The Next Generation GPS Device

If you want to avoid traffic or get the chance to find the cheapest gas, Dash Navigation comes to do the job for you.

Dash navigation, according to cnn.com, is more than just a run-of-the-mill GPS unit. As far as you might know, the in-car GPS device, for years, has been triangulating its location through the Pentagon’s GPS satellites. And, the GPS signal itself has been available to the public for decades. But still, the number of units being sold annually has barely reach a million. By fact, only about 7% out of approximately 230 million cars in the U.S. make use of GPS. An electronic map with voice directions is great, but it has the potential to put you in the middle of rush-hour traffic.

Now, here comes the Dash device to fix the problem. Eric Kein, senior direction of product marketing at Sunnyvale, California-based Dash (an 85-person company), said, “When we talk to customers, that’s the number one thing… ‘Get me through this traffic… Tell me how to get around it.” To get it done, the company will be using $45 million in funding from VCs, including Kleiner Parkins and Sequoia.

Dash has created a hyper-networked navigation device that uses GPS and additionally, employs GPRS (a cell phone data technology) and wifi. Thus, the device is always connected. The various devices even chatter to each other constantly. In case you run 15 M.P.H. on the road while other car in the area normally go 45 M.P.H., the device informs the Dash Driver Network. That means the device should first be used by a critical mass before the feature will be useful.

Since July, about 2,000 testers are out using the device, majority in the Bay Area and LA, with some in Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

Since it gets updates from time to time from the Internet, Dash was made to provide other kinds of up-to-date information. You can instantly be provided with a list of gas stations nearby, sorted by price, through a push of a button.

The company is currently in the process of further innovation of the device and its specs, in preparation of getting it in stores starting July 2008. Everyone can avail it for $500, plus $15 monthly subscription fee.

Tactical Technologies to aid Police in Catching Criminals

A GPS tracking system has been revealed as a technology that will aid the police in catching criminals. The technology enables the police to pursue the suspect for just a few blocks, instead of engaging himself in a dangerous and high-speed chase. Guided by a laser-sight targeting system, the police tag his car with the laser-guided GPS system launched from the front grille of the squad car. The ‘sticky’ transmitter attaches to the fleeing car, allowing the police to track the suspect through real-time feeds over a wireless network.

According to LAPD Chief William Bratton, “We believe this technology and the trials associated with it, will potentially give police officers yet another tool to minimize the damaging risks associated with high-speed pursuits… My goal is to protect not only my officers, but the general public as well.”

For a year, the technology went through beta-testing in Los Angeles. Present, the Suffolk County Police Department is testing it in New York.

StarChase, LLC, the developer, is planning to have the technology commercialized and brought to market by early next year.

Company COO Mandy McCall said that StarChase is holding a patent on the pneumatic gun, which uses compressed air in launching the projectile that can stick to metal and plastic car surfaces.

McCall said, “The pursuit tactics are set by each local municipality… But officers sit in the car and guide the projectile by laser from a control panel on the dashboard.”

McCall also mentioned that LAPD’s tactical-technology contributed in the development of the StarChase system. It has tested the system on its Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).

The unit, headed by Sgt. Dan Gomez, helped in refining the projectile into a battery-powered device that will release a tracking system every three seconds.

According to Trevor Fischbach, StarChase vice president of sales and business development and inventor of the sticky car-tracker, “LAPD has three of the prototype systems… With the technology, they can track the vehicle they are pursuing, its direction and range of speed. There’s also a mapping portal – that tells them the coordinates of where they parked, so they know when they’ve stopped driving.”

In addition to the GPS tracking system, LAPD is also working on the use of a wireless video-surveillance network at the Jordan Downs public-housing project, in collaboration with Motorola Corp.

Other police departments are also considering the use of new technologies like the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a new form of airborne unit. With about similar size with a model airplane, the UAVs could replace helicopters, making it more difficult for the criminals to see. The technology could even provide the police instant access to an overall aerial view of an emerging situation.

Safa Egilmez, crime-fighting technology expert for the Santa Monica, California, police department, said, “Some of these UAVs have the capability of fitting into the trunk of a police vehicle and able to launch within 15 minutes.” “They also will have the capability of being very easy to control, able to transmit via wireless communication, the visible and infrared spectrum imagery directly to police vehicles computers as well as to the headquarters. This is suitable for tactical deployments as well as for event tracking,” he added.

Mainly in small towns, other police departments are also looking forward in the use of wireless Internet connections to share data regarding criminals.

According to Paul Smith, president of Blue Streak Connect (a police software developer based in Washington, D.C., “It seems that a lot of the criminals who are being pursued by the high-tech police departments in big cities are resettling into small towns… Then they are suspected of starting crime sprees in their new locales. Local sheriffs want to be able to track them and detect patterns of emerging crimes.”

