by admin on April 19, 2012
Concept Car Fans Converge at New York’s Javitz Center - When it comes to innovation and starting trends you could say that New York City is the place. Perhaps that’s why the automotive world chose New York City as the place to showcase their most amazing and futuristic offerings. The 2012 New York International Automobile Show, open to the public from April 6th to April 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, displays some of the newest and most fantastic concept cars ever seen. More information on all types of cars is available at Used Acura In CT. Here’s our summary of some of the hottest concept cars exhibited at the show in New York: The Cadillac Ciel Concept (pronounced “C-L,”) has a name that’s that means “sky” in French. This elegant grand-touring convertible seats four. This roomy and striking-looking car is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system that uses lithium-ion battery technology. The doors are French-style, with suicide rear doors. It has been reported that Cadillac said the Ciel Concept is not a direct predecessor to a flagship model.
The Volkswagen E-Bugster is a convertible concept that seats two and combines the classic styling of the Beetle with zero-emissions driving. The E-Bugster is powered by an electric motor that generates 114 horsepower and has a range of over 100 miles. The battery’s plug interface is located under the hood’s VW logo, where it can be charged with three different chargers: 120V, 240V, and a quick charger that will charge the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The Kia GT Concept is a four-door sports sedan concept that seats four. The Kia GT Concept is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that develops 395 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front and rear-hinged back doors of the GT open slightly upward to facilitate getting in and out. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The GT Concept’s has a long wheelbase that measures 112.6 inches, with an overall length of 184.6 inches.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Lincoln MKZ Concept is a profile that shows off its long, sleek, sweeping roofline. With the MKZ Concept, the designers were thinking outside of the box – the traditional sedan’s three-box shape, that is – while still allowing the vehicle to be identifiable as a Lincoln. The cabin features a retractable panoramic glass roof that offers an incredible view and provides natural light, creating an open, airy interior. Among the numerous innovative interior features are a tiered center console, liquid crystal instrumentation, and push-button transmission gear selection. Albuquerque Dealerships offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. The Acura NSX Concept features vibrant styling, lightweight build materials, and a powerful mid-mounted direct injection VTEC V-6 engine matched with a dual clutch transmission with a built-in electric motor that affords superior acceleration along with increased efficiency. The NSX concept makes use of several new technologies for Acura, including the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.
The Chevrolet Code 130R is a four-seat coupe that is aimed at younger buyers. It features an upright profile with heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. The Code 130R takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy. It’s powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 that’s tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology that increases fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tru 140S is an “affordable exotic” three-door sporty coupe that seats four. The model shown at the New York Auto Show is an all-new matte white color and was designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. The Tru 140S is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 engine with start-stop technology. Land Rover’s DC100 and DC100 Sport Concepts are trims of what will be the next-generation Land Rover Defender. Land Rover plans to create an all-new Defender that will be marketed globally and stay faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable, and capable. Both DC100 models feature the next generation of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which will optimize the car for any conditions without the driver having to make any selections. In addition, Land Rover’s new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization.
The Toyota NS4 Concept is an advanced mid-sized plug-in hybrid concept that the automaker plans to market globally by 2015. The NS4 Concept’s advanced next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system makes use of reduced component size and weight to increase overall fuel economy and provide increased acceleration. The all-electric range has been increased, while charging times have been shortened. The NS4′s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) uses a touch screen that looks and feels like a Smartphone. The system can “learn” the driver’s habits and preferences to anticipate the driver’s responses in specific types of driving environments and situations. Chevy Dealers In Connecticut is a one stop source for all your new car needs. The Lexus LF-LC Concept is a hybrid 2+2 sports coupe that features styling by Toyota’s Calty design studio, located in California. A glass roof increases driver visibility, while adding to the car’s sleek lines. The front grille is similar to the grille on the Lexus GS, while the swept-back headlights and the design of the trunk remind one of the LFA supercar. Inside, scooped side panels and a high, curved console incorporate a remote touch-screen that allows the driver to operate controls without having to shift position or alter line-of-sight.
Photos (top to bottom) Cadillac Ciel Concept courtesy of Cadillac, Toyota NS4 Concept courtesy of Toyota, Acura NSX Concept courtesy of Acura.
