Redesigned 2014 BMW X5 Gets Pricier

(BMW of North America)

BMW announced this week that the redesigned 2014 X5 SUV will start at $53,725, including destination, which represents an increase of $5,300 over the 2013 model.
For 2014, BMW adds a new base model, the sDrive35i, which is the first rear-wheel drive X5 BMW has offered. Other models, all of which have all-wheel drive, include the xDrive35i, which starts at $56,025, xDrive35d (diesel), which starts at $57,525, and xDrive50i, which starts at $69,125.
According to USA Today, “BMW says straight price comparisons aren't fair,” given the 2014 model’s increased size, lower curb weight and added standard equipment over the 2013 model. When looking at the prices of rivals in its class, the new X5 is still more expensive. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class starts at $48,175, the Acura MDX starts at $43,185 and the Porsche Cayenne starts at $50,575, all including destination.

(BMW of North America)

For 2014, the 35i models are powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This engine carries over unchanged from 2013. The 35d features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that makes 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which is a loss of 10 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model. The 50i has a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 45 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model’s V8 option. All X5 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has yet to publish fuel economy information for the 2014 X5, but for reference, the 2013 xDrive35i is rated at 16/23 mpg city/highway, the diesel xDrive35d at 19/26 mpg and the xDrive50i at 14/20 mpg.
BMW says the 2014 X5 comes with more standard equipment, including an engine start-stop feature, iDrive navigation with a touchpad and a 10.2-inch display and a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat. A two-passenger third-row seat is optional. BMW offers a few trim lines for each model that add features and equipment to the X5. These trims include the Luxury Line, xLine and M Sport.
To Car and Driver, the new X5 appears “a little chunkier” than the 2013 model, but points out that BMW claims to have reduced the new model’s curb weight by about 170 to 230 pounds.
The gas-powered 35i and 50i models will hit showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, while the diesel model will arrive in early 2014.

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2014 Cadillac XTS to Get Twin-Turbo V6

2014 Cadillac XTS (General Motors)

If you have a lead foot and a need for speed, the 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport has you covered with a new twin-turbo V6 engine option that punches out 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is a big increase over the 2013 XTS’ base V6 engine, which carries over for 2014, that produces 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, though not as powerful as the 556-horspower supercharged V8 found in the smaller Cadillac CTS-V.
Still, some auto writers say that the XTS Vsport should be significantly quicker than the base XTS. “That kind of power boost should make for quite an improvement in the all-wheel-drive XTS’s 0–60 time, which we’ve clocked at 7.2 seconds,” Car and Driver reports.

2014 Cadillac XTS Platinum (General Motors)

The redesigned 2014 CTS will also offer this new twin-turbo V6 as an option, though it will make 10 more horsepower than the twin-turbo-equipped XTS. Hampden Tener, Cadillac product director, said in an interview at the 2013 New York Auto Show that Cadillac wanted to up the ante of the CTS’ performance with the new twin-turbo V6. “We knew we needed one that would deliver this kind of thrilling, exciting performance, so we started developing the twin-turbo V6 to fill that roll,” Tener said.
For 2014, the all-wheel drive XTS Vsport model will only be sold in the highest Premium and Platinum trims. In addition to the new twin-turbo V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic, the Vsport model will look different than the base XTS. Autoweek writes, “Exterior goodies include upgraded 20-inch wheels, a unique grille and Vsport badging all while allowing the buyer to customize their XTS to their taste.”
Cadillac says in a statement that the 2014 XTS Vsport will be available in August. Car and Driver reports that the Vsport model will start at $63,020, including delivery fees. The base 2014 XTS will have a starting price of $45,525, including destination.

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Mazda Unveils Redesigned 2014 Mazda3

(Mazda Motor of America)

Mazda officially introduced the all-new 2014 Mazda3 hatchback at a press event in New York today. The automaker says in a press release that the 2014 Mazda3 is completely redesigned, sharing almost nothing besides its name with the 2013 model.
“With more than 3.5 million vehicles sold globally, the Mazda3 is the brand’s best-selling and most recognizable nameplate, and its redesign for 2014 shows just how much attention to detail and care we put into this important vehicle,” says Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America Operations.

(Mazda Motor of America)

Compared with the outgoing Mazda3, the new hatchback has a longer wheelbase, but it’s also slightly shorter, lower and wider. Mazda says that the result is an interior that offers more shoulder room in both rows, as well as comparable headroom to the car it replaces. An all-new Active Driving Display also debuts in the 2014 Mazda3, which displays information like navigation directions and speed on a clear pop-up panel. Mazda says that its Active Driving Display keeps vehicle information within the driver’s line of sight, and that the panel folds into a hidden position when the car is turned off.
For 2014, the Mazda3 will continue to offer the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s currently available in the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6. Mazda hasn’t provided fuel economy estimates for the redesigned Mazda3 yet, but the 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines will produce 155 and 184 horsepower, respectively. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission will be available.

