Staying connected
Connect2Car, a manufacturer of automotive electronic solutions, has announced the Connect2Car Apple Watch application, which allows users to remotely find, start and manage critical safety aspects of their car. With an Apple Watch interface, Connect2Car reportedly can connect with any of the Connect2Car aftermarket units. Drivers can start their car and lock or unlock doors using their wrist. Other features include a car finder with a real time distance and map indicator, designed to help users locate where their car is parked. In addition, speed limit alerts help drivers avoid speeding and provide access to driving history. Security control and vehicle alarm notifications alert drivers if someone is tampering with their car. Because the Connect2Car system relies on cellular connectivity to communicate with one’s phone, it can offer unlimited range. A basic plug-and-play unit costs $139, while a more advanced unit costs $199.
Give us a brake
According to federal regulators, 10 automakers have agreed to install automatic braking systems, which use sensors to detect potential collisions, as standard equipment in new vehicles. However, the automakers have not set a timetable for introducing the systems, and regulators may still seek government rules that would require the equipment as a standard feature in all cars and trucks. Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx recently announced that emergency braking technology is designed to mitigate accidents, particularly rear-end crashes in which drivers fail to apply the brakes in time to avoid collisions. The systems would be the latest in a long line of government efforts to cut the number of traffic fatalities in the United States, which fell about 25 percent from 2004 to 2013, according to recent government statistics. The initiative would be similar to past government initiatives that required airbags and backup cameras as standard equipment in cars. Currently, while some luxury autos are already equipped with emergency braking systems, the technology is not common on most mass-market vehicles. Manufacturers that have committed to making emergency braking standard on future vehicles include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen (as well as its Audi brand) and Volvo. These automakers manufactured about 57 percent of all the new vehicles sold in the United States last year.
Step aside, Tesla
Not to be outdone, Porsche recently introduced its own version of Tesla – an all-electric Mission E concept car. A four-door, four-seat luxury performance sedan with futuristic 911 design cues, Mission E will be the first all-electric model Porsche will offer to the public. Porsche’s message: Performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, while the Porsche brand – a division of Volkswagen – is one of the marquee brands in the traditional sports car world, it isn’t a complete stranger to electrification. Porsche built three Boxster E cars for public evaluation in 2011, and currently sells three hybrid models — the Cayenne S Hybrid, Panamera S E-Hybrid and the $845,000 918 Spyder. The Mission E concept’s 800-volt battery pack, made up of lithium-ion batteries, sits in the car floor for a low center of gravity. Reportedly, the Mission E’s range is well over 300 miles, and depleted batteries can be recharged to 80 percent in 15 minutes using Porsche’s Turbo Charging system. The charging system’s network will take time to develop properly, and the battery’s durability must be further tested under performance conditions — two reasons Porsche isn’t rushing production. Mission E can also recharge at existing 400-watt charge stations.
In theory…
Tech companies may have their eye on the car industry. But, according to a recent Associated Press article, car building may best be left in the hands of traditional automakers. For instance, Google has spent the last six years working on cars that can drive without human assistance, notes the article. Yet, the company is not interested in building their robotic vehicles. Similarly, Apple CEO Tim Cook suggests that new software, electric motors and self-driving capability is on the horizon, but – like Google – he makes no allusion to the company building such vehicles. And, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made it clear that, rather than rolling up his sleeves and picking up some tools, he’s watching Apple’s moves.
Car care
The non-profit Car Care Council recommends motorists follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan to help reduce the fear of unexpected breakdowns and overwhelming repair costs. The Car Care Council’s free, online custom service schedule and email reminder service is designed to help car owners be more responsible and remember to include auto care in their busy schedules. Drivers also should consult their vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations by the carmaker. A free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide is available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.
A breath of fresh air
Cleaner air may be within reach. A recent report called “The Exhaust Systems Market by After-Treatment Device, Components, Fuel Type and by Region – Trends and Forecast to 2020” suggests the latest emission regulations have reduced the volume of allowed emissions from the exhaust systems of the automobiles. Automotive exhaust systems perform three main functions: channel exhaust gases out of the engine, reduce the noise generated by high-velocity exhaust gases, and clean up emissions that are harmful to the environment. The global automotive exhaust systems market is growing at a healthy rate, which is mainly driven by changing emission norms in different regions across the globe. Hence, exhaust system manufacturers have been investing heavily in research and development for technologically advanced exhausts that comply with new guidelines. The new emission norms have made after-treatment devices (e.g., diesel particulate filter, diesel oxidation catalyst, lean NOx trap, selective catalytic reduction and gasoline particulate filter) a necessary component, as these help OEMs keep a check on the emission levels produced by the vehicles, and reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. All of these devices are said to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and help improve the environment.