Feds May Order All Light Duty Vehicles to Have Backup Cameras by 2014
Rearview cameras could become more common in future cars and trucks under new rules the government is proposing to address concerns about drivers unintentionally backing over children. The Transportation Department is offering new requirements to improve rear visibility in cars by the 2014 model year. Most automakers would meet the requirements by installing rear-mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays.
Toyota Explores Other Technologies as Hybrid Sales Slump
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to introduce 11 new or redesigned hybrid vehicles by 2012, but the carmaker is hardly neglecting the humble internal combustion engine. Turbos and direct fuel injection will be added throughout Toyota's lineup, even in four-cylinder engines and models such as the Corolla and Camry.
Think Building City EV in Indiana for Fleet Customers
Norwegian electric vehicle maker Think has been in business for years, but it's taken a while to enter the U.S. market. Through fleet sales, the automaker has now started up operations at its Elkhart, IN, plant to build 300 of its two-seat Think City electric cars. Fleet customers will be served first, and a retail network will be in place by 2012.
Vehicle Safety Makes Strides, but Still Room for Improvement
Advanced safety technology has helped reduce annual traffic fatalities. However, experts say there's room for not only more innovations but spreading the technology across all vehicle lines, not just on higher-priced vehicles.
