Tests show computerized systems to replace human drivers are now largely workable and could greatly limit human error, which causes most of the 33,000 deaths and 1.2 million injuries that now occur each year on U.S. roads. Legal liability, privacy, law enforcement, and insurance regulation issues have yet to be addressed and may pose more problems than the technological challenges.
Ford is using an elliptical acoustic mirror to measure wind noise in its all-new Ford Escape. The mirror is like a satellite dish with a microphone placed a short distance from the Escape to collect sound and identifies "hot spots" where noise penetrates the vehicle's interior. Drivers can listen to music or conversation rather than external noises.
There is growing interest in natural gas as an alternative fuel for certain types of trucking due to its attractive price compared to diesel. Some companies are seeking permits to ship liquefied natural gas to other countries, and a U.S. Department of Energy study says continuing increases in natural gas exports could cause U.S. prices to rise by between 36% and 54% by 2018.
A National Academy of Sciences branch is asking the NHTSA to add technical help and refine its investigative techniques. It recommended that the federal agency form an advisory panel of specialists who can assist in regulatory reviews and specific vehicle investigations. The group said the NHTSA should have a better understanding of the more complex hardware and computer software being installed by automakers.
New vehicle sales are looking strong in January and don?t seem to be reversing the strong close to 2011, according a JD Power and LMC Automotive report. At 681,000 units sold, it?s a 6% increase from January 2011. With a SAAR of 10.9M units, it's lower than December 2011 but well above January 2011.