eAssist Helps Buick Engine Save Gas
eAssist is a new start-stop feature on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse 4-cylinder engine designed to improve fuel economy by 25% over the previous model. Other automakers are using or intend to add start-stop technology to their vehicles.
Do Social Media and Autos Mix?
The Rinspeed BamBoo electric concept car, a social networking vehicle, was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show by Harman International Industries. Drivers can interact with Facebook, Twitter, sms and email by converting text-based information to voice through the driver's smartphone. Traffic information, podcasts, weather, news, Twitter and Facebook would all be as accessible and easy to select as listening to a radio and changing the channel.
IIHS Says Big Rig Guards Often Fail, Wants Tougher Standards
Tests and analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicate the underride guards on tractor-trailers can fail in a crash. The group wants the government to require stronger guards on a wider range of vehicles.
Top Dealership Groups Revenue Gains Fueled by Used Vehicle Sales
For the Top 125 US dealership groups surveyed in Automotive News? annual study, 2010 was a good year ? much better than 2009 and catching up to 2008 levels. Much of this growth happened through used vehicles sales. Last year, the top 125 groups sold more used vehicles at retail and sent fewer to auctions than in 2008.
Bump.com Big Brother’s Cousin
Bump.com, an online start-up, is creating a way for people to ping each other using their license plates. The company's founder, Mitch Thrower, compares the service to online coupon and location-sharing sites - with one exception. "It's like a Groupon or Foursquare that you can't turn off," he says.
