Intel and Clarion Show In-Car Internet Applications

1 hour ago SMARTCARBUYERS --

Chrysler announced last week that its UConnect Web in-car Internet service will be available starting August 25 as a dealer-installed option. And at this week's Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, Intel and Clarion showed applications and products that move us another step closer to the .car era.

An Intel senior VP at IDF showed how Intel and BMW are working together to build a multimedia and computing system for the car that's powered by Intel's powerful Atom chip and provides Internet access. The demo included showing how an on-board computer could use an in-dash monitor to provide GPS navigation data and screens in the backseat would allow passengers to connect to the Internet and watch streaming video.

Clarion used the occasion of IDF to show a production version of its MiND (Mobile Internet Navigation Device) portable nav system that connects to the Internet via WiFi. Clarion claims it will also be able to connect using WiMax and 3G networks in the future. MiND includes software for applications ranging from a Web browser to email as well as viewers for YouTube, MySpace and Google Maps. An integrated Internet search and GPS function also allow local search of area businesses.
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In the Trade-Off Between Weight and Fuel Economy, Safety Tech Tips the Scale

22 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
Life is a series of trade-offs, and lately more and more drivers have been trading the size, comfort and safety of large SUVs for the fuel economy of smaller vehicles. But for many accustomed to the high perch and higher sense of security afforded by an SUV, downsizing to a smaller car can leave them feeling vulnerable.

But you can have the best of both worlds, according to Forbes Autos' "Safest Vehicles for Downsizing" list, and safety technology can make the difference even though it may add a few pounds and cost a few mpg. While the Forbes Autos list includes such not-so-small vehicles as the BMW X3 and Honda Element, along with sedans such as the BMW 3 Series and Volvo's S40 and compacts like the Volkswagen Jetta/Rabbit and Subaru Impreza, the one thing the 10 vehicles have in common is a curb weight of under 4,000 pounds (except for the X3, which is a hair over at 4,012).

Overall weight has steadily increased for passenger vehicles over the last decade. According to Forbes Autos, the average weight of "light-duty" vehicles rose from 3,221 pounds in 1997 to 4,144 pounds in 2007. Ironically, part of that weight gain comes from safety equipment that has been added over the past 10 years, some of which was federally mandated. But in balancing weight, fuel economy and safety, certain technology is crucial, the article contends.
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GM Celebrates "Anniversary" With Employee's Discount Program

23 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --

GM has rolled out yet another Employee Discount Program which offers invoice and below deals on virtually all its 2008 vehicles.

Earlier this year GM offered many incentives but many vehicles were excluded. Now, nearly all 2008 and select 2009 vehicles are being discounted.

There are two notable aspects of the current offer: several fuel efficient 2009 models are being offered including the Chevrolet Cobalt and the Pontiac Vibe. Also, the program will feature window stickers that show the bottom-line price buyers will pay which will include all incentives and rebates. This is a real benefit for consumers who are often confused by multiple numbers and how the incentives are applied.

The event begins Aug. 20 and is currently scheduled to run through Sept. 2. GM's 100th Anniversary is Sept. 16th. Is this program a good way to celebrate?

Click here for more information on the Employee Discount Program.

2008 HONDA ELEMENT Recall

Tuesday, 19 August 2008 AUTOBLOG (Honda) -- Honda has announced that they will recalling certain models of the 2008 Honda Element. They stated the the front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been...

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Is Canada a Sign of Mercedes to Come?

Tuesday, 19 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

I'm up in Canada this week, and while driving through Toronto I happened to notice a new Mercedes-Benz C230. In the States, we only get the C300, C350 and C63, but Canada gets those plus the C230, featuring a 201-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 that gets a tiny bit better gas mileage than the 228-hp C300 (20.45 mpg versus 20.10 in Canadian testing). Of course, given that cars cost more in Canada, it's highly likely that Canadians are just more inclined to pay less for a less powerful Mercedes-Benz. But given the economy, wouldn't an increasing number of Americans be willing to do so now?

In addition to the C230, there's the 228-hp E300 4Matic (all non-AMG E-Class are all-wheel drive in Canada), the 335-hp S450 4Matic, and the B200 and B200 Turbo. I'd say the last two are the most intriguing, as the B-Class is a funky-looking hatch that gets 25 mpg city in its 134-hp four-cylinder form. For those looking for a premium, fuel efficient car, the B-Class could find some takers -- although it's certainly expensive. I've seen a couple around Toronto, but not enough to lead me to believe it would be a hit in the United States.

What do you think? Are smaller, slightly more fuel efficient engines installed in subsequently cheaper cars a smart move for premium car makers like Mercedes-Benz? And does the B-Class have a shot?

