GM's CUE System: A Revolutionary Next Step For Vehicle Interfaces?

GM CUE interface - 2013 Cadillac XTS

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more GM's upcoming CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system, which will go into the luxury brand's next-generation vehicles, led by the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan, might just change the way in which we see in-car interfaces.

With CUE, which will be exclusive to Cadillac but might eventually be seen on other models in a few years, GM [NYSE: GM] boasts several auto-industry firsts: the first fully capacitative touch screen in the auto industry, and the first to incorporate proximity sensing, as well as multi-touch gestures like those we've become accustomed to with out smartphones and tablets. It's also an industry first (not just autos, but all of consumer electronics) for touch-sensitive haptic feedback technology—not even featured in any tablet or personal computing device—that sends feedback to fingertips with gentle pushbacks, to key the user in on menus and borders without keeping eyes on the screen.

In addition to the screen-based interface, CUE will include next-generation natural-language voice controls, developed with Nuance. According to GM, you won't need to think about getting through submenues before, for instance, requesting that it play a certain song or artist.

Real-time sync for media contents

CUE is also the first automotive infotainment system we're aware of that will index all the content of all the devices you connect—media devices, SD card, memory stick, phones—and rather than requiring you to switch between devices, making it all available through simple requests; and it's all synced and updated in real-time as contents change on the devices, GM claims.

On the entertainment side, CUE will also be the first automotive interface to incorporate a fully compatible Blu-Ray player.

It's worth noting that when Cadillac began the project of developing CUE, about three and a half years ago, iPhones were just out, and iPads and Android devices didn't yet exist. The company placed some bets on gesture-based technology when it was not yet the norm, and that's clearly paid off.

In addition to the very advanced screen and interface, the system has a processor that's altogether more than three times faster than that used in previous systems from the automaker; its high-speed bus is also, at 50 Mbps, twice as fast as the nearest competitor, which GM did not name. On the software side, the system employs the type of 3D modeling from video games, and it's built on linux, with an open-source foundation.

GM also says that it's tested the system's touch screen down to -40 degrees C, and it's engineered to last the life of the vehicle. It will also work while wearing gloves up to five millimeters thick, we were told.

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Prepare Your Vehicle for Fall

Prepare your vehicle for fall at the end of the summer season. Before you know it the weather will change and you want to be ready to meet the fall head on where auto safety and maintenance is concerned.

(NewsUSA) - In many parts of the country, the leaves have started to fall, and parents have sent their children back to school. Before the weather takes a turn, Firestone Complete Auto Care would like to offer the following car maintenance tips to get vehicles ready for the damp, cold road ahead.

Take Your Vehicle For A Full Check Up.

As the fall weather rolls in, it's important to have the following items checked by a professional: battery cables and terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, including anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.

Take A Good Look At Your Tires.

Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels. Remember to check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.

Take Care Of Your Lights And Turn Signals.

Fall, along with less favorable weather, also means it's time to turn the clocks back for daylight savings. With a shorter day comes a longer night, so be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels.

Talk To Your Teenager.

Have a teenager in the house? Worried about all the driving they will be doing during the fall? You can't teen-proof your neighborhood, but you can talk to your teen about safe driving before they head to school. Teens Drive Smart, a teen driver safety initiative from Bridgestone Americas, the parent company to Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which owns and operates Firestone Complete Auto Care, has tips and resources for parents to help start a conversation with their teens about smart driving. Visit www.TeensDriveSmart.com for more information.

Remember, not only can taking these small steps keep your vehicle running newer, longer, but they can also help keep you and your family safe on the road.

