Car does 1 million kilometre, Indian in Canada asks Honda for special odometer

Arun Ghosh, a 38-year-old Indian national from Ontario, Canada, achieved the rare feat of driving 1 million kilometres in his 2014 Honda Accord. Ghosh, who describes himself as “really, really passionate about cars and driving”, reached the milestone, but his odometer froze at 999,999 kilometres. He is now appealing to Honda to provide a customised, seven-digit odometer to log his achievements and continue tracking his journey with his beloved car.

Ghosh was motivated by a friend’s challenge to “go for one million” after his car hit 500,000 kilometres.

Originally from Cherthala in Kerala, he moved to Welland, Ontario, in 2017 as an international student at Niagara College and bought his “dream car”, which had done 90,000 kilometres at the time.

On July 30, 2024, with friends by his side, Ghosh was just 100 kilometres away from his goal of a million kilometre.

They set out near the Peace Bridge at the US border. However, when he reached the milestone, the odometer did not display the anticipated seven digits.

“I expected to see one, triple zero, triple zero. But instead, the odometer froze at 999,999. I didn’t know what to do,” Ghosh was quoted as saying by CBC news.

His friends, who had been cheering him on throughout the journey, were equally surprised.

They immediately encouraged him to reach out to Honda for a customised odometer.

A local Honda dealership is now investigating the possibility.

GHOSH’S PASSION FOR DRIVING

Driving is more than just a mode of transportation for Ghosh; it is his passion. He often prefers driving around Niagara-on-the-Lake rather than walking and has gained recognition within the international student community for giving lifts for the price of gas.

When asked about switching to a more fuel-efficient car, Ghosh dismissed the idea.

“It’s like floating on the road,” he said, expressing his love for his current vehicle, reported the CBC news.

Ghosh’s dedication to his car’s maintenance is evident, as he follows a strict regimen of using only Honda parts, specific brands of filters, and engine oil.

Despite the high mileage, the car retains its original transmission but has a new engine.

Shamil Becharbhai, director of a Honda dealership in St Catharines, Ontario, was astonished by the car’s mileage.

“In my 20 years in business, this is the highest mileage car I’ve ever seen,” he said, noting that the second-highest reading was 550,000 kilometres, reported the CBC News.

Honda Canada spokesperson Ken Chiu acknowledged the rarity of Ghosh’s achievement.

“It’s rare but it does happen,” he said. “Not every day or every week or every month, but it happens.” Chiu described the feat as “worth celebrating”.