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.
AAA Survey On Driving With Dogs Reveals Unsafe Behavior - With over seventy-eight million dogs living in more than 46 million American homes, an increasing number of our animal companions are accompanying the family on road trips, day trips, and local errands. However, driving with a dog in a vehicle can lead to distracted driving, and this can put the passengers, the dog, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger. More information on all types of cars is available at Indianapolis Chevrolet Dealers. A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo, a manufacturer of pet travel products, examined how often dog owners drove with their dogs and their driving habits. The online study was conducted among a sample of 1,000 dog owners who have driven with their dog in past 12 months. The results showed that drivers with dogs in the car frequently engage in dangerous behavior.
Of the 56 percent of the survey respondents who indicated they have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year, many admitted to participating in behaviors that take their attention away from the road and that required them to take at least one hand off the steering wheel. The most common distracted driving behavior was petting their dog (52 percent). Almost one-quarter (23 percent) of the dog-owners in the survey have held their dog in place with their hands or arm while they were applying the brakes. Nineteen percent said they used their hands or arms to prevent their dog from climbing into the front seat. Drivers also admitted to engaging in other distracting behaviors, including reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 percent), sitting with their dog in their lap or holding their dog (17 percent), and giving the dog food or treats (13 percent). A startling number of people (3 percent) have admitted to taking a photo of their dog while driving.
These behaviors are dangerous. Distracted driving increases the risk of a crash. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles a driver’s risk of being in a crash. The survey showed that while most of the respondents, (83 percent), said that they were aware of the dangers of driving with an unrestrained dog, but only 16 percent reported that they use a pet restraint. Mitsubishi Colorado Springs offers value and service for all your automotive needs. The survey also found that drivers who have heard about situations where dogs that weren’t restrained were either injured or injured passengers in a car crash were three times more likely (32 percent) to use pet restraints than drivers who use a restraint but weren’t aware of the accident scenarios (9 percent).
AAA recommends that dog owners use a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet—even for short trips close to home. Using a pet restraint can limit distractions and help protect pets and passengers. “Drivers should use a pet restraint system for your dog every time their pet is in the vehicle,” said Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National Traffic Safety Programs manager. “A restraint … will not only limit distractions, but also protect you, your pet and other passengers in the event of a crash or sudden stop.” A number of pet restraint products are available to keep pets safe and help dog owners reduce potential distractions caused by pets while driving. Recent innovations in this market have made these products more comfortable for the dog and more convenient for the owner to use.
More than two in five (42 percent) of the respondents stated they don’t use a pet restraint because they believe their dog is calm and they don’t think the dog needs a restraint. However, in the event of a crash or sudden stop, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog—a danger for all passengers as well as the pet. “An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path,” said Huebner-Davidson. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Spartanburg is a great source for all your automotive needs. Other reasons cited for not using a restraint include: never considered it (39 percent), just take dog on short trips (29 percent), and 12 percent want their dog to be able to put its head out the window. Eighteen percent of respondents who drive with a dog in the vehicle also have children under the age of 13 who ride with them. Seventy percent of these motorists have driven with a child and an unrestrained dog in the vehicle at the same time.
Photos courtesy of AAA.
Tags: dogs, Indianapolis Chevrolet Dealers, pet safety, auto safety, Mitsubishi Colorado Springs, pet restraints, AAA, Kurgo, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Spartanburg, distracted driving
Maharaja’s Tiger-Hunting Rolls To Be Auctioned - If you’ve been yearning to buy a classic car that comes complete with an elephant¬-killing cannon and a trailer-mounted machine gun, we may have just the thing. A truly unique, handmade 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom automobile will be auctioned by Bonhams, one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The upcoming sale will be held at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge sale, which is held each August in Carmel, California during the world-famous Monterey Auto Week. More information on all types of cars is available at Ford Dealer Minneapolis. The car was originally custom-made for Sahib Bahadur of India, who was officially known as Umed Singh II, Maharaja of Kotah, for the purpose of tiger hunting. Umed Singh II was a ruling Maharaja of Kotah from 1889 to 1940.
To create the body of the car, the Rolls-Royce Limited company, which was located in Derby, England at the time, employed their preferred coachbuilders, Barker & Company of London. Barker created the highly specialized, custom-made Sports Touring body that His Highness the Maharaja used on his tiger-hunting expeditions. The large, immaculately crafted car is powered by an 8.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with dual-spark ignition that’s set to a low gearing ratio, which allowed it to move stealthily and powerfully through the dense jungles of Rajasthan. Today, the state of Rajasthan contains two national tiger sanctuaries, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
The production model of the tiger-hunting car was known as the New Phantom or 40/50HP Phantom when it was released. It replaced the Silver Ghost with updates to the chassis and running gear. The car, which was eventually known as the Phantom I, was Roll-Royce’s flagship model until the Phantom II was released in 1929. Toyota Dealer Minneapolis offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. The Phantom I was a so successful that Rolls-Royce ultimately began manufacturing the auto model for the American market at their plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. American versions of the Phantom I were slightly different than their British counterparts, featuring different wheelbases and a 3-speed transmission. Some American Phantom I cars didn’t have front brakes.