(Mazda Motor of America)

The redesigned Mazda3 will have a new infotainment system, which Mazda says will come with Bluetooth, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. The new system will also respond to voice commands and read emails and text messages through the speakers, as well as Twitter and Facebook updates. A Bose surround-sound stereo system and a navigation system will be optional.
The Mazda3 will also offer a number of new safety technologies for 2014, which Mazda calls i-Activsense features. These include automatic high beam control, which can automatically adjust your headlights for oncoming traffic and radar-based cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed based on the distance and speed of the car in front of it. Blind spot monitoring and lane departure and forward collision warning systems are also offered as i-Activsense features. Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support system will also be offered, which can automatically apply the brakes or increase breaking power at speeds less than 19 mph if an obstacle is detected.

(Mazda Motor of America)

The 2013 Mazda3 is currently our top-ranked affordable small car, so will Mazda’s updates make it an even stronger contender? We’ll see how the redesigned Mazda3 stacks up to the competition when it goes on sale this fall.

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Ford F-150 is Most American-Made Vehicle

(Ford Motor Company)

The Ford F-150 took the top spot away from the four-year champ, the Toyota Camry, on Cars.com’s 2013 American-Made Index. Cars.com ranks models by analyzing the percent of domestic parts used in the vehicle, where the final assembly of the vehicle takes place and the vehicle’s sales numbers.
Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at Cars.com, says in a statement that this isn’t the first time the F-150 has topped the list, as it was first place from 2006 to 2008 before losing out to the Camry, which took second place this year. He adds, “Ford’s top ranking this year is a good indicator of how pickup trucks are dominating auto sales so far in 2013, and how the domestic automakers are bouncing back. While the assembly point and domestic parts content of the F-150 didn’t change from 2012-2013, vehicle sales are responsible for bumping the F-150 to the top spot.”
Bloomberg says that the F-Series is experiencing the largest growth in U.S. sales so far this year. Sales through the end of May are up 22 percent from last year.
The F-150 has 75 percent of its parts made in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Overall, there are only 14 vehicles on NHTSA’s 2013 American Automobile Labeling Act Report that are assembled in the U.S. and have at least 75 percent of their parts made in the U.S. or Canada compared to 20 in 2012.
Even though the F-150 beat out the Camry this year, Toyota still has more vehicles on Cars.com’s list than any other automaker. The Toyota Sienna ranks fifth, the Toyota Tundra is seventh and the Toyota Avalon is 10th.

2013 Rank	Make/Model	Rank in 2012
1.	Ford F-150	2
2.	Toyota Camry	1
3.	Dodge Avenger	N/A
4.	Honda Odyssey	N/A
5.	Toyota Sienna	4
6.	Chevrolet Traverse	6
7.	Toyota Tundra	7
8.	GMC Acadia	9
9.	Buick Enclave	10
10.	Toyota Avalon	N/A

Olsen notes that purchasing an American-made vehicle isn’t a priority for every vehicle buyer out there, but he says it’s important for consumers to know that buying an American-made vehicle isn’t limited to buying only a Ford, Chrysler Group or General Motors vehicle.

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Federal Government Delays Rule for Mandatory Back-Up Camera in New Vehicles

(General Motors)

A possible requirement for automakers to put standard back-up cameras in all their new vehicles has been delayed again. This time, the deadline for the federal government to determine the requirements will be pushed back to 2015. According to Bloomberg, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood sent a letter to Congress last Thursday informing members of this decision. Congress originally passed a law back in 2007 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to come up with requirements on how to increase rear visibility in vehicles. However, the final requirements have been delayed several times.
In the letter to Congress, Bloomberg says LaHood mentions that the cost for every life saved by having the back-up cameras could be as high as $18 million, and adds that they need to investigate the cost further before making a final decision on the requirement.
[Related: Lawmakers, Advocates Push to Make Back Up Cameras Standard]
In the meantime, The Detroit News says, “the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to encourage automakers to add the cameras by proposing to disclose which cars have the cameras in the government’s New Car Assessment Program.” The distinction will be made by adding a “Recommended Advanced Technology Feature” label on those vehicles on a government website. While NHTSA says making rearview cameras mandatory is not cost-effective, the agency found that back over crashes result in up to 7,419 injuries per year. While most of the incidents are minor, there are still about 183 fatalities a year.
Although the deadline to finalize the rule has been pushed back until 2015, automakers likely won’t be required to install back-up cameras in all their new models for at least another 18 months after that. As of now, it looks like the rule, if finalized, won’t take effect until the 2017 model year.

