TrueCar Completes Acquisition of Independent Subsidiary ALG
TrueCar has completed its acquisition of auto leasing expert ALG, which will operate as an independent subsidiary and continue to be headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. Larry Dominique comes from Nissan North America and is joining TrueCar as executive vice president of the data solutions group.
2012 GMC Terrain to Offer Affordable Crash Avoidance System
General Motors will equip the 2012 GMC Terrain with the industry's first "affordable" crash avoidance system. The system is based on a single camera to help drivers avoid front-end and un-signaled lane departure crashes and will cost $295. A high-resolution digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror looks for shapes of vehicles and lane markings.
Automaker Race is On to Offer Voice-Recognition, Web Systems
The competition is heating up as automakers introduce a new generation of voice-recognition and Internet-connected systems. Chrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai and others have raced to catch up to Ford's Sync voice-recognition system. The challenge is to add features that don't distract drivers.
September Upturn in Pickup, Light Truck Sales
New vehicle sales rose 10% in September, but the figures were even higher in the various light truck segments, which together captured 54% of the market. The increase was linked to declining fuel prices as well as pent-up demand. Many buyers have waited for the economy to improve but can wait no longer. The average American truck is 10.1 years old.
SUVs, Pickups Pose Less Risk to Car and Minivan Occupants
A new study by the IIHS says SUVs and pickups now pose far less risk to people in cars and minivans than in the past. Much of the change is due to improved crash protection in cars and minivans. Also, newer designs of SUVs and pickups align their front bumpers and other crash protection more along the lines of cars.
