GE, Nissan Partner to Expedite Adoption of EVs

GE and Nissan are teaming up to help expedite the adoption of electric vehicles. Officials at GE say they do not plan to build vehicles but want to help Nissan make EVs easier to use and more consumer friendly by bringing millions of EVs onto the grid.

 

NAFA Urges Cell Phone Ban for Commercial Drivers

NAFA Fleet Management Association is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to prohibit the use of both handheld and hands-free cellular telephones by all commercial drivers' license holders while driving in commercial operations, except in emergencies. The FMCSA is not currently contemplating a total cell phone ban, only one that would ban handheld phone use and says it is not clear if simply talking on a mobile telephone presents a significant risk.

 

New Safety Systems to Include 360-Degree Collision Avoidance

Delphi Automotive, TRW, Inc. and other suppliers are developing collision-avoidance systems that will allow automakers to add new safety features as the technology matures. TRW is developing a radar network called AC1000 that will detect oncoming vehicles from any direction. A radar unit at each corner monitors objects and transmits the data to a central computer. The system could automatically brake or prepare the airbags to deploy. Delphi is working on a similar system that would also incorporate cameras.

 

Cybercrime Automotive Style

Some researchers and automotive experts think it will be only a matter of time until all vehicles have the same vulnerabilities as personal computers. Researchers from University of California and University of Washington used wireless technology and cellular networks to break into a car's electronic control units. Experts say manufacturers have made system changes to improve security.

 

Honda Prices New Civic Natural Gas at $26,155

Previously called the Honda GX, the 2012 version is getting a new name. The new Civic Natural Gas is priced at $26,155. Honda is the only major automaker with a natural gas-powered car and is expanding to 200 dealers in 38 states qualified to sell and service the Civic Natural Gas.