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2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Expected to Get 47 Combined MPG

(American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

Honda released initial fuel economy estimates for its all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Wednesday. The EPA hasn’t announced official ratings yet, but Honda says it expects the Accord Hybrid to get 49/45/47 mpg city/highway/combined.
The Accord Hybrid’s fuel economy is better than the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s ratings (43/39/41 mpg city/highway/combined), as well as the fuel economy of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, which both get 36/40/38 mpg. The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid (47/47/47 mpg) gets worse city fuel economy, but does better on the highway, though its combined rating is the same. The 2013 Toyota Prius gets a higher 51/48/50 mpg rating.
The 2014 Accord Hybrid is expected to go on sale this October. Pricing in the U.S. has not been released yet, but Bloomberg reports that Honda priced the Accord Hybrid 20 percent higher in Japan than the Toyota Camry Hybrid because of its better fuel economy. This has created speculation on whether or not the same will be true for the Accord Hybrid in the U.S. Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, told Bloomberg that the pricing tactic is smart since consumers are looking for the best balance of cabin size and fuel economy. Bloomberg says that 2013 Honda Accord sales have already increased 23 percent so far this year, and Toyota Camry’s sales have fallen by 5.5 percent.

(American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

Its main rivals, the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, start at $26,140 and $27,200, respectively.

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GM Improves Rank in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

The Porsche Boxster is J.D. Power's highest-ranked compact premium sporty car. (Porsche Cars North America, Inc.)

If you’re in the market for a new Porsche, GMC, Lexus, Infiniti or Chevrolet vehicle, you should be happy with your purchase, as these brands topped J.D. Power & Associates’ 2013 Initial Quality Study. The study is based on a survey of more than 83,000 owners of new 2013 vehicles after 90 days of ownership.
Last year, Lexus, Jaguar, Porsche, Cadillac and Honda took the top five spots, in that order, and Smart, FIAT, Mini, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi scored the lowest. For 2013, the bottom five brands, in order from lowest score, are Scion, FIAT, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Mini.
J.D. Power says it revamped the study for 2013 and asked for more feedback from survey respondents regarding problems they may have experienced with their new car. “The study has been enhanced to better measure the quality of today's vehicles, particularly problems related to new technologies and features now being offered.”
J.D. Power notes that many of the problems that owners reported in the first 90 days are with the car’s design, and not a problem with how the car was built. “Automakers are investing billions of dollars into designing and building vehicles and adding technologies that consumers desire and demand, but the risk is that the vehicle design, or the technology within the vehicle, in some cases may not meet customer needs,” David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, says in a statement. “Keep in mind that automakers are trying to design vehicles that appeal to a broad array of consumers, and what works for the majority may not work for all. The successful companies will be those automakers that find a way to give customers the technology they want while at the same time making it sufficiently intuitive so all customers find it easy to use.”

General Motors’ GMC and Chevrolet brands made the top five this year, and The Detroit News reports that the automaker “topped all automakers in this year’s J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study for the first time in the 27-year history of the influential consumer survey. The Detroit automaker even outranked perennial leaders Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.” J.D. Power ranks the top three vehicles per segment, and GM has five cars out of 33 total winners, and 10 SUVs and trucks out of 28 winners.
Michelle Krebs, Edmunds senior analyst, says, “Clearly, General Motors had a really good performance in the study which should help give them some momentum as they introduce a slew of new products, including 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.”

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Up to 1.56 Million Jeep Owners Will Get Free Trailer Hitches

2007 Jeep Liberty (Chrysler Group LLC)

Chrysler Group has agreed to honor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s request to recall Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs, but only after NHTSA cut the number of affected Jeeps from 2.7 million to 1.56 million. The automaker says in a blog post that it “will conduct a voluntary safety recall of 1.56 million 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles for supplemental improvement in low-speed crashes.” The fix? A trailer hitch assembly, which Chrysler says will “better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.”
[RELATED: Chrysler Has Limited Time to Respond to NHTSA Recall Request]
Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that already have trailer hitches will be inspected and the hitch will be replaced if necessary, but Chrysler says that Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs with factory-installed or Mopar-branded trailer hitches probably won’t need to be replaced.
Chrysler’s recall excludes about 1.1 million 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee SUVs, which were part of NHTSA’s original recall request. The automaker will perform a customer satisfaction action on these SUVs, inspecting and replacing aftermarket trailer hitches if necessary. However, owners without trailer hitches, as well as those with Mopar or factory-installed hitches, do not need to bring their SUVs in for inspection.
[RELATED: Chrysler Denies NHTSA’s Request to Recall 2.7 Million Jeep Vehicles]
USA Today reports that NHTSA says the Jeeps in question are prone to life-threatening fires after rear-end collisions, but Chrysler maintains that the vehicles in question are safe and defect-free. Additionally, USA Today says that Chrysler does not have to say the recalled SUVs are defective, which “will help Chrysler defend itself in any lawsuits over those Jeeps.”
CNNMoney reports, “Chrysler still faces liability risks in numerous wrongful death suits. NHTSA says there have been [at] least 37 accidents that caused fires and resulted in at least 51 deaths.”

