Atomium Sky
The connection of the real and virtual world as well as the relationship of earth and space is captured in the BASF Coating’s key color, Atomium Sky, predicted to influence 2022 vehicle models in North America. This is the second consecutive year that BASF selected a blue as its key color, demonstrating its growing prominence in this region. “Atomium Sky is a deeply saturated blue with a medium coarseness that transitions to a softer, semi-opaque hue, exuding playfulness while demonstrating futuristic and forward-thinking,” says the company. Atomium Sky is just one of 65 colors for automotive surfaces featured in BASF’s 2018-19 Automotive Color Trends. Others include Metal’s Mettle, Centripetal Blue and Kleur.
On-demand deliveries by drone
Boeing announced its investment in Matternet, a Menlo Park, California-based startup pioneering on-demand unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery operations in urban environments. Matternet’s logistics platform – combined with Boeing’s expertise in complex logistics, integration and manufacturing capabilities – will further enable reliable, efficient cargo air transportation, according to the companies. Matternet received authorization to launch UAV operations over densely populated areas in Switzerland in 2017. Leveraging its Matternet Station, M2 drone and Cloud platform, the company achieved safe flights over densely populated areas and partnered with Swiss Post for on-demand deliveries of medical samples to hospitals in Switzerland.
Replace your own car key
No more trips to the dealer to replace a lost key. The product development division of Louisville, Kentucky-based Car Keys Express released a consumer-programmable, universal aftermarket key for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The key, with integrated remote, is said to have the same functionality as standard OEM versions and was scheduled to be available for purchase in August. This key is the second device to be released in the company’s new product line, Simple™ Key. Each key in the product line allows retailers to offer consumers a simple, “do-it-yourself” solution for replacing modern car keys. These products include a universal key and, if required, an EZ Installer™, allowing customers to pair the key to their vehicle. Once cut, consumers follow instructions to pair the key in just a few minutes.
Scoot to your next call
Driving in a busy metro area? Go to your next call in a VehiGo – a three-wheel, standup electric scooter said to guarantee riders a safe and natural trip. Users can stand on the feet plate without holding the handlebar and keep natural balance. Lean left or lean right – it won’t tumble. With 360-degree limitless steering, users can operate forward and backward without stepping off the scooter. The 130MP wide lens camera will record the riding and automatically upload to cellphone, which allows the user to share the riding story to friends, family – or sales manager. And when the ride is done, users can fold and drag the VehiGo like luggage on the street, get in the elevator, subway or hospital hall, or put it next to the working desk. The manufacturer, Alllu, has started a Kickstarter campaign.
Less distraction
Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto are less distracting to drivers when compared to built-in vehicle infotainment systems designed by automakers, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. While many of today’s infotainment systems create potentially unsafe levels of distraction by allowing drivers to perform complex tasks like programming navigation or sending a text, CarPlay and Android Auto were 24 percent (5 seconds) faster on average than the vehicle’s native system when making a call, and 31 percent (15 seconds) faster when programming navigation. This difference is critical, as drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds double their risk of a crash. AAA says it is encouraged by these findings, as they indicate that popular infotainment systems can be designed in a way that is less distracting. Distracted driving is responsible for more than 390,000 injuries and 3,500 deaths every year.
Get in the know
Spiffy Blue is an on-board diagnostics sensor said to give car owners unparalleled access to information – like a fitness tracker for the car. “Since 1996, every car in the U.S. has been required to have an on-board diagnostics port, but until recently, only professionals had access to scanning technology,” Scot Wingo, CEO of Durham, North Carolina-based Get Spiffy Inc. is quoted as saying. “Knowing exactly what you need when you go to the shop puts the power back into your hands. You can work with service providers to ensure the right services are performed at a fair price.” Car owners can order the Spiffy Blue on-board diagnostics sensor online from Amazon.com and eBay, and download the free app for Apple iOS and Android.
Car subscriptions
Flexdrive, a car subscription company that enables dealers and fleet owners to offer on-demand car subscriptions to consumers via mobile devices, announced that Florida Fine Cars, a dealership with four locations in Florida, will launch AmeriDrive to provide car subscriptions to consumers across South Florida. The dealership partnered with Flexdrive because of the company’s technology platform that enables dealers to manage all aspects of car subscription from fleet management down to individual transactions with consumers, according to Flexdrive. Atlanta-based Flexdrive is a joint venture of Cox Automotive and ARI, a fleet management company.