Well… Those are just few. And, there are other more technologies that have been developed under the same goal: to facilitate the fight against criminals.

A New Technology to cut Drink-Driving

Drunk driving is still a major cause of car accidents these days. And, car accidents are still not greatly reduced despite the introduction of several new technologies that are focused on the problem.

Based from netcars.co.uk, What Car? magazine mentioned that the government is in talks to begin testing technology that breathalyses drivers prior to allowing their engines to start.

According to the magazine, the systems are currently operating for persistent drink-driving offenders in the US, Canada and Australia. It is expected to reduce the number of alcohol related road deaths in the UK each year.

Approximately 570 out of the 3172 people in road accidents in Britain are casualties of drink-driving. It has been compared with the number in Germany, a country that currently has about 10 million more cars in use.

Manufacturers pioneering the technology include Saab and Volvo. In 2005, Saab has introduced its Alcokey system. Early next year, Volvo will be bringing the Alcoguard unit available on its new cars.

Recently, Alcosense conducted a survey showing that 51 per cent of UK drivers had unknowingly driven over the limit the morning after a night of light drinking.

Well, let us just hope that the new technology would bring an absolute success in lowering those numbers.

Guangzhou presents its First Concept Car

Guangzhou Auto Group Co. (GAC), a Chinese automotive maker, has created its first hybrid concept car, which will be displayed at AutoGuangzhou 2007.

GAC will be using the glazing solutions from SABIC Innovative Plastics (a leading materials supplier to the China market) and Torino Design (Italian design house). The traditional glass will be replaced by Lexan GLX polycarbonate (PC) resin glazing with Exatec coating. The material will create an edgy style along with lower weight for better performance, handling, and fuel economy.

The PC was created as a stunning component to provide an art to the five-door minivan-style Guangzhou hybrid concept. With such unique and complex glazing designs, the A-HEV offers more compelling vehicle experience.

According to Eric Herman, general manager, Automotive, China, SABIC Innovative Plastics, “Our participation in this landmark project attests to SABIC Innovative Plastics’ strong and growing presence in China’s automotive industry.” “It has been an honor to play a key role in the design of this beautiful and practical concept vehicle. Our Lexan GLX glazing technology enabled Guangzhou Automobile Group’s designers to break new ground in styling and practicality – in fact, many of the components simply could not have been created in any material but Lexan GLX resin. We look forward to expanding our work with China’s automakers by bringing the aesthetic and performance benefits of lightweight, impact-resistant glazing solutions to consumers,” he added.

The GAC hybrid concept vehicle will be featuring door and fender inserts, a panoramic roof that flows seamlessly into the windscreen, and a two-part tailgate window. Those features have been designed with the use of Lexan GLX PC glazing with Exatec coating technology. They will be integrated with printing, defrost, and hidden antenna.

Lexan GLX glazing will provide an amazing combination of design flexibility (to promote creativity and part consolidation), light weight (to boost fuel economy) and impact resistance (for occupant safety).

Comparing it with the traditional glass, the Lexan GLX resin can be transformed into complicated three-dimensional shapes. The material will weigh half of the weight of the glass, mainly to optimize fuel efficiency and eventually reduce emissions.

Roberto Piatti, CEO and managing director of Torino Design, said, “The A-HEV design is notable for its extensive use of glazing to eliminate traditional barriers between the vehicle’s occupants and the landscape for a more intense and immediate driving experience. The sleek, single-piece panorama roof and windscreen provide visibility comparable to a convertible without sacrificing safety, and the door/fender inserts provide a unique side view of the road. The two-part tailgate window gives the A-HEV a distinctive appearance from the rear.”

Overall, this technology is seemingly a potential key for enhanced hybrid conceptualization and one that will capture the buyers who consider practicality along with elegant design and impressive vehicle performance.

Hyundai to build Car Plant in Russia

Recently, Hyundai Motor Co.’s plan to build a $400 million car manufacturing plant in Russia has been revealed. The construction is set to start in 2008.

According to the statement from The Leningard region local government citing Hyundai’s General Manager Chan Joo Cho, the plant will be having the capacity to produce 100,000 to 200,000 units annually. Government spokesman Alexander Butenin has mentioned that the site for the factory will be finalized before the end of this year and the construction is likely to begin in 2008.

Last month, a Hyundai official said that the company was in the process of choosing a final site for the plant. For now, the company has not yet given any comment regarding the details.

At present, Hyundai, the world’s sixth largest automaker along side with its affiliate Kia Motor Corp., is already assembling about 70,000 to 80,000 cars each year in Russia at its Taganrog car plant in southern Russia.

The local government said that the company needs another $300 million worth of investment to establish a number of plants to produce car parts within approximately 60 to 100 hectares around the main factory. There were 20 Korean producers of car parts, according to Butenin, are planning to launch production in Russia. The cluster includes Dymos Inc., Daewan San Up Co., Dongwon Metal, Glovis Co., Tong Hae Electrics Industries, Mando Corporation and Sewon Ecs Co.