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Ford Upgrading MyFord Touch

Responding to customer complaints and sliding ratings in quality surveys, Ford is making changes to its MyFord Touch infotainment system, including adding buttons.

Infotainment controls in the 2014 Ford Fiesta (Ford Motor Company)

Autoblog writes, "The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what's being planned for future models."
In a press release, Ford says that, combined, its SYNC and MyFord Touch systems are sold on 79 percent of 2013 Ford vehicles. It says that's double the rate of sales of infotainment systems on Honda and Toyota vehicles.
While sales of vehicles equipped with SYNC or MyFord Touch are strong, so are consumer reactions to the systems, which use voice commands, touch screens and capacitive controls. Automotive News reports that MyFord Touch "has hurt Ford's ratings in several quality surveys. Customers have complained the system is bulky, distracting and overly complicated to use. Ford has issued several software upgrades." Automotive News adds that in 2010, Ford was the highest-ranked non-luxury brand in J.D. Power & Associates’ annual Initial Quality Study. After MyFord Touch was launched, Ford dropped from a fifth-place overall ranking in 2010 to 23rd in 2011 and 32nd in 2012.

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GM Recalling 193,652 Midsize SUVs

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (General Motors)

General Motors is recalling 193,652 SUVs over concern that a short circuit could cause a fire. The recall affects 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X and Isuzu Ascender SUVs, as well as 2006 Trailblazer EXT and Envoy XL models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that fluid may leak into the driver’s door module. Corrosion may occur as a result, which could cause a short circuit and make the power window switches function improperly or not at all. NHTSA says a short circuit could also cause components to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA says that a fire could start while the vehicle is not in use, and is advising owners to park outside until the problem has been fixed.
The Detroit News reports that at least 28 fires have been reported, some of which occurred when the SUVs were unattended. The publication says this is the second recall related to this issue since last August, and about 440,000 SUVs have been recalled in total.
To fix the problem, dealers will test the driver’s door module to see if it is functioning properly. A protective coating will be applied to the modules that are working properly. Modules that are malfunctioning will be replaced.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified of the recall, which will begin July 24. For more information, contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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GM Prices the Redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan at $46,025

(General Motors)

General Motors has announced that the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan will start at $46,025 after a $925 destination charge, which is $6,035 more than the 2013 model. GM says in a press release that the 2014 CTS will offer 20 new standard features, as well as “more interior space, power and technology” when it hits dealerships this fall.
The 2014 CTS will be offered with the choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6, as well as rear- or all-wheel drive. The automaker says that the V6 generates 321 horsepower. The turbo-four equipped CTS sedan will produce 272 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which makes it 1.5 seconds quicker than the 2013 CTS.

(General Motors)

A more powerful CTS Vsport model will also debut with a starting price of $59,995 after a $925 destination fee. The CTS Vsport will come with a new 420-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Edmunds reports that the CTS Vsport is not a replacement for the 2013 CTS-V sedan, which starts at $65,410 after an $895 destination fee and a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax. Cadillac Spokesman David Caldwell told Edmunds that the CTS Vsport will not carry a gas-guzzler tax.
Inside, the redesigned 2014 CTS sedan will come standard with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system and an eight-inch touch-screen display, as well as an 11-speaker Bose stereo system with HD Radio. “It will also be the first Cadillac with advanced park assist, which takes control of the steering wheel when parallel parking,” writes Autoweek. “Also notable is a new 20-way adjustable driver’s seat with haptic feedback for lane-departure warning, also found on the ATS.”

(General Motors)

The current CTS sedan ranks highly among upscale midsize cars, where it competes with models like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G37 and its sibling, the Cadillac ATS. However, some auto writers say that the new CTS’ larger size makes it more fit to compete with luxury large cars like the BMW 5-Series. Jalopnik writes, “Instead of being somewhere between a 3 and 5 series BMW, the CTS has gone full 5 series.” The 2014 Cadillac CTS will start at about $3,800 more than the Audi A6, but it also undercuts the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 5-Series by roughly $5,900 and $1,800, respectively. Unlike the sedan, the CTS Coupe and CTS Sport Wagon will carry over unchanged for the 2014 model year.

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Chrysler Has Limited Time to Respond to NHTSA Recall Request

Chrysler Group LLC has just a few more days to formally respond to a request from the government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUVs. On June 3, NHTSA asked Chrysler Group to voluntarily recall the vehicles. On June 4, Chrysler Group said it would not participate in a recall. NHTSA gave the automaker until June 18 to formally respond and explain why it would not comply with the recall request.

