FEDS FADE TO BLACK ON DISTRACTED DRIVING What’s Going On:
The push for national regulations related to driving and cell phone use, including last December’s recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board for a total ban, has eased. The tougher restrictions could have had a significant impact on what aftermarket manufacturers and automakers would have been able to bring to market successfully. How It Could Affect You: The government has since backed off, giving the green light to the aftermarket and the automakers yet again. Lobbyists for the automakers say the tide has turned and they no longer expect any limits on the technology. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also put off holding his third annual Distracted Driving Summit, later this year, further evidence that this matter may be put to rest.
AUTO CYBERSECURITY What’s Going On:
Car jacking has been around forever, but auto hacking? Some suggest cars are now at greater risk with the increasing amount of electronics they offer. Electronic components that give us satellite radio, Bluetooth capability and GPS functions are also integrated into other features like stability, steering and acceleration controls. Some scientists are concerned that hackers could use the on-board infotainment system to manipulate a vehicle’s auto safety features. “There is clearly a vulnerability,” said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. How It Could Affect You:
Right now, it is under investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is looking into this. Both the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) and the United States Council for Automotive Research (members include General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) have groups working on standards related to cyber-security. It’s just hypothetical at this point, but the threat looms. A vehicle’s safety and entertainment systems are designed to work independently of one another, so there may need to be certain kinds of security measures developed to ensure a vehicle isn’t vulnerable to any kind of attack on its system. Manufacturers may be affected as studies continue.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES GET A JOLT WITH HONDA’S EV What’s Going On:
More than 45 automakers are expected to be competing globally in the electric vehicle market with 75 models by 2015. President Obama has said he would like to see 1 million EVs on the roads by then. Many states are offering rebates, tax credits and other incentives to boost this market. How It Could Affect You: This is a whole new area of growth for automakers. As this sector grows, there will be potential opportunities for the aftermarket. Bringing lots of attention to the category is Honda’s Fit EV, which makes its debut this summer. The car has three driving modes
(econ, normal and sport) and a smartphone app to keep you posted on your car’s battery charge. It will be available for lease in California and Oregon by summer and is expected in six East Coast markets by 2013.
RED LIGHT CAMERAS ARE WATCHING YOU What’s Going On: Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a law that now gives the city of Chicago the authority to use its red light cameras as speed cameras. The law takes effect July 1. How It Could Affect You: If this kind of legislation takes hold in other states, it will bring more attention to the category of radar detectors, smartphones and apps that keep drivers informed and prepared on the roads.
www.me-mag.com 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68