Tags: concept cars, Used Acura In CT, New York International Auto Show, Javitz Center, Albuquerque Dealerships, Acura NSX Concept, Lexus LF-LC concept, Volkswagen E-Bugster, Chevy Dealers In Connecticut, Lexus LF-LC Concept
by admin on April 17, 2012
Hybrid Owners Not Likely To Be Repeat Buyers - With today’s high gasoline prices, more consumers are looking to fuel-efficient cars for relief. There are now an increasing number of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles to choose from. But when hybrid owners buy another car, they’re voting “no” when it comes to buying another hybrid. More information on all types of cars is available at Used Jeep Dealers In CT. While the selection of hybrid models in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2007, only 35 percent of hybrid vehicle owners chose to purchase a hybrid again when they returned to the market in 2011, according to a recent analysis by auto information company R.L. Polk & Co. When repurchases among super-loyal Toyota Prius owners are factored out, hybrid loyalty drops to less than 25 percent.
While hybrid owners may not be buying another hybrid, they do appear to remain loyal to their brand when they return to the new car market. For example, according to Polk,in 2011, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners purchased another Toyota when they returned to the market, while 41 percent of them purchased another hybrid from any brand. “Having a hybrid in the product lineup can certainly give a brand a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new customers,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “The repurchase rates of hybrid vehicles are an indication that consumers are continuing to seek alternative solutions to high fuel prices.”
Over 52 percent of Honda hybrid owners stayed with the Honda brand, while just under 20 percent of the Honda hybrid owners purchased another hybrid model from any brand. Cerritos Kia offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. According to cross-shopping data provided by Edmunds.com, consumers are doing online research and comparing hybrids with gasoline-powered cars in the same class. For example, the second most cross-shopped car by buyers who are considering purchasing a Toyota Prius and a Honda Insight is the Honda Civic.
“The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren’t appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors,” according to Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist. “For EVs and PHEVs in particular, certain obstacles – including consumer unease with unfamiliar technology and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure — will need to be overcome before sales increase.”
According to the Polk study, sales of hybrid vehicles represent only 2.4 percent of the new vehicle market in the U.S., down from a high of 2.9 percent in 2008. Perhaps not surprisingly, the leader in hybrid sales continues to be Toyota. Polk also said shows that the high fluctuation in fuel prices between 2008 and 2011 (which ranged from just under $2.00 per gallon to nearly $4.00 per gallon) had little impact on consumer’s loyalty to the hybrid segment. Used Cars In Clovis NM is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Polk also found that consumers in traditional green-friendly regions of the U.S., including Seattle, Southern California, and Portland OR, where hybrid sales are strongest, aren’t any more loyal to hybrid vehicles than other parts of the U.S.
Photos (top to bottom) Toyota Motor Corporation, Petar Miloševi?, Honda Motor Company.
Tags: hybrid vehicles, Used Jeep Dealers In CT, green cars, Toyota Prius, Cerritos Kia, Honda Insight, hybrid cars, R.L. Polk & Co., Used Cars In Clovis NM, auto sales
by admin on March 19, 2012
Lexus Highest In Customer Satisfaction For Dealer Service Among Luxury Brands - According to a new study, drivers who have their vehicles serviced at their local dealership are happier than when they take them to a non-dealer repair shop. The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study found that customers who service their cars at the dealer’s service center have a satisfaction rating of 787 points out of a possible 1,000 points, as opposed to 749 points for non-dealer service facilities. More information on all types of cars is available at Used Car Dealer New York. In addition, 79 percent of service visits by owners of vehicles between one and three-years-old are done at dealer service centers, up from 74 percent in 2011 and 73 percent in 2010. Overall dealer service satisfaction improved 19 points in 2012 from the previous year. Among the 33 brands, 28 saw improvement in service satisfaction, with eight brands seeing improvement of 20 points or more.
“Steady improvements in vehicle quality, longer intervals between recommended service visits and a higher mix of maintenance service events have had a positive effect on overall dealer service satisfaction,” said Chris Sutton, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates. “Moreover, manufacturers and their dealers have instituted broad-based customer service improvement initiatives to increase satisfaction with both the purchase experience and after-sales service, with the understanding that a substandard service occasion can and will impact their ability to make a future vehicle sale or gain repeat service business.”