The 2007 Jeep Liberty. (Chrysler Group LLC)

The Detroit News reports that after Chrysler's response, the NHTSA "could then issue a formal finding and hold a public hearing seeking a recall. Chrysler last objected to a recall in 1997." The Detroit News adds that a public hearing could be a public relations disaster for Chrysler, as the hearing could include “possible testimony from parents who lost children in Jeep fires that the government blames on a defective design." According to the Detroit News, NHTSA says 32 rear-impact fires in 1993 – 2004 Grand Cherokees have caused 44 deaths. In the 2002 – 2007 Jeep Liberty, NHTSA says seven deaths are the result of five rear-impact fires.
It is exceedingly rare for an automaker to refuse to comply with a NHTSA recall request. Michigan Live writes, "Especially since Toyota Motor Corp.’s unintended acceleration problems in late-2000s, automakers have been open to recalling millions of vehicles nearly at the drop of a hat to avoid public scrutiny, lawsuits and collateral damage."
Cars.com says, "Automakers refusing to comply with a recall request are uncommon these days. But not uncommon in the past four decades are government investigations of similar fuel-system issues. One of the most well-known cases involved the recall of 1.5 million Ford Pintos and Mercury Bobcats in 1978 after rear crashes resulted in 27 deaths and two-dozen injuries."
Because the recall covers the composition and placement of the fuel tanks in the affected Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty models, fixing the issue on 2.7 million models would be very expensive for Chrysler Group. In a June 4 statement, the automaker says it "has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective."
Until Chrysler and the NHTSA resolve the issue, consumers are left in limbo.  Many analysts agree that whether Chrysler complies with the recall or not, owners of affected vehicles can expect to see a dip in their car's resale value.

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AAA Study Shows Hands-Free Devices Are Not Distraction-Free

Study participant wearing EEG cap in test vehicle (AAA)

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the University of Utah recently conducted a study on distracted driving. The study focused on the mental workload and reaction times for a driver performing various tasks not related to driving while behind the wheel.
The study concluded that “dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road,” says AAA. User interfaces such as hands-free, voice-to-text systems may not require drivers to divert their eyes from the road, but they must still divert their attention from the task of driving. “The research found that as mental workload and distractions increase reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them including stop signs and pedestrians.”
At a press conference yesterday, AAA State Relations Director Justin McNaull said that “people are putting themselves in danger without necessarily realizing it.”
For the study, participants engaged in activities with increasing mental workload. These included baseline driving with no distractions as a control, listening to the radio, listening to a book on tape, talking with a passenger, talking on a hands-free mobile device, talking on a hand-held mobile device, interacting with a voice-to-text interface and solving basic math problems and memorizing words.
Participants performed each of these activities in three surroundings: sitting in front of a screen that showed a graphic known as a static fixation cross, using a driving simulator, and actually driving a vehicle down a city street. Throughout the experiment, participant brain wave activity was monitored using an electroencephalographic (EEG) skull cap.
Study participants also performed a detection response task (DRT) throughout the experiment. A small light mounted in their peripheral line-of-sight blinked either red or green. Participants were told to ignore the red light and tap the steering wheel with a finger when they saw the green light.

(AAA)

The results of the study show that as participants’ mental workloads increased, their reaction times slowed and the number of incorrect responses to the DRT increased. It also showed that as mental workloads increased, participants were searching for other dangers less often, meaning they developed a tunnel vision and were less aware of their surroundings. In the real world, this would equate to not noticing a red traffic light or not seeing a pedestrian crossing the street.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger says that the results of the study “reinforce previous research that hands-free is not risk-free.”
One of the goals of this study, according to McNaull, is to increase public awareness to the notion that hands-free devices are still very distracting. Ideally, he said he’d like to see automakers and mobile electronics companies collaborate to create solutions that can be convenient but are also safer and less distracting.
Comprehensive in-vehicle infotaiment systems such as Ford’s SYNC system and Kia’s UVO system are becoming increasingly prevalent in new vehicles. USA Today reports that the number of infotainment systems equipped in vehicles is estimated to rise from 9 million this year to 62 million by 2018.

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Apple iOS 7 Drives Car Technology into the Future

(Apple Inc.)

Technophiles get excited every time Apple holds a press conference. Yesterday’s announcement of the new iOS 7 operating system has people talking, mostly about the new look, iTunes Radio and the choice of either a man or woman Siri. In the automotive realm, people are talking about Apple’s iOS in the Car, which is a new feature of iOS 7.
Autoblog calls iOS in the Car “an auto-optimized version of the iPhone’s new operating system, iOS 7.” Basically, iOS in the Car will connect your iPhone or iPad with certain new vehicles’ infotainment systems, allowing you to control your Apple device through the car’s infotainment system rather than the device. iOS in the Car can give you turn-by-turn directions with the Maps app, as well as traffic updates and your estimated time of arrival. In addition, iOS in the Car can play iTunes Radio or your iTunes files through the car’s audio system. If you ask, Siri will return a missed call and play your voicemails for you, as well as read your texts and reply. iOS in the Car will also show incoming texts on your infotainment screen.