The purpose-built motorcar contains all the standard luxury fittings one might expect from Rolls-Royce, with a few additional features not offered on production models of the car, including a hidden safe, a nickel-plated hissing snake horn, a mounted Howdah pistol (a pistol-sized double-barrel shotgun), a rifle stand in the rear passenger compartment, and two powerful brass searchlights used for spotting tigers in the dark. A Lantaka cannon (a bronze cannon that was usually mounted on merchant ships) is attached to the bumper. The car also features a machine gun mounted on a matching trailer, for those times that call for just a bit more firepower.
In light of the car’s history in India, the Indian Consulate had requested that then-owner Rubin Jurman give the car to the Indian government, which wanted to display the car in a museum exhibit as part of India’s national heritage. Jurman respectfully declined the request. Jurman agreed to sell the car to California car enthusiast, Jim Faulknor. Ford Dealer Los Angeles is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Shortly afterward, the Indian Consulate offered to buy the car for $200,000 more than the agreed on price, but Jurman honored the contract he’d drafted with Faulknor. After being shown in Carmel, the car will be auctioned for the first time. The expected bid price is between $750,000 and $1 million.
Photos (top to bottom) by Bonhams, Bonhams, Bjørn Christian Tørrissen.
Tags: Rolls-Royce, Ford Dealer Minneapolis, Phantom I, New Phantom, Toyota Dealer Minneapolis, 40/50HP Phantom, Bonhams, Quail Lodge, Ford Dealer Los Angeles, Monterey Auto Week
San Diego Gets All-Electric Smart Car Sharing - San Diego, a city that is becoming notable for electronic vehicles, will soon be the first North American city to have an all-electric car sharing service. The service, called Car2go, is a subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation. The all-electric Car2go program in San Diego will start before the end of 2011 with 300 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicles that members will be able to rent by the minute. More information on all types of cars is available at Honda Houston Metro. While the Zipcar car-sharing service requires customers to return the car to the same reserved parking spot they rented it from, Car2go allows return of the car to any available parking space in specified areas. The Car2go program is already successfully operating in four cities, with a total of more than 40,000 members and a fleet of 1,000 Smart Fortwo vehicles with low-emission gas engines.
“We’re proud that Car2go has chosen to launch the first North American all-electric car sharing service in San Diego,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “Car2go’s launch here further supports our efforts to make San Diego the nation’s electric vehicle capital.” Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of Car2go said, “The launch of an all electric vehicle fleet marks a new era in car sharing in North America. San Diego is a forward-thinking city determined to meet future transportation demands of its residents. Our goal is to complement the existing transportation infrastructure by providing an emission- free car sharing service for short and spontaneous one-way trips.”
The latest Car2go telematics technology facilitates fully automated, easy, and convenient rental of Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicles, which are economical, quiet, and emissions-free. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive runs on a 30 kW electric propulsion system that’s capable of a top speed of 62 mph. The battery, which was developed by Tesla Motors, allows the car to travel up to 84 miles on a charge. Nissan Dealer Pittsburgh offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. The battery can be charged from 20 percent to 80 percent of capacity in three and a half hours and can be completely recharged in about eight hours. Car2go says that Car2go drivers in urban areas don’t usually drive the car more than 6 miles, so recharging isn’t usually necessary.
“By being the first to make an all-electric network of vehicles easily accessible for thousands of people, we are revolutionizing car sharing and creating the future of the urban transportation,” said Cole. “Right from the beginning, the Smart Fortwo was designed for electric drive and that now shows,” said Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of Daimler’s Smart brand. “I love driving the Smart Electric Drive and I am convinced that the Car2go members in California will enjoy using this forward technology to get around their home town [of] San Diego – a new method of transportation both pleasing to the ear and the environment.”
California-based Ecotality developed the Blink EV charging stations that will charge the Smart Fortwo’s high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries at locations throughout the San Diego area. The company is currently in the process of installing charging stations in San Diego and has plans to install about 1,000 charging stations by the end of 2011. Ford Dealer Tennessee has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. “Innovative car sharing programs like Car2go’s service are pivotal to encouraging the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “As we deploy approximately 1,000 Blink charging stations in the San Diego region as part of The EV Project, we are creating the robust public infrastructure necessary for Car2go’s program to succeed. Together, we will show that EVs are a perfect fit for the lifestyle of San Diego drivers.”
Photos courtesy of Daimler AG.
