Cadillac XTS to Feature New CUE Communication System
General Motors will introduce its in-vehicle communication system, dubbed CUE for "Cadillac User Experience," next spring in the company's flagship car, the Cadillac XTS. The challenge is to ensure customers don't find the system too hard to use. Cadillac aims to offer complexity and sophistication for tech-savvy drivers and as little as a "simple user" wants.
Japanese Brands Most Reliable According to Consumer Reports Survey
Data collected by Consumer Reports' Annual Reliability Survey indicates Japanese automakers continue to produce the most reliable passenger vehicles on the market. Toyota's Scion took the top spot and was followed by Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Infiniti, Subaru and Nissan. Ratings of Average or Much Better than Average in predicted reliability were given to 96% of the Japanese models in the survey.
Ford Introduces Voice-Activated Texting Feature
Ford is installing a voice-activated feature in most of its 2012 vehicles that can read text messages out loud, reducing the need for texting while driving. An upgrade to Sync vehicles that are model 2010 or later is available, and older vehicles with Sync will soon have access to the feature.
Wholesale Prices Still Down, but Trend Could be Softening
Wholesale vehicle values saw another decrease last week on a week-over-week basis, but pricing moved in a positive direction overall, according to Black Book's Ricky Beggs. He said the overall change in prices was the most moderate decline the market has seen in more than four months.
The Future Connection of Cars to the Internet
Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T's Emerging Devices business, spoke at a wireless industry gathering in San Diego, CA, on the connection of cars to the Internet. He estimated 100% of new vehicles will be connected in three to five years. This will change the economics of the car business.