The survey measures satisfaction by owners who take their vehicles to a service department for repair or maintenance work. Points are awarded on the basis of how well the dealer’s service department performed during the first three years of a new vehicle’s ownership, which is usually the same as the bulk of the vehicle’s warranty period. The five categories that are examined to determine total customer satisfaction are, in order of importance: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility, and vehicle pick-up. Toyota South Lake Tahoe offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. Among luxury auto manufacturers, Lexus received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction for the fourth year in a row, with a total CSI score of 861. The other brands that made the top five are Cadillac (852), Jaguar (849), Acura (838), and Porsche (836). Among the luxury brands, Audi improved the most, up 34 points from 2011.
Among mass market brands, MINI ranked highest for the second year in a row, with a score of 809. The other brands that made it to the top five were Buick (805), GMC (803), Chevrolet (801), and Hyundai (791). The mass market brands that saw the greatest improvement from 2011 were Nissan (up 43) and Toyota (up 31). J.D. Power sees slow auto sales during the collapsed economy causing a decline in service volumes through 2013 before coming back. According to the company, the challenge to automakers is to continue to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction once customer traffic increases. The study offers suggestions that dealerships can use to continue to provide the same high level of customer satisfaction, no matter the volume of service.
The first recommendation is for dealers to offer a complimentary maintenance program, as customers will be more likely to return after the complimentary period is over, compared to dealers that don’t offer complimentary plans. The next suggestion is to promote scheduling service appointments online. J.D. Power says customers who make service appointments online are happier with the service experience than those who schedule their appointments by phone or who arrive at the dealer without an appointment. Surprisingly, customers who make service appointments online spend an average of $36 more per year on service than customers who don’t make an appointment, and $17 more per year than customers who make schedule an appointment by phone. Moline Used Car Dealers is a one stop source for all your new car needs. The third suggestion is to review the inspection report with customers. Service customers who said the service advisor took the time to review the multi-point inspection report with them were more likely to say they “definitely will” go back to the dealer when they need paid and warranty service work than customers who didn’t get a report review, and they are more likely to say they “definitely will” buy or lease the same vehicle make again.
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, MJ/TR, Ildar Sagdejev.
Tags: JD Powers, Used Car Dealer New York, auto news, auto dealers, Toyota South Lake Tahoe, auto dealerships, auto service, Lexus, Moline Used Car Dealers, MINI
by admin on March 8, 2012
AAA Study Highlights New Vehicle Technology - It wasn’t too long ago when automobile technology features consisted of a map in the glove compartment, windshield wipers, a rearview mirror, and side view mirrors. Today, automakers have introduced a host of technology features designed to make driving easier and safer. More information on all types of cars is available at GMC Dealers IN. According to a new report from AAA, technology features that were once found only in luxury vehicles will be increasingly be made available to more drivers, especially as the cost of these technologies are reduced. These include safety technologies as well as features that will increase a car’s performance and allow it to be more environmentally friendly.
“Technologies like anti-lock braking and stability control were once seen as pioneering innovations and are now required or standard features,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Looking to the future, we hope the cost for these technologies continues to come down, allowing more drivers to enjoy the safety, economy, and performance they provide.” AAA warns that the proliferation of technology features can have drawbacks. “These new technologies can be distracting to a driver. It’s important to comply with the guidelines provided for their use and most importantly keep driving your car the number one focus while operating the vehicle,” Nielsen said.
The following is a review of the automotive technology components that AAA says will be incorporated into more vehicles. Currently a standard feature in many vehicles, Brake Assist can determine when the driver is attempting to brake to prevent an accident and automatically applies full brakes, even if the driver hasn’t fully applied them. The technology for brake assist has been around since the mid-90s but is now starting to be implemented more widely. Ford Dealers IN offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. Parking Proximity Warning Systems and Backup Cameras uses sensors to alert drivers to hazards created by anything that might be the blocking the way and helps them see where the car’s going. The sensors are able to “see” anything that may be in the car’s blind spot. Backup cameras provide a view behind the car while it’s in reverse. Expect to see these technologies in less expensive cars.
Lane Departure Warning Systems were originally offered on the most expensive Infinity models but are now becoming available on other cars. Lane departure systems are able to sense the lane markings on the road and can alert the driver when the vehicle crosses lanes without signaling. The warning can take the form of a sound or a vibration the driver can feel on the steering wheel. Active Cruise Control uses radar or laser technology to sense the distance of the car ahead and can maintain a safe following distance. If traffic slows down, the system can reduce the car’s speed. Some systems are capable of applying brakes and even stop the car completely if traffic comes to a stop.
