTACT: Kendall Warnock A1 Automotive 402.477.4660 kendall@