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Dream Drives For Summer: An Expert's Picks For Great Road And Vehicle Pairings

Hitting the road this summer in your beat-up, but reliable old Chevy pickup? There's nothing wrong with that. But you can always dream, right? And if you're looking for a dream drive, here are Farah's top five great road and vehicle pairings for scenic summer cruising:

5. Route 292, Patterson, N.Y., and the Corvette ZR1

Hop on 292 and head north out of Patterson. The road climbs through the Catskill Mountains, passing picturesque farms and homesteads throughout northern West Chester County. "The Corvette ZR1 is the perfect vehicle for this drive because it's got tons of horsepower," Farah says. "And it's the kind of car that you can go out and put miles on it and not worry about it losing value. It's reliable, powerful and looks great."

4. Interstate 90, South Dakota and the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead

Interstate 90 is a straight shot across the state of South Dakota and passes through rolling plains and quaint towns. Get on anywhere on the eastern side of the state and head west toward the Black Hills. You'll see wild buffalo and antelope grazing beside the highway in broad plains that go all the way to the horizon. "Driving the Phantom is like driving on a cloud," Farah says. And the Drophead's massive front grill and 6,000 pounds of pure powerful heft ensure that if you have an encounter with any of the region's large wildlife, "you're probably going to win," he notes.

3. Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, Calif., and the Lotus Elise SC supercharged

Latigo Canyon Road runs parallel to the more famous - and always crowded - Mulholland Drive. The road offers lovely scenery and a tighter, more technically demanding driving experience than Mulholland. "And it's always empty," Farah notes. For this drive, he favors the light and nimble Lotus Elise SC, which Lotus describes as "the ultimate evolution of the Elise."

2. Route 33, Ojai, Calif., and the Astin Martin DBS Volante

Route 33 travels through multiple elevations, carrying drivers down through a breath-taking canyon and back up over the mountains. It's an easy drive for beginners, but offers stunning scenery. The Astin Martin is Farah's pick for this drive because of the vehicle's rich, powerful sound. Topgear.com says the DBS Volante is "all about noise: monstrous, glorious, technicolor noise." And that noise sounds even more spectacular and powerful echoing off Route 33's canyon walls, Farah says.

And, Farah's No. 1 scenic drive and vehicle pairing is...

Glendora Mountain Road/Glendora Ridge Road in California and the Ferrari 458 Italia

Running through the scenic landscape north of Los Angeles, Glendora Mountain Road is another California highway rarity. "The road doesn't start at anything important and really goes nowhere," Farah says. "It's just there for you to enjoy." High elevation and tight turns make the road technically challenging and a 25-mile stretch unbroken by driveways or intersections ensures you'll have no interruptions. The Ferrari's light, nimble steering and outstanding rack and balance make it the perfect vehicle to handle this fun, exciting road.

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Vehicle Modifications Can Affect Insurance Premiums

Vehicle modifications can affect your insurance premiums so before you get your car modified talk to your car insurance broker and find out how much it will affect your car insurance rates.

(NC)—Every day we see them on our streets—customized vehicles with non-stock spoilers, enhanced engines, raised suspensions and the like. Needless to say, the post-manufacturer auto modification business is booming.

But while adding performance parts and 'styling' features to your vehicle can give it a distinct appearance and improve performance, it may also impact your auto insurance. So before you add a turbo-charged engine or even tint your windows, it is a good idea to contact your insurance broker or insurer to make certain you have the right coverage.

Insurance expert Mauro Convertini from Aviva Canada, points out how vehicle modifications can increase risk and premiums as a result. He explains, “Certain modifications can put motorists at a greater risk of having a collision, such as a lowered or raised suspension, or increasing the size of your engine. Your vehicle could become untrustworthy on the road and impact your safety as well as your access to coverage.”

Even modifications you would expect to better the insurance risk of your vehicle, like an improved brake system, may still increase the cost of insurance for the following reasons:

• The modifications might increase the value of the vehicle, therefore increasing claims costs.

• Modified vehicles often are more attractive to thieves increasing the risk of theft.

• Vehicles with performance modifications generally mean that the performance of the vehicle is improved which can lead to more severe accidents.