(Apple Inc.)

“It's basically Apple making a move to replace the built-in hardware and software that came with your car, and makes us wonder how automakers will react to all those iPhone users circumventing the OEM's own full-featured infotainment and navigation systems in favor of mirroring Apple's,” Autoblog writes.
Forbes reports that iOS in the Car will be available beginning in 2014 in select Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Kia, Volvo, Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Apple says iOS 7 will be available to download this fall for free for iPhone 4 and newer phones, iPad 2 and newer tablets, iPad mini and fifth-generation iPod touch devices.

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General Motors Entices Car Shoppers with Free Maintenance Program

Photo Courtesy of General Motors

General Motors announced a free maintenance program for certain 2014 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Free routine maintenance will be covered for up to two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Car shoppers who lease or buy a 2014 vehicle will be eligible for free oil and filter changes, tire rotation and a 27-point vehicle inspection at any Chevy, Buick or GMC dealership. General Motors explains, “Some alternative-fuel vehicles do not include oil changes, and some performance vehicles do not include tire rotations when that service is not recommended. The program covers up to four service visits in the 24-month period, and is fully transferrable to subsequent owners.”
GM Spokesman Jim Cain told The Detroit News that this program also covers 2014 vehicles that were purchased or leased in May, like the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The Detroit News reports that GM will be launching 20 major refreshed or new models in 2013, and GM hopes this new program will help it retain customers.
Some of GM’s new vehicles for 2014 include the Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado, GMC Sierra and Buick LaCrosse.
Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst at Kelley Blue Book, tells The Detroit News, “With the new maintenance program, GM now can sway buyers on the fence from a competitor that doesn’t offer a comparable program, and could attract additional buyers who are shopping based on price.”
Motor Trend says that Chevrolet, GMC and Buick aren’t the first non-luxury brands to offer free maintenance. Volkswagen and Toyota offers their own versions, as well. Volkswagen’s free maintenance program is for three years or 36,000 miles on 2009-2013 VW vehicles. Toyota’s program includes two years or 25,000 miles of maintenance.

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Chrysler Recalling 430,000 Jeeps

Chrysler Group announced two separate Jeep recalls affecting three models yesterday. These recalls are not related to our story from earlier in the week about Chrysler’s refusal to comply with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall request for 2.7 million 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models.

2012 Jeep Patriot / Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group

The first recall affects 254,396 Compass and Patriot models from the 2010-2012 model years built between May 6, 2008 and July 20, 2012. According to the NHTSA, there may be a glitch with the vehicles’ computers, wherein the side curtain air bags or seatbelt pre-tensioners may not work, increasing risk of injury in an accident.
Chrysler will correct the software to fix the computer glitch. The number for this recall is 101.
The second recall affects 180,131 2012-2013 Wrangler models with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and an automatic transmission built between Jan. 23, 2011 and Feb. 23, 2013. Due to unintentional contact between the power steering line and transmission oil cooler, a hole may form that could result in the loss of transmission fluid. This could lead to a loss of transmission function, increasing the risk of an accident.

2013 Jeep Wrangler / Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group

To fix the problem, Chrysler will replace the power steering return tube assembly. The recall campaign number is N28.
In two separate media releases, Chrysler says that there have been no accidents or injuries reported related to either the Patriot/Compass or the Wrangler recall. Both recalls are expected to begin in July. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

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Will the Redesigned 2014 Toyota Corolla Bring Happiness?

2014 Toyota Corolla/Photo Courtesy of Toyota

This evening, Toyota revealed the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla. Leading up to tonight, Toyota has been using social media to show off different parts of the redesigned Corolla.
In the beginning, Tatsuo Hasegawa, the Corolla’s first chief engineer, said the mission was “to develop a car that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world.” Now, according to a Toyota press release, the Corolla has been around for 47 years with almost 40 million sales in more than 150 countries.
Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst for Edmunds.com, says, "You can't underestimate Corolla's importance to Toyota's success. Its legions of buyers continue to grow Toyota awareness and Corolla is a strong gateway into the brand. Toyota has had a successful formula with the Corolla, but the vehicle does need some improvement in order to capture the more discerning compact car buyer in this competitive environment."
Data from Edmunds show that the Corolla, thus far, is the best-selling compact car in the United States. Edmunds chalks this up to dedicated customers. Of all trade-ins for a new Corolla in May, 35 percent were older Corollas.

2014 Toyota Corolla/Photo Courtesy of Toyota

The 2014 Toyota Corolla has four trims: L, LE, S and a new LE Eco trim. According to Toyota, all Corollas will have LED headlights, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, full power accessories, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cloth upholstery and eight air bags. Other features on higher grades or optional packages include a smart key with push-button start, SofTex seating materials, heated front seats, a navigation system and Entune apps. Features available on specific trims and prices will be released closer to when the Corolla goes on sale in the fall.