James Riswick, Automotive Editor

Low-Cost Audio Add-Ons Aren't Always "Cheap and Dirty"

Monday, 18 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

While the aftermarket car audio industry is singing the blues, it's never been a better time to get great music in your ride -- without visiting a car stereo shop. Wired's Autopia points to Bentley's alliance with fellow Brits at the high-end home audio company Naim Audio as yet another example of the automaker/audio brand mash-up, but Naim's Paul Stephenson makes it sound like you have to spend tons of money on a car and a premium audio system to get better than "quick and dirty low-cost" audio add-ons.

Although hardcore audiophiles can and will beg to differ (because that's just what they like to do), there are several examples of premium audio systems below $1,000 that offer better sound dollar for dollar than aftermarket options. Several Boston Acoustics systems available in Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles range from $495 to $995, and while these systems are far from the last word in superior car sound, try getting similar quality from the aftermarket for the same amount of coin.

THX is another premium audio supplier that offers excellent value. I've often pointed to the $995 THX Certified Premium Sound System in the Lincoln Zephyr as an example of excellent bang for the car audio buck, and the company's stereo system in the '09 Lincoln MKS runs $645, while the 5.1 Surround version is bundled with the vehicle's Navigation Package option that includes voice-activated nav, a hard disc Jukebox and Sirius Travel Link for $2,995.
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How Bad Is The SUV Market? $2000 Incentive On All-New Honda Pilot

Monday, 18 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

In a sign of how bad things have become in the light truck market, Honda recently put a $2000 dealer incentive on their all-new just released Pilot. Even though gas prices have retreated, the 4WD Pilot's 16 city and 22 highway fuel economy is certainly not a selling point. This is especially true when Honda likes to tout the fuel economy of the rest of the vehicles it sells.

If Honda, who is generally reticent to put cash incentives on their vehicles, is using cash incentives, you can be sure that most other manufacturers will continue to pile on the incentives on their less-than-fuel efficient models. Stay abreast of all the latest incentives here.

2006 BMW X3 Recall

Monday, 18 August 2008 AUTOBLOG (BMW) -- BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain models of the 2006 3 series sport seat, 2004 through 2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and 2004-206 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the...

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Arizona Dealer Charged with Targeting Servicemen

Monday, 18 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

In an article in Automotive News it was reported that three dealerships in Arizona are being investigated for abuses committed against servicemen at nearby military bases.

Servicemen from Fort Huachuca, many of whom are sent to Afghanistan or Iraq, were warned by their superiors to steer clear of Wildcat Mitsubishi in Tucson and Ideal Automotive (Mitsubishi and Suzuki stores) in Sierra Vista. The State of Arizona is investiging the dealerships' practices after the local Better Business Bureau received 30 complaints about the businesses over the last three years.

The dealerships are owned and operated by Rick Johnston and his sons Heath and Beau.

It made me angry to hear about the alleged abuses but it didn't surprise me. Car salesmen love young customers with cash who aren't particularly well informed. Furthermore, military men are taught to respect anyone with an air of authority.

It reminded me of what Nick James told me while I was writing "Confessions of an Auto Finance Manager." He said that the Finance Manager always looked for customers that where uninformed. In particularly he looked for customers who had good credit but thought their credit was bad.

"If I sensed that they (the customers) were uninformed about their credit score I knew I could offer them say two points over (the prime rate) and they would agree to it. I could tell them, 'We ran your credit report and, well, we both know you've had a few problems. But you're nice people so I'm going to help you out.'"

It's bad enough ripping off trusting people. It somehow seems even worse taking advantage of the people who are serving their country.

Survey Shows Half of Young Adults are Driving While Texting

Sunday, 17 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Is every other 18-24 year-old on the road texting while driving? Seem a bit exaggerated? A recent survey by FindLaw.com stated that nearly half (48 percent) of drivers 18-24 say they have sent a text message or e-mail while driving.
 
This age bracket tends to be more tech savvy, and texting is what's in style. What can probably be said over the phone in a few seconds, is turned into a multitude of frantic button presses. Case in point- I have a nephew that uses his cell phone all the time, but never to make a phone call.

Adults are no less guilty- from ages 25-34, 27 percent have admitted to texting while driving. The percentage decreases as the age bracket increases.
 
Although few studies have specifically measured the level of distraction that texting causes, if you compare it to cell phone usage, a driver is four times as likely to get into an accident. According the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, only four states have laws on the books that specifically ban texting: Minnesota, Louisiana, New Jersey, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Alaska's ban is expected to go into effect September 01, 2008.

But texting is only a stone on the mountain of driver's distraction. As our cars get more technologically advanced, so do the chances of us being distracted. Nowadays there are: navigation systems to be programmed, Bluetooth headsets to be adjusted, Mp3 players to be connected, and climate controls to be fiddled with. That doesn't even include the old standby distractions like: eating, putting on makeup, changing the radio station, or trying to placate a crying baby in the back seat.