A Driver Alert Warning System can sense when a driver isn’t paying attention to the road or is tired. Detection methods include sensing when the driver isn’t staying in lane and using cameras to monitor the driver’s movements. The system can alert the driver to take a break, if necessary. Blind Spot Warning Systems use radar or a camera to warn the driver that a vehicle is in his blind spot. If the driver signals a lane change, the system will send an audible alert or use flashing lights. Used Cars New York is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Stop-Start is a technology that’s usually found on hybrid vehicles and will be making its way to cars with gasoline engines. When the car stops for a traffic light or for some other reason, the stop-start system saves gas and reduces emissions by cutting the gasoline engine. Kia has plans to introduce a stop-start system to non-hybrid vehicles such as the Soul and Rio.
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen.
Tags: AAA, GMC Dealers IN, auto technology, brake assist, Ford Dealers IN, backup cameras, auto safety, blind spot warning, Used Cars New York, Kia Soul
by admin on March 8, 2012
Deaths From Hand-Held Cell Phone Use By Drivers Drop in CA - Regular readers of this blog will remember that we’ve written about the dangers of driving while talking on hand-held cell phones, texting, and distracted driving. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recently announced that since the state banned hand-held cell phone use while driving, deaths due to hand-held cell phone use by drivers has dropped. More information on all types of cars is available at Hartford Used Cars. The analysis was conducted by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California, Berkeley. When analysts compared California crash records two years before and two years after the ban went into effect, they found that traffic deaths declined 22 percent overall, while deaths due to hand-held cell phone use went down 47 percent.
“These results suggest that the law banning hand-held cell phone use while driving had a positive impact on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries,” said Dr. David Ragland, Director of SafeTREC. But while state officials are pleased with the results, some are concerned that distracted driving still remains a problem. “While we are thrilled to see that the hand-held ban in California has worked to reduce distracted driving crashes and overall cell phone use, there are still far too many drivers talking and texting while driving,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director for the California Office of Traffic Safety. “A good step for parents is to never call or text your kids if you think they might be driving.”
An overall drop in cell phone use while driving is one of the factors that contributed to the reduction of deaths and casualties from the use of cell phones. A federally funded study conducted last year revealed that four out of every 10 California drivers said they use mobile phones, both handheld and hands free, less frequently behind the wheel since the state instituted its hand-held cell phone ban. Orange County Honda offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. This study parallels findings of a telephone study commissioned by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that found that 44 percent of drivers in states that ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving reported they didn’t use mobile phones behind the wheel. This is compared with 30 percent who said they didn’t use a mobile phone while driving in states that permitted hand-held mobile phone use. A majority of California drivers called cell phones and driving were a major safety problem, with 62 percent of respondents saying that talking on cell phones and texting behind the wheel are the biggest safety problems on the state’s roads. Eighty four percent of the respondents said that drivers texting and talking on cell phones are the most serious driving distractions.
From a law enforcement perspective, the California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that the state had 460,487 in 2011, up 22 percent from 2010 and up 52 percent from 2009. Motorists who had to pay fines found that the cost of a first offense was $159, with subsequent offenses costing $279. “Highly visible and publicized enforcement, along with the cooperation of the motoring public to reduce distractions behind the wheel, has played a significant role in the reduction in collisions,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “In addition, there are many educational programs developed by the CHP, our allied agencies, as well as non-profit organizations such as Impact Teen Drivers that have made sustained efforts in reducing distracted driving.”
The California Office of Traffic Safety carried out the nation’s first statewide mobile phone survey based on direct observation. The study discovered that nine percent of drivers were either texting or talking while they were driving. This translates to hundreds of thousands of drivers at any given time. Mercedes-Benz Shreveport is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Statistically, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into a serious crash resulting in an injury. For this reason, California has developed a campaign called “It’s Not Worth It!” The public awareness campaign makes use of TV commercials, radio commercials, billboards, the Internet, and social media. In addition, the state has 652 permanent programmable signs that periodically display a “Handheld Cell Ticket – $159 – It’s Not Worth It” message.
Photos (top to bottom) by Ed Poor, Fort Rucker, TalkingDC.