2014 Toyota Corolla's Interior/Photo Courtesy of Toyota

Toyota expects the Corolla’s highway fuel economy for the LE Eco, a new trim that focuses on fuel economy, to surpass 40 mpg. It comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with Valvematic technology. Toyota notes that this will be the first vehicle in North America to have this technology, which will improve fuel economy and increase the engine’s productivity to 140 horsepower. Low-rolling resistance tires or available aerodynamic alloy wheels are also available on the LE Eco. For car shoppers who want to cut down on maintenance cost, low-rolling resistance tires have been proven not to last as long as standard tires.
Another 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on the L, LE and S trims and produces up to 132 horsepower, according to the Toyota press release. The L model comes with an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. The manual transmission is available in the S. The CVT mentioned in the LE Eco grade is available in the LE and S trims.
The CVT can be changed from Normal mode to ECO and SPORT modes in the LE Eco and S trims. The ECO mode in the LE Eco will control the air conditioning along with some driving changes to get better fuel economy. Toyota says that the SPORT mode in the S trim is supposed to “deliver a more dynamic driving experience with software tuning that alters shift points, creating transmission behavior during acceleration that enhances the sporty character of the S-grade.” Paddle shifters on the steering wheel are standard on the S trim with the CVT. The shifter in the S can also be used to manually shift in the M mode.
The 2013 Toyota Corolla is ranked near the bottom of our affordable small car rankings going up against vehicles like the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Impreza. After reviewers test it, we'll see if it makes them happy enough to give it better reviews.

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Studies Say Car Buyers Want to Stay Connected

Photo Courtesy of Infiniti

Two new studies by Cisco and J.D. Power and Associates show what car buyers want from their next vehicle.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study received responses from 16,758 vehicle owners, which show that car owners are interested in applications for phone pairing, wireless internet, better voice recognition and other features that would improve vehicle infotainment systems. Of those listed above, J.D. Power and Associates noticed that vehicle owners tended to be more interested and willing to purchase features like a fuel economy indicator and active shutter grille vents. Active shutter grille vents close at higher speeds to help maximize fuel economy. This technology has been available on a few vehicles from domestic automakers, including the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, Ford Focus SFE and Dodge Dart Aero.
“Vehicle owners are continually aware of rising fuel costs and the need for better fuel economy,” says Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. He adds that car shoppers have become more tech-savvy, and that they’re interested in new technology that helps them save money on fuel.
While there is some interest in autonomous driving, the J.D. Power study finds that vehicle owners are more interested in semi-autonomous functions like emergency braking and steering and automatic park assist. Smartphone integration is also important. The study shows that 82 percent of car owners with smartphones were attracted to vehicles that allow them to pair their phones with a vehicle's infotainment system.
The Cisco Customer Experience Report is a global study that gathers research from more than 1,500 consumers in 10 countries. The report shows 65 percent of respondents would share personal information, like height, weight and what type of entertainment they enjoy, if it meant they could customize their vehicle and driving experience. In addition, 60 percent of those surveyed said they would be willing to provide “biometric information such as fingerprints and DNA samples in return for personalized security or car security.” Cisco says that 83 percent of those surveyed said they research the vehicles they’re considering online, while 17 percent go straight to a dealership.
Cisco says that consumers want to see technology that enhances safety, as well as improvements that save time and money. The survey shows that 52 percent want to track gas prices with in-car tech features. Additionally, 46 percent of respondents said they’d like to be able to track insurance prices, while tracking roadside assistance availability and recall information was important to 35 and 32 percent, respectively.
The Detroit News reports that in-vehicle technology is an “essential selling feature for an automobile,” and that automakers will spend $240 billion on vehicle technology by 2020. “Some of the drivers are government safety mandates for things like improved electronic stability control.”

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Chrysler Denies NHTSA's Request to Recall 2.7 Million Jeep Vehicles