How many of you out there text while driving?

Set a "Citizen's Speed Limit" -- Or Let Uncle Sam Do it For You

Saturday, 16 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Flashback to 1974 when the National Maximum Speed Law restricted travel on interstate highways to 55 miles per hour to save gas.

Did you hate it?

Well, get ready for a similar initiative... unless we set a "Citizen's Speed Limit." What's this?

As you'll recall, the 55 mph limit created by President Jimmy Carter was resisted and widely disregarded by motorists. In fact, it's symbolic of a painful era for our country. It was the first time we were being pushed around by the oil companies and foreign countries. And proud Americans didn't like it.

Now, flash forward to 2008. We are MUCH more dependent on foreign oil and much more vulnerable to energy disruption than in the 70s. Most automotive innovations have gone not toward fuel efficiency but toward power. Our cars and trucks are maxed out on horsepower like steroids-popping weightlifters.

My father called me this morning and said that cars should be driven at their peak efficiency not at an arbitrary speed set by the government after an expensive research boondoggle. He recommended that Edmunds.com lead the charge by finding the ultimate "sweet spot" for fuel economy. We should then give our findings to the government instead of waiting to have the feds slap a new speed limit on us.

The efficiency of a car increases as its speed goes up. At first, aerodynamics have little effect on the efficiency. But as the speed builds the aerodynamic effect becomes greater. But at what point is that?

It would be fairly simple to take a test car on a flat road and drive it for 10 miles at 60 mph, another 10 miles at 65 mph, 10 miles at 70 mph and so on. The problem is that each car is different because of engine size, aerodynamics, rolling resistance of the tires and a variety of other factors. But while cars differ, they probably don't vary that much.

When gas prices were very high, I saw people setting their own "Citizen's Speed Limit." Furthermore, I know that a lot of truckers, whose livelihoods depend on economical use of fuel, have slowed down to about 67 mph. But now that gas prices have dropped the yahoos are out again. While most people are content to go 70 mph, others want to go 85 mph and so they endlessly cut in and out.

So what's your vote for a Citizen's Speed Limit? What could you live with? Or will you wait for Uncle Sam to tell you how to drive?

2008 GMC TOPKICK Recall

Friday, 15 August 2008 AUTOBLOG (GMC) -- GM has announced that they will be recalling certain models of the 2008 C Series Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick trucks equipped with caterpillar C9 diesel engines. They stated that the fuel pump...

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Weekly Top 3: The Most Bang For Your 70,000 Bucks

Friday, 15 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Suppose you've got about $70 grand to play with, and your heart's set on a sports car. I don't, for the record, and you probably don't either -- but nevermind about that. Say you've got the $70k, and you won't be satisfied until you've nabbed the keys to the best all-around sports car you can buy for the money. You've narrowed it down to three choices: the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Carrera. How do you think they'll rank in this week's Olympic-themed Top 3?  

Top-3 Teaser: Sorting Out The $70k Sports Car Segment

Friday, 15 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

I can hear the grumbling already. "This is the Strategies blog," you'll carp. "It's supposed to be about real advice for real people!" Well, last time I checked, Donald Sutherland and Andrew Bynum were real people -- and every real person could use some buying advice. Having driven the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Carrera in recent weeks (and pretending, for the sake of argument, that the GT-R isn't selling for $30k over sticker), this week's Top 3 will tackle a question that's on everyone's mind these days:

Which sports car is most deserving of your hard-earned 70 large?

Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com

Leases: Leaving the Game

Friday, 15 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

After seeing our latest leasing and incentive information, I was struck by the fact that Chrysler has left the leasing game.  As far as I know, this is the first time a major carmaker has done that.

Boiled down to its essence, leasing could be thought of as another way of saying long-term rental -- typically anywhere from two to four years.  You essentially are paying for the use of the vehicle, its depreciation in value over the term of the lease. You are not paying for the entire value of the vehicle; at the end of the lease the vehicle is worth a certain amount.

If the vehicle's value when new is say $30,000 and at the end of the lease it's worth $15,000, then you've used up $15,000 of that vehicle's value, and your monthly payments are essentially based on that.  Great, you get to drive a $30,000 car while making payments that are based on $15,000.  Of course, the trade-off is that you don't own the vehicle at the end of the lease. Now you know why you see so many new BMW 328s driven by new college grads. 

Apple's Answer to iPod/iPhone Incompatibility Issues: Get New Accessories

Thursday, 14 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Got an Apple iPhone 3G and can't get it to work with your car-integration kit? You're not alone. Here at Edmunds, several editors and others at the company can't access music on their iPhones or even get the devices to charge using both aftermarket and OEM iPod-integration applications.