Tags: cell phones, Hartford Used Cars, mobile phones, texting, Orange County Honda, California, texting and driving, distracted driving, Mercedes-Benz Shreveport, cell phone bans
by admin on March 1, 2012
With Gas Prices Up, Buyers Turn Their Backs On Gas Guzzlers - In a moribund economy, it’s no surprise that Americans are looking to cut costs. Restaurants are feeling the pinch as people save money by dining out less frequently. Other ways consumers are cutting costs include eliminating the expensive cup of coffee at the expensive coffee shop, cutting premium cable TV channels (or even getting rid of cable altogether), and cutting out grocery store coupons in the Sunday paper. When record-high gas prices are added to an already-bleak economy, many consumers find that trading in a gas-guzzling SUV for a fuel-efficient car is a matter of survival. More information on all types of cars is available at GMC Dealers IN. With this in mind, the auto industry has been busy increasing fuel economy on new vehicles. According to Edmunds.com, automakers have increased fuel economy by 16 percent.
Auto manufacturers realize that that if they don’t pay attention to fuel economy, they do so at their own peril. “The American consumer shopping for a new car is seeing the most fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles ever while manufacturers are keeping the product just as exciting,” said Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Market Intelligence at TrueCar.com. “Ford’s average fuel economy increased by almost 5 MPG, which is quite staggering and much of the credit goes to the Fusion and Focus, along with its new lineup of six-cylinder large trucks.”
Kelley Blue Book took a look at new car specs and assessed the models that had the best fuel economy and also had an operating cost of $30,000 or less over five-years. The five car models that are the least expensive to operate are the Nissan Versa Sedan ($11,093 Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price and $25,818 ownership cost), Hyundai Accent GLS ($12,657 FPP and $27,743 ownership cost), Kia Soul Hatchback ($14,111 FPP and $28,131 ownership cost), Toyota Yaris Hatchback ($14,009 FPP and $28,167 ownership cost), and Mazda2 Sport Hatchback ($15,153 FPP and $28,457 ownership cost). Used Cars New York offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. The car with the best fuel economy was the Honda Insight, which has a rating of 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. Other models that made the list are the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Kia Rio, Scion xD, Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Fiesta.
“When it comes to purchasing an automobile, consumers need to think long term to determine all of the costs associated with owning a vehicle,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. “It is simple enough to estimate monthly payments or even the cost of fuel on a short-term basis; however, the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs are far more difficult to obtain on a case-by-case basis. Kelley Blue Book provides this helpful information for free on kbb.com with its Total Cost of Ownership data for new cars.”
“We featured only the most affordable trims available for each vehicle on our list, so some creature comforts and amenities may not be available at these bargain basement prices,” said Gutierrez. “Consumers can always opt to spend a little more to jump up a trim or two to get all of the features they want, but those determined to spend as little as possible on a new vehicle need look no further than this list.” Los Angeles Honda Dealers is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Prospective new car buyers should also bear in mind that the vehicles that are the cheapest to own may not be the most reliable or attractive models, or the best car for their particular needs or driving style. The best advice is to use this information in conjunction with trusted auto reviews, such as those found on kbb.com or Edmunds.com.
Photos (top to bottom) by IFCAR, Coolceasar, Celeste Lindell.
Tags: Kelley Blue Book, GMC Dealers IN, Edmunds.com, gas prices, Used Cars New York, fuel efficiency, Nissan Versa, Honda Insight, Los Angeles Honda Dealers, new cars
by admin on July 27, 2011
Quiet Electric Cars Called Safety Hazard - While the debate is open as to whether or not electric cars are actually better for the environment, it’s a fact that electric car motors are quieter than gasoline engines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed requirements for electric vehicles and hybrid cars to use alert sounds that would warn pedestrians. The announcement, which came in the form of a posted notice on the NHTSA website, represented the first steps toward creation of a set of rules that would protect pedestrians and bike riders from near-silent electric vehicles. The regulation would make it mandatory for light-duty cars, motorcycles, vans, and trucks to sound alerts when traveling at low speeds. Further dealer resources available at Mission Viejo Audi Parts. The new rules are the result of concerns about the safety hazards that hybrid and electric vehicles pose to pedestrians that have been raised for a number of years by NHTSA and advocates for the visually impaired. A study from the University of California at Riverside suggests that it’s not not only blind pedestrians who are at risk – slow-moving hybrid vehicles can get 40 percent closer to pedestrians than a gasoline-powered car before they’re detected.
“Even as we make giant leaps forward with hybrid and electric vehicles, we must remain laser focused on safety,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said in a statement. “With more and more quiet vehicles on the road, we have to consider their effect on pedestrians.” The move was ordered under the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, which gives NHTSA until July 4, 2012 to write the specific standards of the noise regulation. It also specifies that the agency publish a final rule that would require alerts and set standards for them by January 2014. The new standards would take effect within three years of the final rule’s publication.