Tags: Car2Go, Honda Houston Metro, Smart Fortwo, car sharing, Nissan Dealer Pittsburgh, electric cars, Daimler, Ecotality, Ford Dealer Tennessee, San Diego
Public Steering Clear of Electric Cars - The numbers are in, and one thing is becoming clear: when it comes to electric cars, people just don’t seem to want them. An article written by the Associated Press quotes George Peterson, president of California-based AutoPacific as saying that only 3 percent of the public indicate they would seriously consider buying electric cars. More information on all types of cars is available at Houston Ford. The main reasons consumers mentioned to explain their resistance to the electric vehicles are the higher cost of purchasing electric cars and “range anxiety,” which is described as fear of running out of power and not being able to find a charging station, causing the motorist to be stranded.
Despite the government’s efforts to attempt to get the public to buy electric vehicles, as well as the money the auto industry is spending to build electric cars and the infrastructure necessary to charge them, consumers are voting with their pocketbooks, and the vote appears to be a resounding “no.” This situation doesn’t bode well electric vehicles being sold today, like the Nissan Leaf, as well as cars like the Ford Focus Electric and the Mitsubishi i MiEV, both of which are scheduled to go on sale later this year. Car buyers seem to be paying heed to federal income-tax credits of up to $7,500, an incentive designed to spur sales of the costly vehicles.
One reason that people give for avoiding electric cars is that there aren’t enough recharging stations, particularly fast chargers that can charge the battery in 30 minutes. If consumers don’t have confidence that they can drive their cars for long distances without running out of power and becoming stranded, they simply will not buy into the new technology. Orange County Audi Dealers is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Currently, there are only two fast chargers in the country available for public use, both on the West Coast. Most electric charging is expected to take place in the owners’ garages overnight. But buying a 240-volt charger that can charge the battery overnight can cost an additional $2,000. Another factor hampering the adoption of electric vehicles are the gains in fuel efficiency of conventional gasoline engines, which are providing similar benefits as electric vehicles at lower cost.
A study by the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, MI said that the average increase in vehicle costs to meet the higher government standards range from $3,700 to over $9,000. This will increase the cost of vehicles by an amount that will exceed savings in fuel costs over five years, even if the price of gas goes over $6.00 per gallon. The study goes on to say that “Consumers will shun these technology costs by holding onto their used vehicles longer, especially if fuel prices are low (e.g., $3.50 per gallon), resulting in lower sales and a loss of automotive employment. Over 260,000 jobs may be lost if the highest mandate is passed and fuel prices stay low at $3.50 (2009 prices).” The authors of the study recommend moderation in raising fuel economy mandates and periodic review to assess the rate of technological development and cost reduction of advanced technologies leading up to 2025.
Another study comes to the same conclusion. In its inaugural 2011 U.S. Green Automotive Study, automotive consultant JD Power and Associates said, “Automakers will be fighting over the relatively few consumers who are willing to drive green.” Dodge Jeep Connecticut is a great source for all your automotive needs. In common with the AutoPacific study, the JD Power study cites price and lack of driving range as the main reasons for consumers giving electric vehicles the cold-shoulder. The study says consumers are more likely to “switch into a more fuel-efficient vehicle powered by a traditional internal combustion engine than an alternative powertrain vehicle.” Another report by the automotive website Kelley Blue Book said that less than 7% of Americans say they would consider buying a plug-in car.
Photos (top to bottom) by Bruce Fingerhood, McPig, wsssst.
Tags: electric cars, Houston Ford, Kelley Blue Book, JD Power and Associates, Orange County Audi Dealers, AutoPacific, car chargers, Nissan Leaf, Dodge Jeep Connecticut, Ford Focus Electric
‘Talking’ Cars Could Make Highways Safer - Multi-vehicle collisions are one of the deadliest types of traffic accidents. They usually occur on freeways where cars are moving at high speeds and often following too closely. When one car suddenly stops, the cars behind it are unable to stop in time collide with it. More cars have to brake suddenly but are unable to keep from hitting the car in front of them, which creates a chain reaction that can involve more than a hundred vehicles. But what would happen if drivers had advance warning of what was ahead? More information on all types of cars is available at Audi Dealer Mission Viejo. Researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy have been asking the same question and have come up with an answer. They developed software that lets cars communicate with each other on the road in order to share information about nearby road conditions – and directs them to stop seconds after the incident occurs.
The results of computer simulations designed to test the software, which were published in the journal Computer Networks, showed that it could reduce pile-ups on the highway by up to 40 percent. The software will be road tested in August on the Los Angeles streets near the University of California, in conjunction with engineers from Toyota. Current safety telematics systems are limited to detecting obstacles in the form of objects. The proposed system adds a new facet to the technology by letting cars interact with objects, such as other cars, either by wi-fi sensors installed in the car or by software that would be downloaded onto the driver’s smartphone.