The government is expecting those projects to create 7,000 jobs.

Currently, Hyundai is a top-five foreign car brand in Russia. The market is where rapid economic growth and increasing consumer lending boost the demand for new imported vehicles.

In the first ten months of this year, Hyundai was able to have 112,174 cars sold in Russia. Based from the Association of European Business in the Russian Federation, the number shows 44 percent improvement compared from the company’s sales a year ago.

That is a significant progress that would mean further growth in the upcoming months, adding up with the company’s expansion through establishing new plants.

Honda’s Fourth-Generation Home Energy Station

Recently, Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaz:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy solutions, announced the start of operation of its fourth-generation Home Energy Station (HES IV) at Honda’s Torrance, CA facilities.

HES IV is a product created under the continuation collaboration of Plug Power and Honda R&D Co., Ltd of Japan. They have been working on the Home Energy Station since 2003.

The fourth-generation Home Energy Station is a fuel cell system that is made to convert natural gas into hydrogen. While providing heat and electricity for residential use, the hydrogen can also be used to fuel a hydrogen-powered car.

The latest Home Energy Station will be representing the current evolution of the technology. Compared from its predecessor, the HES IV offers 70 percent reduction in size, making it even more suitable for household installation. Makers have also significantly optimized the efficiency. The HES could now utilize Plug Power’s innovative dual mode fuel cell stack technology that generates electricity in one mode of operation and acts as a hydrogen purifier on the other mode.

The dual mode stack technology has simplified the system architecture. It will mostly likely provide cost reductions and manufacturing efficiencies. This innovation helps keep the Home Energy Station and a stable hydrogen infrastructure closer to commercialization.

According to Plug Power Chief Marking Officer Mark Sperry, “As automotive fuel cell technology continues to improve, the need for a reliable hydrogen infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Before fuel cell vehicles can have any significant market penetration, there well need to be a viable solution to the inevitable refueling question… The Home Energy Station provides the means for vehicle owners to produce onsite hydrogen, as well as heat and power, in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.”

At this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Honda, a Japanese automaker and leader in automotive fuel cell technology, plans to bring their all-new FCW hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle on display.

“Best of What’s New” for 2008: Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan

Chrysler LCC, an American automobile manufacturer, has been producing quality vehicles for the past years, greatly appealing to the masses, including the editors at Popular Science Magazine. In fact, Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan have both earned the “Best of What’s New” award for 2008 from those editors.

According to Mark Jannot, Editor and Chief of Popular Science Magazine, “For 20 years, Popular Science’s Best of What’s New awards have honored the innovations that make a positive impact on like today and change our views of the future.” “PopSci’s editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list. There’s no higher accolade Popular Science can give,” he added.

On the other hand, Deborah Meyer, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Chrysler LCC, said, “We are very honored that Popular Science chose the Chrysler Town Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan as award winners for 2008.”

“The Chrysler Town Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are leaders in the minivan marketplace because of what they offer. Innovations, functionality, value, safety and useful features are what set the Dodge and Chrysler minivans apart from the others,” she added.

Both the models were designed to be “family rooms on wheels”. They both provide something new in safety, fuel economy, functionality and design. Based on theautochannel.com, here are the other distinct features the all-new minivans have:

• Three distinct seating systems that include the Swivel n' Go(TM) seat system, the Stow n' Go(R) seating system and a second-row bench seat with fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. Swivel n' Go(TM) offers second- row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the second-row floor, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating
• Standard safety equipment such as advanced multi-stage driver and low-risk deployment air bags, the all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection and an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist
• Entertainment features including SIRIUS Backseat TV featuring three family friendly channels (Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Mobile) and a dual DVD entertainment system that allows for different media to be played at the same time
• Convenience features like the One-touch power third row folding seat and YES essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant and anti-static fabric seats, a premium front console that slides rearward 21 inches and 13 cup or bottle holders
• A minivan-first six-speed transaxle available with 3.8-liter and 4.0- liter V-6 engines for smoother shifts, more brisk launches and better acceleration with less engine flare
• Three engine options including a the 3.3-liter V-6 flex-fuel-capable engine that is mated to a four-speed transaxle and produces 175 hp and 205 lb.-ft of torque, a 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to a new six-speed automatic transaxle that produces 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft of torque and a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to the new six-speed automatic transaxle that produces 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft of torque

In 1983, Chrysler LLC has created the modern minivan segment. Innovations have been made, which have boosted the company’s sales to over 12 million minivans around the world.

BMW Korea lures Young Customers with Reasonable Pricing

BMW Korea is setting a new price strategy for its cars, mainly to lure more young consumers.