Two earlier administration reports on electric vehicles found that quiet electric and hybrid vehicles constituted a bigger safety hazard to visually-impaired pedestrians than conventional gas-powered vehicles. Safety advocates have expressed concern for some time regarding these pedestrians being in danger at crosswalks and other areas these vehicles operate at low speeds. Automakers have recognized the safety issues and the need for electric vehicles to alert pedestrians of their presence with audible warnings. Audi Newport Beach has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. Dieter Zetsche, the chief executive of Daimler AG, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz cars, said in a recent interview that Daimler is exploring the idea of amplifying the sounds that electric vehicles make rather than producing an artificial sound.
“America’s streets must be safe for everyone who uses them,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “As we improve the environment with cleaner cars, we must also consider how it affects those on bikes and on foot.” The Society of Automotive Engineers, a global association of engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries, is developing standards for warning sounds that automakers could use in their vehicles. The NHTSA notice says the agency will explore several options, including a synthetic sound, a system that mimics the noise of an internal combustion engine at low speeds, or a combination of the two.
Currently, the Chevrolet Volt has a warning system for pedestrians, although the system is off by default and must be activated by drivers. According to GM spokesman Rob Peterson, future versions of the Volt are likely to incorporate an active warning system. The Nissan Leaf emits a high-pitched whine at low speeds that mimics an electric motor and makes a chirp when the car is in reverse. Ford is letting people vote on Facebook to decide which sounds will be made by the electric Focus. porsche dealership los angeles is a great source for all your automotive needs. In the UK, the Nissan Leaf’s warning system is illegal, as current UK law states that reverse warning sounds on trucks and buses must be capable of being disabled between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Since the Leaf’s warning system isn’t capable of being customized, the system must be removed entirely before the model can be sold in that country. In 2010, Japan recommended that electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles, and hybrids capable of running exclusively on electric motors be required to include sound alerts. Among hybrids, the new Infiniti M35h hybrid contains a noise system and the new Hyundai Sonata makes a synthesized gasoline engine noise when it’s running on electric only.
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of GM, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, Hyundai Motor Company.
Tags: electric vehicles, Mission Viejo Audi Parts, electric cars, Nissan Leaf, Audi Newport Beach, Chevrolet Volt, auto safety, electric car motor, porsche dealership los angeles, Ford Electric Focus
by admin on July 25, 2011
The Future is Now: Flying Car Street Legal - You may remember George Jetson zooming around in his flying car, the cinematic adventures of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, or the flying cars in Blade Runner, all of which have led to the question: when are we going to have flying cars? We can now reveal that we have the answer: 2012. The federal government has deemed that the Terrafugia (the name is Latin for “escape from the land”) Transition flying car is street legal, making it the first street legal flying vehicle to pass NHTSA regulations. More information on all types of cars is available at 2011 Kentucky Toyota Camry. The FAA gave the Transition permission to fly in 2010, certifying it to be flown as a Light Sports Aircraft. The NHTSA go-ahead means the Transition has cleared the last regulatory hurdle, and the way is now clear for the company to begin shipping the vehicle next year.
The NHTSA had to make a number of exemptions before the Transition could be certified for use on the road. Because a glass windshield would add too much weight to the vehicle and could crack or shatter in the event of a bird impact, the Transition has a polycarbonate windshield. The agency took the safety factor into consideration into consideration and waived the requirement that called for the windshield to be made from laminated safety glass. They also allowed the Transition to use tires that are heavier than standard car tires, which wouldn’t be able to withstand the impact and speed of the landing. Additionally, the NHTSA waived the rules that require cars to have electronic stability control and an advanced airbag deployment system.
“It’s the next ‘wow’ vehicle,” said Terrafugia vice president Richard Gersh. “Anybody can buy a Ferrari, but as we say, Ferraris don’t fly.” The Transition can be yours if you have $250,000 to spend, $10,000 for a security deposit, and a Sport Pilot certificate, which requires 20 hours of observed flying time. 2011 Cerritos Chevy Tahoe offers value and service for all your automotive needs. Ordering a Transition will put you in the company of 100 other customers currently waiting to take delivery. Gersh says one of the top states for pre-orders is Florida is, but declined to say how many pre-orders for the Transition come from that state. Terrafugia had originally planned to deliver the Transition to customers at the end of 2011, but the company has pushed back the release date.
