Collision-Avoidance System Prices Expected to Drop Soon
Suppliers say the retail price of a next-generation collision-avoidance system could soon fall to about $500 which most car shoppers would find affordable as an option. The systems use radar, infrared laser sensors or cameras to spot obstacles in the road ahead and warn the driver. Some systems will automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond.
Auto Thieves Preferring More Domestic Makes
Auto thieves prefer domestic nameplates over foreign for the first time since 2002, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. For the top 10, Ford took three spots, Dodge two, and Chevrolet one. However, the top three positions continue to be held by Honda and Toyota models, a consistent trend since 2000.
Crash Study to Focus on Driver Behavior
The Naturalistic Driving Study will use monitoring equipment to document how drivers interact with traffic conditions and roadway design. The study will document the driving behavior of 3,100 drivers to reveal what happens behind the wheel during crash and near-crash situations. Interest has shifted to collision avoidance with the focus on driver behavior. Initial focus will be on crashes at intersections and accidents where the driver runs off the road.
Consumer Reports Says 2012 Civic ‘Not Recommended’
For the first time in recent memory, Consumer Reports says it can no longer recommend the Honda Civic compact sedan. The 2012 Civic finished second from last in a twelve-car analysis, dropping 17 points from a very good 78 to a mediocre 61 on Consumer Reports' 100-point scale. CR said areas that contributed to the Civic ratings drop include lower interior quality, choppy ride, long stopping distances, and pronounced road noise.
Automakers to Focus on Gas Engines to Meet Fuel Economy Requirements
The recently-announced 53 percent boost in fuel economy requirements by 2025 is unlikely to prompt a dramatic increase in production of electric cars and hybrids, which are only a fraction of the U.S. sales market. Automakers will still rely heavily on gasoline engines. Experts say the industry will accelerate development of cleaner burning gas engines, enhanced transmission systems, lighter materials, and more aerodynamic designs. The auto industry has made good-faith efforts so far to focus on fuel-saving improvements in a shift toward production of small cars to meet consumer demand and new government mandates in an era of high gas prices.
