After years of being treated as an interesting side business, automobiles have become the next target for Apple and Google, with Apple assigning 200 engineers to work on electric vehicle technology and Google saying it sees the public going driverless within five years. The most immediate battle, however, is the development of the next generation dashboard systems. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Automobile Technology
IIHS Study Shows Improvements In Automobile Safety
A recent study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) looked at driver fatality rates in 2009-2012 model year vehicles. The study found nine models that are so safe that they had a driver death rate of zero. (Only eight years ago there were no car manufacturers who could make this claim.) These mostly 2011 models, show how the chances of dying in a car crash have steadily decreased over the last few years. Improvements in car safety such as electronic stability control, which was not required by federal mandate until 2011, have been a huge factor in preventing automobile accidents. “We know from our vehicle ratings program that crash-test performance has been getting steadily better,” according to David Zuby, IIHS’ executive vice president. “These latest death rates provide new confirmation that real-world outcomes are improving, too.” Continue reading
In Dash Electronic Problems Top Consumer Auto Complaints
In recent years, in-dash electronics have seen substantial growth and increased popularity among automobile buyers. Not only does it allow drivers to link to their cellphone or connect to an iPod or other music device, but built-in navigation, vehicle controls for climate and lighting, and apps that remind you where you parked or whether you locked the doors have become increasingly popular. Continue reading
Automobile Manufacturers Share Repair Data – Right To Repair
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), and automobile manufacturers, are discussing an agreement that will give automobile owners the choice of where to take their vehicle for repair. The decision would be a victory for aftermarket groups who have been fighting for over a decade to ensure that vehicle repair is affordable and convenient for all Americans. Continue reading
NHTSA Encourages Advanced Auto Technology To Reduce Human Error
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 90% of all accidents are due to human error. As part of a push by the NHTSA to eliminate traffic fatalities, the group is looking at the newest technology already used by nearly every automaker. The safety group hopes to work closely with the auto industry to address highway safety to see where industry can fast-track existing technology for the greatest advances. Continue reading
Is Your Jeep Experiencing Transmission Problems?
It has been over three months since Chrysler’s new 2014 Jeep Cherokee crossover vehicle went into production, but if you are looking to purchase one, you will not find it at any of your local Jeep dealerships. According to the automobile manufacturer, technicians are still trying to resolve transmission problems with the programming of the new nine speed system. The company said they will not be shipping any Cherokee’s until they are fully satisfied that the vehicle will meet customer’s expectations for performance and quality. Continue reading
Ford Advances In Car Connectivity
Ford today announced it will acquire Livio, a Ferndale, Mich.-based software development startup, in order to further extend their ability to meet consumers’ growing demand for safe, seamless access to the electronic content while in their vehicles. Continue reading
Auto Backup Camera Debate Continues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of accidents caused by vehicles backing up, with almost 45% of these fatalities involve children under five. A lawsuit filed in New York today, has the Consumers Union and the advocacy wing of Consumer Reports magazine hoping that it will force the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to take steps in setting rear visibility standards for light vehicles. Continue reading