New Nav System Shows What's Behind You as well as Where You're Going

Thursday, 14 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Your Car Will Do Windows in the Future

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Your New Tires Could Be Years Older Than You Think

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

It's common knowledge that tires must be replaced when the tread has been worn down (the penny test is a great way to check your tires' tread depth). But it's a lesser-known fact that tires have a shelf-life after which they can be dangerous to drive on, even if they're brand-new or have plenty of tread left.

Experts say 6 years is the maximum that tires should be in use, provided they were stored properly after they were manufactured. The problem is that, as tires age, the tread is more likely to separate from the rest of the tire, which, if it happens on the road, can cause a sitation much more difficult to recover from than a tire blowout. (Check out this dramatic 20/20 report on the subject to see footage of a tire losing its tread and how dangerous it can truly be, plus hear the stories of people it happened to.)

So, how do you know how old your tires -- or the tires you'd like to buy -- are? You've gotta crack the code.

2007 DODGE CARAVAN Recall

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 AUTOBLOG (Dodge) -- Eagle has announced that they will be recalling certain headlight assemblies sold for use in the 2007 Dodge Caravan. They stated that these headlamps fail to conform to the lower beam photometry...

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Wake-Up Call: If You Nod Off, Mercedes Will Set You Straight

Wednesday, 13 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS -- We're a tired nation. Long work days, long commutes, kids keeping you up at night -- whatever. Admit it: You've sometimes caught yourself taking those "one-second naps" and jerking yourself awake just in time. (Damn if the Starbucks isn't closed just when you need it.)

Mercedes-Benz is combating our chronic case of road fatigue with its newly developed Attention Assist. It's actually pretty cool technology. As soon as you start driving, it develops a "profile" of the way you drive based on a constant flow of sensor data, including steering wheel movements, speed, linear/lateral acceleration, indicator and pedal operation, and environmental measurements like side winds and uneven road surfaces. The onboard electric control model constantly compares how you're driving to your profile, and if it determines that you're overtired, it warns you with an acoustic signal and a display on the instrument cluster that says, "Attention Assist. Brake!"


Yeah, I know, I know. Good drivers don't need nannies. Just another safety technology that jacks up the price, right? At least that's the response of some of our staff here. But hey, it's a Mercedes. It's already full of technology you probably don't need and may never really use, but pay through the nose for, anyway. Think of it this way: Everyone knows drunk driving is dangerous, but studies show that "drowsy driving" is even more so -- causing some 25% of all serious car crashes. It's hard to measure, of course, because there's no equivalent of the breathalyzer for sleepyheads.

Big brother is coming down the pike in so many forms: Black boxes that record everything you do in the moments before an accident, transmitters that can send your odometer to the insurance company, GPS units that can tell people -- who knows who? -- where you are at all times, and so on. All these "nannies" are pretty much as inevitable as seats belts, stability control by 2012, and red light cameras. The only question is, where do you stand on the subject? Is more safety always a good thing, or not?

Americans Cooling to Small Cars as Gas Prices Drop

Tuesday, 12 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

You're looking at a graph that shows how many people searched for information on hybrid cars as gas prices rose in the spring and then began to fall in the summer.

When gas prices shoot up people panic and begin thinking about dumping their SUV for a hybrid. But when gas prices begin to level off and then drop (now the national average is $3.88 a gallon) people lose interest in smaller cars and again search for information about larger vehicles, trucks and SUVs.

This development is highlighted in a new story on Auto Observer along with more data to support this new

"It's human nature," said Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of Edmunds.com. "There's been a rush to small cars, but that doesn't mean it's permanent. And in fact, our data shows that the recent sensitivity consumers have toward gas prices still goes both ways."

This is an interesting snapshot of consumer behavior. But I'm left wondering how far back we will swing toward larger trucks and SUV? Or are we headed toward becoming a nation of small, fuel efficient car drivers like in Europe and Asia?

Opel and Continental Move One Step Closer to Developing the Fully Connected Car

Tuesday, 12 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Which Should "I" Buy? Saturn Astra or Volkswagen Rabbit

Tuesday, 12 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --

Let's say I'm a person who loves little German cars (not really a stretch). Sadly, a 1 Series, C-Class and even A3 is out of my price range. Also, I'm looking for something vastly more fuel efficient than my last little German car: a 2000 Jetta VR6 (17 city, 24 highway). I also like the idea of a hatchback.

Therefore, I've narrowed down the choices to the Volkswagen Rabbit and the secretly German Saturn Astra. Which should "I" buy? And should "I" get the two door or four door? The Astra two-door certainly looks better than its four-door version and the Rabbit is the opposite situation. "I'm" shooting to spend about $19,000 so that "I" can get some goodies on the car.

So again, which should "I" buy?

James Riswick, Automotive Editor

iPhone Third-Party App Helps Find Bargains While Behind the Wheel

Monday, 11 August 2008 SMARTCARBUYERS --