2002 Jeep Liberty/Photo courtesy of Getty Images

When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requests a recall, automakers usually comply. However, Chrysler Group is refusing NHTSA’s request for the automaker to recall 2.7 million 1993-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty SUVs. USA Today writes, “NHTSA says the rear-mounted gas tanks in those vehicles are too vulnerable to leaking and catching fire in a rear-end crash.”
Chrysler says that the vehicles in question are safe, and that the automaker has been working with NHTSA to resolve this issue since 2010. “We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the Agency to resolve this disagreement,” Chrysler writes in a press release.
The Detroit Free Press reports that while most car companies honor NHTSA’s recall requests, “a federal judge could ultimately force Chrysler to comply or side with the automaker.”
"Chrysler must feel like it has a compelling reason to take such a bold stand,” says Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Edmunds. “Since Toyota was publicly humiliated for dragging its feet on recalls just a few years ago, automakers have been quick to recall vehicles at NHTSA's request.” Edmunds reports that NHTSA noted 15 fatalities and 41 injuries supposedly caused by rear-end collisions in Jeep vehicles after extending its investigation last June.
NHTSA’s investigation was spurred by the Center for Auto Safety, which claims that the 1993-04 Grand Cherokee is four times more likely to catch fire in a crash than competing SUVs.
Chrysler says that the Grand Cherokee and Liberty “met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,” and that the risk of a fire in a rear-end collision is less than once for every million years of operation. The automaker claims that the risk is similar to the chance of crash-related fires in competing SUVs built around the same time.
Owners with questions or concerns can call Chrysler customer care at (800) 334-9200.

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Auto Sales Strong in May

May sales numbers show a robust month of new car sales. While that's good news for car companies, new car transaction prices were also high, which means consumers are paying more for new cars.

The 2014 Cadillac ATS. Cadillac posted the largest sales gain in the industry for May. (Photo courtesy Cadillac)

According to data from Automotive News (subscription required), total automotive sales for May increased 8 percent compared with May 2012. So far in 2013, car sales are up 7 percent compared with the same period last year.
Cadillac and Porsche saw the biggest sales gains, with 40 and 38 percent increases compared with May of 2012, respectively. Cadillac says the sales gain are the brand's biggest increase since 1976 and makes the Cadillac the fastest growing automotive brand in the country. Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Mini posted the biggest sales decreases of mainstream brands. Infiniti sales were down 25 percent compared with May 2012. Mitsubishi sales were down 15 percent and Mini sales were down 3 percent.
Of American automakers, Ford (including Lincoln) had a 14 percent sales increase compared with May of 2012. Chrysler, including its Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands posted an 11 percent sales increase. General Motors had a 3 percent increase compared with May 2012.
In a press release, Kelley Blue Book says that May new-car transaction prices rose along with car sales. Compared with April, KBB says that transaction prices are up 0.5 percent. That works out to consumers paying an average of $152 more on each new car.
As the increase in transaction prices show, strong car sales aren't always great news for consumers.  As demand increases, car companies don't need to discount their products. If you want the best deal on a new car, it may pay to wait until car sales slow down. If you can't wait, brands with weak sales are likely to have the best discounts. For example, Honda Motor Company sales, which include the Honda and Acura brands, only saw a five percent increase in sales compared with May 2012. KBB reports that their transaction prices in May were actually 0.4 percent lower than they were in April as dealers dropped prices to try to spur sales.

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Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Owners Could Pay Additional Taxes

Photo Courtesy of Nissan

If you live in a state that charges gasoline tax and you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may have to start paying extra fees. ABC News reports that North Carolina, along with some other states, is considering legislation that would charge fees to electric and hybrid car drivers. Many states depend on a gas tax to fund road maintenance. With more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles on the road, state governments who charge this tax aren’t receiving as much money and are looking at other fees to make up the shortfall.
In an editorial arguing against the new fees, USA Today says, “As of the beginning this year, state gas taxes ranged from a high of 50.6 cents a gallon in New York to a low of 8 cents in Alaska. Most states have plenty of room to bump up their taxes without resorting to more intrusive alternatives.”
North Carolina State Senator Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, supports the annual fee proposal that would charge $100 for electric vehicle owners and $50 for hybrid vehicle owners. He tells Wilmington, North Carolina’s Star News, “We earn our revenue (for state) transportation from three sources: fees, highway use tax, or the 3 percent tax on automobile purchases, and the motor fuels tax, also known as gas tax.” He adds, “[The gas tax] is about 55 percent of our revenue.”
CNN writes that Washington state passed a bill in 2012 to charge electric car owners a $100 annual tax. Plug-in hybrids and any electric vehicle that isn’t able to travel over 35 mph are exempt from this tax.
USA Today says Virginia has already removed its previous 7.5 cent gas tax and replaced it with a wholesale fuel tax of 3.5%, an increase in state sales tax, a hotel tax and $64 annual surcharge on hybrid vehicles. USA Today adds, “The sales and hotel taxes force many people who don’t drive on Virginia roads to subsidize those who do. And the hybrid fee punishes people who act in the nation’s interest by purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles.”
New Jersey is considering alternatives to their current gas tax. The proposed bill reads, “Every passenger vehicle registered and title in [New Jersey] shall be subject to a vehicle miles traveled fee in an amount equal to 0.83906 cents per mile.” The bill is supported by State Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic City.
Automakers are trying to meet CAFE standards of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by 2025, so drivers can expect to see more state governments that have depended on gas tax propose new ways to get money for their transportation expenses. According to CNN, Arizona, Michigan, Oregon and Texas should be coming out with their own proposals soon.

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