Enhanced GPS
The GPS Store Inc. has introduced the Garmin Drive product line. With the help of advanced GPS technology, Garmin Drive aids drivers on daily commutes, as well as longer trips. The Garmin Drive product line moves beyond traditional GPS locator technology, pre-loaded with maps specific to the driver’s location. While these features are included, Garmin’s new technology is designed to enhance driver safety through increased situational awareness. In addition, it issues real-time driver alerts.
- The standard Garmin Drive unit alerts drivers to sharp curves, and features fatigue warning, speed changes, railroad crossings and more.
- The Garmin DriveSmart features customizable smart notifications on the display, as well as Bluetooth hands-free calling technology. In addition to the driver-awareness features offered with the standard Garmin Drive, the Garmin DriveSmart also offers Bird’s Eye and photoReal Junction Views.
Global hybrid market takes off
The global hybrid electric vehicles market is predicted to grow by 10.53 percent CAGR, according to the Global Hybrid Electric Vehicles Market 2015-1019 report from Research and Markets. However, new technology recently proposed by a team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, could lead to even greater market growth. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use fuel and electricity combinations to power the vehicle. Most HEVs start in an all-electric mode and switch to the hybrid energy mode once the battery pack has been drained. This isn’t the most efficient way to power a vehicle, and the team has found that a blended discharge strategy providing battery power throughout a journey is far more energy efficient. According to the reports, an increase in 12 percent efficiency would mean reduction in fuel costs for the vehicle owner, which in turn could convince more people to invest in such a vehicle.
Safety awareness
Hyundai recently launched a new awareness campaign, aimed at warning American drivers of the risks involved when using counterfeit, aftermarket, salvaged and recycled automotive parts, and highlights the differences between non-Hyundai and Hyundai Genuine Parts. The integrated media, advertising and public relations campaign focuses on safety and resale value. The company also is launching a series of YouTube videos to educate consumers on the difference between original and fake parts. Short-term savings from using non-standard parts can have adverse long-term implications on the vehicle and passengers, and ultimately cost consumers more. As more people understand the dangers of using non-Hyundai components and see the benefits of purchasing original parts, the less likely they will be to suffer severe consequences and lose value on their car. Hyundai encourages the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts on all Hyundai vehicle repairs because they are designed and manufactured to meet Hyundai’s engineering specifications. Hyundai does not recommend the use – or re-use, – of components removed or recycled from an existing collision-damaged vehicle.
2016 best cars
U.S. News has announced the 2016 Best Cars for the Money.
| CATEGORY | WINNER |
| Compact Cars | 2016 Honda Civic |
| Upscale Small Cars | 2016 Audi A3 |
| Midsize Cars | 2016 Toyota Camry |
| Upscale Midsize Cars | 2016 Acura TLX |
| Subcompact SUVs | 2016 Honda HR-V |
| Luxury Subcompact SUVs | 2016 BMW X1 |
| Compact SUVs | 2016 Hyundai Tucson |
| Luxury Compact SUVs | 2016 Lexus NX |
| Full Size Pickup Trucks | 2016 Ram 1500 |
Low cost, high value
Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com has named the 2016 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited and the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan the winners of its 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. For a second consecutive year, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been named the winner of the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own award in the mid-size SUV/crossover category, while the Dodge Grand Caravan has earned the 5-Year Cost to Own award in the minivan/van segment for the second time in three years. When considering its 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com considers depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for all new models. The 2016 Jeep Wrangler features an eight-speaker audio system and improved sound bar, and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package with nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. In addition, it features four-wheel drive, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan features Super Stow ‘n Go seating designed for one-hand operation. The Grand Caravan reportedly is equipped with more than 55 safety, security and technology features, including an available class-exclusive dual Blu-ray DVD entertainment system.
Drive Smart
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the transportation coordination agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, recently introduced a new program called “Drive Smart Bay Area,” designed to help motorists save money, improve air quality and increase safety. The Drive Smart program offers drivers several tips, including:
- Linking trips
- Avoiding excessive speeds.
- Removing unneeded gear from the trunk and back seat
- Avoiding hard braking and rapid acceleration
- Maintaining proper tire pressure
- Getting regular tune-ups
- Ensuring fuel-tank caps are tightly secured
Drivers who follow these tips can save up to $1 per gallon, improve their cars’ performance and keep traffic flowing smoother, according to MTC. Drive Smart Bay Area is the newest addition to the Climate Initiatives program launched by MTC in 2009. For drivers who want to know how their current driving style impacts their mpg, the Commission has teamed with San Francisco-based Automatic Labs Inc. to make the Automatic adapter – a smart driving tool that plugs in under the steering wheel of most post-1996 model year vehicles ($49.99). The tool communicates with drivers’ smartphones, offers safety pointers and alerts them to wasteful driving habits. It also can diagnose engine trouble, remind drivers of where their car is parked and summon emergency response following a car crash. No subscription is required. Automatic adapters work with most gas, diesel and hybrid vehicles built after 1996. For more information visit www.511.org/DriveSmartBayArea.