Remember an insurer could refuse to pay a claim and even leave you uninsured if you have not disclosed modifications to your vehicle. So before you invest time and money on a project that could raise your premium, call your broker or insurance company and verify that your insurance will remain valid.More information is available from your insurance broker or online at www.avivacanada.com.

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GM shuffles talent behind global vehicle design

Thursday, May 26th, 2011 @ 2:51 p.m.

One of General Motors’ most talented designers, Bryan Nesbitt, currently serving at the executive director for North American exterior design and global architecture strategy, has been given the go-ahead to move on up the corporate ladder at the automaker.

Nesbitt will now be serving as the vice president of GMIO design, which will relocate the designer from North America to Shanghai, China.

Part of the reason for the designer’s physical location being changed was the need to take the reigns of designing future vehicles for GM’s Chinese brands of Wuling and Baojun.

With Nesbitt leaving the U.S., GM will recall Ken Parkinson from the position Nesbitt will now be taking over, essentially switching roles for the pair. Parkinson will also be tasked with overseeing design for the Chevrolet brand.

The changes will take place as of August 1, 2011.

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Group calls ’93-’04 Jeep Grand Cherokee “most dangerous vehicle,” demands fuel tank recall

Fuel tanks mounted between the rear axle and the rear bumper on the first two generations of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee are cause for concern, says the Center for Automotive Safety.

“For the Center for Auto Safety, this is the most dangerous vehicle on the road today and we want it recalled,” said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the advocacy organization, in an interview with ABC News.

The safety watchdog group is putting pressure on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Chrysler to recall about 2.2 million Jeeps, some of which are almost 20 years old, over fears that the tanks could rupture and leak fuel in a rear impact. Those Grand Cherokees had a composite fuel tank located just behind the rear bumper. Some Grand Cherokees were equipped with steel skid plates, but most had little shielding.

The first generation Grand Cherokee, which went on sale in 1992, and the second generation model, which went on sale in 1998, are both the targets of the Center for Auto Safety’s investigation.

When the Grand Cherokee was redesigned for its third generation in 2005, Chrysler moved the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle. The fourth generation 2011 model continues this placement for its tank.

“You can have the tank itself rupture, you can have the filler hoses pull off as they did in some of our crash tests, and it’s just a terrible design,” Ditlow said.

The Center for Auto Safety says it has turned over its own crash test results to the government, which is now investigating the Grand Cherokees.

Chrysler, meanwhile, says that the watchdog group’s testing was “three times as severe” as NHTSA’s government standard. Furthermore, Chrysler says that “rear impacts resulting in a fire are extremely rare… [and] occur no more often in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles than in peer vehicles.”

References
1.’Safety advocates demand…’ view

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Before Summer Fun, Make Sure Your Vehicle Can Handle the Heat

Before summer fun, make sure your vehicle can handle the heat. Prepare your car for trips to the beach, road trip vacations and just everyday summer driving with these helpful auto care tips. Keep your car in good running condition with easy maintenance and avoid summer roadside breakdowns.

(NewsUSA) - If you ask anyone, whether it be your friends, your neighbors or your colleagues, all will tell you the best things about summer are the surf and the sun!

For many of us, a day at the beach is like a mini-vacation, but if you're not prepared, your lovely day trip can turn into your worst nightmare!

The team at Firestone Complete Auto Care would like to offer the following tips to get you ready for your summer beach trips:

* Make sure your vehicle's fluids and filters are fresh and the air conditioner is working properly, as this will help keep your vehicle cool in the summer heat.

* Avoid overloading your vehicle, as too much weight in the vehicle can decrease your gas mileage and create excessive heat inside your tires.

* When driving on sand, point your vehicle's wheels straight ahead when starting off. This will help reduce the effort required by your vehicle to move forward.

* If you get stuck in the sand, reverse out. Gently reverse on your own tracks and then try to slowly move forward again. Before trying to reverse out, remove sand build-up from behind the tires or under your vehicle.