Professor Marco Roccetti, leader of the telematics project, explained that the system is a form of peer-to-peer communication. An acceleration sensor placed in cars would set off an alarm when it detected a change in acceleration from a car involved in a collision. The alarm would warn drivers who were approaching the accident location, and send a signal that would be relayed down the line of cars on the highway near the scene of the collision. Anaheim Audi is an invaluable resource for automotive information. To address the problem of creating a “data jam,” that would result if every car in the chain communicated with the car behind it, clogging the system with data, the designers decided on a system that would send messages selectively to cars that are able to send the signal the greatest distance.
“Our app allows cars to stay in constant contact with each other,” said Professor Roccetti. “They read each other. They know the direction and speed that all the other cars are travelling, and they also know their transmitting capacity. All this information is updated every second or so. And the frequency is optimized so that it doesn’t slow the system down. When the signal is sent out, the car that is in the best condition knows that it has to forward the alarm signal. And so it does. This halves the propagation times. The furthest car could have a truck behind it which limits its transmitting capacity, or could be fitted with a less powerful communication system than the one in front of it.”
The technology could be integrated into a car’s dashboard or the satellite navigation system. Once the communication system was in use, cars would necessarily be equipped with Wi-Fi, which would make it possible for the vehicle’s occupants to take advantage of wireless Internet access. Passengers would be able to surf the web or update their Facebook page from the back seat of the family car. Porsche Charlotte is a great source for all your automotive needs. Some are predicting the project might herald the beginning of an era when the entire grid is connected to and controlled by computers. The computer systems could manage traffic lights based on the location of vehicles and could even evolve into a system to pilot driverless cars.
Photos (top to bottom) by Krish Dulal, Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, Enigma3542002.
Tags: talking cars, Audi Dealer Mission Viejo, telematics, satellite navigation, Anaheim Audi, auto accidents, car crash, auto safety, Porsche Charlotte, collision
Los Angeles Will be Home to Mercedes-Benz Teen Driving School - According to a recent announcement by Mercedes-Benz USA, the auto manufacturer will be opening their first Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in Los Angeles in October, 2011. Focusing on teens living in the Los Angeles area, the driving academy’s includes a driver’s education program and school that will incorporate classroom, online, and behind-the-wheel training. Find out about other dealer services at Kia Cleveland. In addition to driver education, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy plans to raise awareness about teen driver safety and to get educators and parents actively involved in preventing motor vehicle accidents, which is the leading cause of death of teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carolyn Duchene, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s director, will manage the program’s launch and administer daily operations.
In preparation for the fall launch, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is actively recruiting driving instructors, who will be trained to teach the Academy’s research-based program using a coaching style that Mercedes-Benz says will be highly effective. “In addition to a unique educational approach, our highly qualified staff will be a key differentiator for the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy,” said Duchene. “We are recruiting and hiring the best talent for all areas of operation. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will connect with students and parents using a personalized, customer-centric approach that truly creates a unique offering among driver’s education services for new teen drivers.”
While several auto manufacturers and other organizations are offering teen driving programs, their focus is primarily on crash avoidance and defensive driving techniques. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is focused on preparing students for modern driving situations by going beyond just teaching basic driving skills and rote memorization of traffic rules. Mitsubishi Vancouver is an invaluable resource for automotive information. The program will make use of different teaching techniques, including online learning, interactive classroom sessions, and behind-the-wheel training. Digital animation will provide simulations of road hazards. The program will also make use of problem-solving exercises in the classroom as well as coaching techniques inside the car based on questioning, instead of traditional lecturing techniques. Driving instructors will provide continual feedback to parents.
“Vehicles, highways, and the driving environment have changed dramatically over the past 60 years, however driver education remains relatively unchanged in the U.S.,” said Alexander Hobbach, Senior Manager of Business Innovation at Daimler AG. “Mercedes-Benz feels there is opportunity to better prepare teens for today’s driving conditions, and while our offering will have premium pricing over existing schools, we are dedicated to delivering significant value based on unique coaching methods and curriculum that is aimed at teaching new teens how to drive safely.”
Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy plans on becoming the only car company to offer a California DMV-approved program that’s integrated with the Graduated Driver Licensing framework. The curriculum will take a student from their learner’s permit through obtaining their provisional license, and will also provide an on-road only program for students who would like to complete their driver education requirement through other means. VW Audi Kingston is a one stop source for all your new car needs. There will also be a customized program that will allow students to develop and improve skills based on his or her individual needs. Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is also partnering with Impact Teen Drivers to create a public outreach program that will provide workshops at Los Angeles-area high schools for parents and teens. The workshops will help raise awareness of the importance of teaching teens to drive properly.
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