Last week, BMW started selling its special edition “320i” models at reasonable prices. It is basically to capture the customers who seek for practicality in purchasing new vehicles. BMW Korea Chief Executive Kim Hyo-joon said, “We expect the special edition will be popular among youngsters who go for practicality.”

Though BMW has retained the desirable performance of the original model, the special edition comes out with several additional features, including the cruise control device and anti-glare EC interior mirror.

Based on an article in koreatimes.co.kr, “This cheaper option brought the price of the 320i special edition down to 41.8 million won ($46,187), some 3.4 million won lower than the original model priced at 45.2 million won.”

This strategy of lowering down prices is not solely adopted by BMW but by other foreign-made car dealers as well, as they seek to attract the interest of South Korean drivers.

According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), the sale of imported cars reached 4,984 units last October. That would mean the highest in a single month, showing that the strategy is definitely effective.

BMW Concept 1 Series gets Sporty Makeover

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), the independent German company, gave its Concept 1 Series a sporty makeover as part of preparing it for its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show alongside the new BMW M3 Saloon.

This year, the Concept 1 Series features lightweight materials, optimized aerodynamics and a race-inspired interior.

The badge has been adapted from the BMW 2002 tii in the 1960s and ‘70s, which features the Alpine white colour scheme. But, the vehicle also had a model twist with a visible carbon-fibre bonnet, black and white front-to-rare decals and blue trims. The front has been redesigned to allow more air delivered to the engine and brakes. The side sills were remodeled. And, there is a carbon-fibre boot-mounted burney-flap spoiler at the rear.

Inside, the Concept 1 Series is found with sports seats that have body-colour white inserts. There are also roof lining, door linings and instrument panel.

The instrument binnacle comes with a white rev-counter that has red needle.

The Concept 1 Series is powered with new 135i 3-liter, bi-turbo inline six-cylinder engine that has 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque.

In the Tokyo Motor Show, BMW will also launch the new BMW M3 four-door Saloon featured with 4-liter V8 engine, which is also found in the two-door M3 Coupe. It will produce 313 kW at 8300 rpm, 400 Nm of torque at 3900 rpm and red-lines at 8400 rpm.

According to BMW Group Australia managing director Guenther Seemann, they are evaluating the local sales potential of the M3. He said, “If customer demand warrants we will bring the car to Australia. That said, it would be at least 12 months before this could be realized.”

In the 1990s, BMW sold a four-door sedan version of the E36 M3 overseas. Unfortunately, Australia wasn’t included.

Volvo’s October 2007 Car Sales Report in North America

In the past 80 years, Volvo has been creating cars that are well equipped with safety features. It has presented its 2008 model lineup, which includes the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop; the all- new Volvo S80; the recently launched two-door hatchback sporty C30; and the sophisticated but rugged all-new XC70 along with the upcoming versatile V70 wagon.

For now, let us check on the performance of the Swedish automaker based on their October 2007 Sales compared with last year:

UNITED STATES – down by 7.4 % from 8,395 to 7,771 units sold

• C30 – 484 units sold
• S40 – down by 47.8 % from 2,136 to 1,116 units sold
• V50 – down by 33.6 % from 363 to 241 units sold
• S60 – down by 35.4 % from 1,724 to 1,113 units sold
• V70 – down by 42.2 % from 377 to 218 units sold
• XC70 – up by 15.8 % from 895 to 1,036 units sold
• C70 – down by 22.4 % from 501 to 389 units sold
• S80 – up by 1194.2 % from 69 to 893 units sold
• XC90 – down by 2.1 % from 2,330 to 2,281 units sold

CANADA – down by 26.4 % from 588 to 433 units sold

• C30 – 91 units sold
• S40 – down by 50.5 % from 93 to 91 units sold
• V50 – down by 54.9 % from 51 to 23 units sold
• S60 – down by 70.1 % from 87 to 26 units sold
• V70 – down by 82.1 % from 39 to 7 units sold
• XC70 – down by 28.6 % from 133 to 95 units sold
• C70 – down by 50.0 % from 28 to 14 units sold
• S80 – up by 2400.0 % from 2 to 50 units sold
• XC90 – down by 47.7 % from 155 to 81 units sold

MEXICO – down by 8.1 % from 9,200 to 8,452 units sold

• C30 – 66 units sold
• S40 – down by 17.6 % from 91 to 75 units sold
• V50 – down by 100 % from 1 to 0 units sold
• S60 – down by 64.5 % from 31 to 11 units sold
• V70 – no units sold
• XC70 – no units sold
• C70 – up by 45.5 % from 11 to 16 units sold
• S80 – from 1 to 17 units sold
• XC90 – down by 23.2 % from 82 to 63 units sold

Well, unfortunately, it’s a swoop.

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Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is an Irvine, California-based company and a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Goteborg, Sweden. It has provided marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, along with overseas Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.