In a news release this week, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Nissan, said that the Japanese automobile manufacturer hopes to be selling their first commercially viable autonomous vehicle by 2020. The automaker said that the technology will be offered in several different models and will be realistically priced for most consumers. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Automobile Technology
Are You Thinking Of Buying a Used EV?
According to CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Oregon, there are approximately 415,000 used electric vehicles (EV) on the market right now, and like regular used vehicles they are cheaper than buying new and can save you money on insurance. If you are thinking of purchasing a used vehicle and you would like to buy a hybrid, there are certain factors to take into consideration when shopping for this type of vehicle. Continue reading
Mandatory Black Boxes On Automobiles
The use of black boxes in automobiles dates back to the 1990’s when General Motors first installed them on test vehicles to conduct quality studies. Since then, approximately 96% of all new vehicles sold in the United States come equipped with black boxes. The amount of information stored has expanded, letting engineers and researches use the information to study how vehicles perform in the real world and allows them to identify safety problems. Government regulations require that the presence of a black box be disclosed in the vehicle owner’s manual, but most drivers are not aware that they are there, capturing and recording speed, brake position, seat belt use, etc… every time they get behind the wheel. Continue reading
Voice Activated Is Still A Driving Distraction
Automobile manufacturers say that over fifty percent of all vehicles on the road will have some sort of voice recognition technology integrated into their systems by 2020. They advertise these systems as increasing automobile safety by allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, but according to a recent study done by the American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers using this type of technology are actually creating a different and worse safety risk by creating mental distractions. Continue reading
Self Driving Automobiles And Roadway Safety
Automobile manufacturers around the world are at a historic turning point for automotive travel. Engineers predict that affordable innovative technology will change the motor vehicle and driver relationships, improving highway safety, increasing environmental benefits, expanding mobility , and creating new economic opportunities for jobs and investment. One of the most controversial technologies being debated is the use of autonomous vehicles. Continue reading
A More Affordable Autonomous Car
Ever since Google developed their self driving car, consumers have dreamed about the day when their vehicles could transport them to work, leaving them to concentrate on more important things or simply give them a little more time to sleep. Unfortunately multiple cameras, radar sensors, and laser range finders make the technology unobtainable for most. Continue reading
Powering The Grid With Electric Cars
The University of Delaware is experimenting with a fleet of electric vehicles (EV) that they say are not only good for the environment, but can be used by consumers to make money by supplying power back to the power grid. Continue reading
Broadened WiFi Could Affect Auto Safety
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are proposing new rules that will let new users use frequencies allocated to developing car to car communications. Automakers and suppliers are saying that the broadened Wi-Fi use could potentially cause problems with accident prevention technology in vehicles, and they have sent a letter to the FCC protesting the plan. Continue reading