Unlike the flying cars in The Jetsons, the driver doesn’t simply push a button and take to the air. The Transition, which requires a runway, is really more of a plane that can drive on the road than a car that can fly. The idea is that a pilot can drive it to the airport, eliminating the need for the pilot to find a way to get to and from the airport. In addition, the pilot doesn’t have to pay expensive hangar fees – the Transition can be parked at home in the garage. Once at the airport, a push of the button unfolds the wings, a process that the company says takes about a minute.
The transition gets estimated gas mileage of 30 mpg on the road. Including fuel and passengers, the plane has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 pounds, and is capable of cruising at speeds of around 125 mph. The Transition was designed to fly under 10,000 feet. The company says that the low altitude reduces the threat of accidents because it allows pilots to fly under bad weather instead of flying into marginal conditions. 2011 Houston Honda CR-Z is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Of the available options, which include a radio, a transponder, and GPS, there’s one that potential pilots of flying cars may not want to be without: a full-plane parachute. “If you get into a very dire situation, it’s the ultimate safety option,” Gersh said.
Photos courtesy of Terrafugia.
Tags: flying car, 2011 Kentucky Toyota Camry, Terrafugia Transition, NHTSA, 2011 Cerritos Chevy Tahoe, FAA, Richard Gersh, pilot, 2011 Houston Honda CR-Z, airplanes
by admin on July 23, 2011
BMW Opens Online Art Car Gallery - Going to an art gallery may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but putting wheels on a painting and racing it on a track is something that we can appreciate. That’s why we like BMW’s Art Cars. BMW Group has made their renowned BMW Art Car Collection available on the Internet for the first time in a virtual gallery, just in time to coincide with the 40th anniversary of their international cultural commitment. An extensive overview of the origin, history and development of the 17-car collection is covered in the video tour. To learn more about other dealer services, visit KIA Orange County. The gallery also features short videos devoted to each one of the “works of art on wheels,” which were designed by internationally-known artists. The exhibit also showcases historic racing footage, statements by the artists, and well-known figures from the world of art and culture. The BMW Art Cars can be visited at www.bmw-artcartour.com.
“After four decades and a total of 17 BMW Art Cars, they can now all be admired by everyone,” said Bill McAndrews, head of BMW Group Corporate Strategy and Communications. “The interactive website pays homage to the collection, unique in the history of the automobile and the arts. Whilst the originals are often exhibited individually at the BMW Museum in Munich or at significant cultural institutions throughout the world, people are now able to discover the BMW Art Cars in their entirety. A comprehensive online tour is now available anywhere and anytime.” In a press release, the BMW Group said that it “guarantees absolute creative freedom in all the cultural activities it is involved in – as this is just as essential for groundbreaking artistic work as it is for major innovations in a successful business.”
The BMW Art Car Project began in 1975 when French racecar driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain came up with the idea to invite an artist to use a car as a canvas to create a work of art. Poulain described his vision: “One day, I said to myself, now is the time to do something grandly communicative and heroic and unite my two passions, by having my racing cars painted by the leading artists of the time.” In 1975, Poulain commissioned American artist Alexander Calder to create the first BMW Art Car. Calder’s painted his design on a BMW 3.0 CSL, which Poulain raced in the 1975 Le Mans endurance race. Hyundai Los Angeles is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Since Calder’s original work of art, BMW Art Cars have been created by many other celebrated artists throughout the world, including David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol. The 17 BMW Art Cars that were created were based on both racing and production models. Artists for the BMW Art Car project are chosen by a panel of international judges.
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Art Car series in 2010, BMW commissioned internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons to create the 17th vehicle of the collection from an M3 GT2, which competed in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans (although it didn’t finish). “These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy,” said Koons. “You can participate with it, add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car – it’s really to connect with that power.” All of the BMW Art Cars will be exhibited until September 25 as part of the first comprehensive exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany to demonstrate a this exciting part of automobile design and art history. The works of art are racing and production sedans, coupés, and roadsters and according to BMW, are “contemporary witnesses of a mobile lifestyle.” The exhibition covers everything from Pop Art of the 70′s to the new 21st century concepts.
