Car Industry to Shift Connected Infotainment Focus to Smartphones

The need to speed innovation and reduce development costs of in-car applications is causing the car industry to shift focus from fully embedded infotainment solutions to those that will integrate the smartphone and its applications. Most car infotainment systems still run on custom-built applications that are expensive to produce and hard to upgrade once they ship with the vehicle. The smartphone can change all that due to its capacity to serve as an easily upgradable operating platform if properly integrated with the car's head unit.

 

New 54.5 Rule Pushing Car Prices Up, but How Much?

The Obama administration's proposed rule requiring 54.5 mpg corporate average fuel economy by 2025 would add about $2,000 to the price of each passenger vehicle sold, according to NHTSA and EPA. The NADA objects to the rule and thinks the number will be closer to $3,000 per vehicle and price millions of Americans out of the market.

 

Raising Awareness of Drowsy Driving Dangers

The end of Daylight Savings Time means many drivers will encounter darkness and drowsiness as nightfall arrives earlier. A study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a drowsy driver was involved in one in six fatal crashes and in one in eight crashes causing serious injury. Recent AAA Foundation research revealed that more than two out of every five drivers admits to having fallen asleep at the wheel at some point.

 

Rivalry Between Alt-Fuel, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles

Priced several thousand dollars below hybrids, plug-ins and EVs, fuel-efficient compacts and subcompacts with internal combustion engines that get 40 mpg are attracting price-conscious buyers. Automakers differ on whether there is direct competition between hybrids and efficient internal combustion vehicles. Dealers say fuel economy is increasingly important to all buyers.

 

Volvo Takes Another CPO Award in Las Vegas

For the fifth straight year, Volvo earned the top ranking among Premium manufacturers in IntelliChoice's ranking of Certified Pre-Owned programs. Hyundai was ranked highest among Popular vehicle brands. The 13th annual CPO awards were given at the Certified Pre-Owned Forum and National Remarketing Conference in Las Vegas.