A study by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety shows that teens will practice better driving habits when they know they are being tracked with a GPS. Teen drivers can be tracked without them knowing or parents can track them and let them know they are being watched, which may actually offer better results because teens will practice their best driving behaviors knowing someone is watching. Many devices are available, and each plan differs.
Ford's next-generation Escape is debuting at the Los Angeles auto show next month. The auto maker said the 2013 Escape lineup's two new downsized, direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines will be so efficient, it's leaving the hybrid business to the upcoming new C-Max people mover. The 2013 Escape's two upgrade engines will both be EcoBoost variants, with the 2.0-liter version the same as currently used in the Explorer (where it produces 237 horsepower).
Popular Mechanics has named Ford's innovative, industry-first rear inflatable seat belts a Breakthrough Product Award winner. The rear inflatable seat belts combine traditional seat belts and air bags to help provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants and are designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers.
Fleet managers attending the recent Technology & Maintenance Council's Fall Meeting complained about truck engines and their related problems. Engine failure, often with brand new heavy-duty engines, was cited by several meeting participants. Issues included dealers with untrained technicians who often do not have the proper tools to work on the latest products. Some trucks sit on dealers' lots for several days before techs can look at them, repair, and get them back on the road.
As part of a plan to end duplication in dealer showrooms, Chrysler Group will offer only one minivan in the future. The Dodge Caravan will be replaced by the Chrysler Town & Country. The Dodge Avenger midsize will be replaced by a crossover in 2013. Chrysler and Dodge subcompacts will not be offered in the future. Four Chrysler Group brands will be consolidated under the same dealer, eliminating almost all dealerships with fewer brands.