The Art Car collection has been shown at museums all over the world, including the Whitney Museum in New York, the Louvre in Paris, the Palazzo Grassi in Venice, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and the Guggenheim Museums in New York and Bilbao. In 2010, the BMW Art Car collection completed a world tour that began in 2006 and included museums in Australia, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, China, Russia, Africa, the United States, and Mexico. The Art Cars are symbols of the intersection between art, design and technology and will continue to be shown at museums around the world. Subaru Birmingham is a one stop source for all your new car needs. “By bringing together art, design, social and environmental issues, I hope to contribute to a different way of thinking-feeling-experiencing cars and seeing them in relation to the time and space in which we live,” said Danish artist Olafur Eliasson about the car he designed.
Photos (top to bottom) by Tim Wang, Tim Wang, Davidwiz.
Tags: BMW, KIA Orange County, Art Cars, Andy Warhol, Hyundai Los Angeles, Calder, Hervé Poulain, Guggenheim Museum, Subaru Birmingham, Robert Rauschenberg
by admin on July 17, 2011
AAA Study Shows Texting on Rise in CA Despite Ban - Although the state of California’s recently instituted a ban on texting and driving, the number of people involved in this dangerous behavior isn’t going down – it’s going up. In fact, the number of people texting or using electronic devices has increased almost threefold. These are the results of a recent survey published by AAA of Southern California. Find out about other dealer services at Chrysler Dealer Des Moines. The study shows that prior to the institution of California’s texting ban in January, 2009, about 1.4 percent of drivers were seen texting or otherwise manipulating an electronic device such as a smart phone while they were behind the wheel. In the new study, AAA’s observations at seven Southern California locations indicated that the proportion has risen to 4.1 percent, nearly three times higher.
In news reports, the National Transportation Safety Board said that the country risks a sharp increase in distracted driving crashes until texting and driving is seen to be as unacceptable as drinking and driving. “We need greater public awareness of the dangers of texting and using electronic devices behind the wheel,” said Steve Finnegan, AAA’s Government Affairs Manager. “The state also needs stronger penalties and targeted enforcement to reduce texting while driving – which is really the perfect storm of distraction that takes drivers’ eyes, hands, and brains off the task of driving.” He added that “although the growth of in-car texting and related electronic device use mirrors the explosive growth of wireless use overall in society, it’s very troubling that this growth appears to have overcome the early effectiveness of the current law.”
The greatest changes observed by the Auto Club took place in 2010 and 2011. The current survey found that 1.9 percent of drivers were texting and driving at any time, up about 20 percent from the previous year. The proportion of drivers seen holding and manipulating electronic devices, but not necessarily texting, doubled in the past year to 2.3 percent. Honda Dealer Annapolis is an invaluable resource for automotive information. The increases in texting and using electronic devices while driving in California mirror the larger, global trend in these activities throughout daily life. When AAA examined the levels of hand-held cell phone use on the road, they found that the ban was more effective than the ban on texting. Since June 2008, just before the hand-held cell phone ban went into effect, use of the devices dropped by 66 percent – from 9.3 percent to 3.2 percent.
The Auto Club’s results show that California needs to pay more attention to dealing with these important safety problems. “Current penalties for texting while driving in the Golden State haven’t deterred the behavior,” said Finnegan. A motorist caught texting while driving is given a $20 base fine for the first offense and $50 for the second offense. When penalties are added, the cost of a ticket runs between $114 and $143 for the first offense and to about $279 for a second offense. Although other moving violations carry “points” that are placed on a driver’s record, there are no points for texting and driving. “This is unfortunate,” said Finnegan “since research shows that imposing points increases driver compliance with traffic safety laws.”
So far in 2011, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has written about 15,000 tickets per month for hand-held cell phone use and texting – up appreciably from preceding years. Since California’s cell phone and texting laws started, 410,000 citations have been issued by the CHP. “Giving out that many citations helps explain why we’ve seen a continuing decline in hand-held cell phone use in California,” explained Steven Bloch, Ph.D., the Auto Club’s senior traffic safety researcher. Nissan Dealer Orange County is a one stop source for all your new car needs. “The problem is that issuing citations for texting is far more difficult. Drivers typically hold texting and other electronic devices down low, making them hard for law enforcement officers to see. The result is that police agencies give out relatively few texting citations.” The Auto Club’s in-vehicle cell phone and texting surveys were conducted using consistent methods from random samples of about 4,000 vehicles at seven roadside sites in Orange County, California.
Photos (top to bottom) by ShakataGaNai, Ed Brown, ShakataGaNai.