* Once you get home, remove all traces of sand, dirt or salt from your vehicle after a beach trip. When hosing your vehicle, pay special attention to areas like the mudguards and any other nooks and crannies where sand can get trapped.

* Make sure to check your tire pressure on all four tires and your spare at least once per month and before every long trip. Be certain to keep them at the recommended pressure level.

Firestone Complete Auto Care also realizes that rising gas prices might keep you and your family from embarking on a summer road trip to the seashore. That's why we have set up Gasonomics, an online resource to help you save money at the pump! Go to http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/gasonomics for money-saving tips and special offers from Firestone Complete Auto Care and to locate the lowest priced gas near your home.

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GM shuffles talent behind global vehicle design

One of General Motors’ most talented designers, Bryan Nesbitt, currently serving at the executive director for North American exterior design and global architecture strategy, has been given the go-ahead to move on up the corporate ladder at the automaker.

Nesbitt will now be serving as the vice president of GMIO design, which will relocate the designer from North America to Shanghai, China.

Part of the reason for the designer’s physical location being changed was the need to take the reigns of designing future vehicles for GM’s Chinese brands of Wuling and Baojun.

With Nesbitt leaving the U.S., GM will recall Ken Parkinson from the position Nesbitt will now be taking over, essentially switching roles for the pair. Parkinson will also be tasked with overseeing design for the Chevrolet brand.

The changes will take place as of August 1, 2011.

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Millions in fraudulent vehicle tax refunds issued to prisoners, deceased, kids

While fraud is certainly nothing new when it comes to the Internal Revenue Service, a government-run watch group says the IRS failed to do enough to stop millions of dollars of fraudulent claims from being issued – all filed on behalf of, or by prisoners, the deceased and unqualified underage applicants.

The Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration, the watchdog group evaluating the IRS, issued its report after finding flaws in the IRS’ system intended to catch fraudulent claims before sending taxpayer money to the criminals. A Reuters report explains that the qualified motor vehicle deduction (QMV) program, which was created by the Obama administration as part of the Stimulus Act, intended to offer consumers the ability to write taxes off associated with the purchase of new cars weighing less than 8,500 lbs and valued up to $49,500 (in addition to other qualifications).

Instead, the deduction was abused by thousands of individuals with a total cost to taxpayers of over $152 million, with over $1 million of those losses filed by prisoners, deceased an underage applicants. The lion’s share was filed by 4,257 people which should have automatically been flagged for being “excessive,” according to IRS safeguards, but instead were not detected.

To add to the frustration of the watchdog group, the IRS apparently required no independent proof that applicants purchased the new vehicles, or how much they paid in the taxes they wrote off as part of the program.

As a result, $151.1 million in erroneous refunds were issued to those individuals, with another 473 prisoners laying claim to $955,483 in fraudulent claims, $36,490 for deceased applicants and 18 who filed that were under the age of 15, worth $31,139.

The IRS responded to the findings, defending its handling of the situation, “While no amount of fraud is acceptable, more than 4.3 million taxpayers claimed more than $7.2 billion in qualified motor vehicle deductions and only a small percentage involved questionable claims.”

The IRS says that it will be reviewing the claims found by the watchdog group and taking necessary action to recoup the taxpayer money from the fraudulent filers.

References
1.’Prisoners, dead people…’ view

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GM shuffles talent behind global vehicle design

One of General Motors’ most talented designers, Bryan Nesbitt, currently serving at the executive director for North American exterior design and global architecture strategy, has been given the go-ahead to move on up the corporate ladder at the automaker.

Nesbitt will now be serving as the vice president of GMIO design, which will relocate the designer from North America to Shanghai, China.

Part of the reason for the designer’s physical location being changed was the need to take the reigns of designing future vehicles for GM’s Chinese brands of Wuling and Baojun.

With Nesbitt leaving the U.S., GM will recall Ken Parkinson from the position Nesbitt will now be taking over, essentially switching roles for the pair. Parkinson will also be tasked with overseeing design for the Chevrolet brand.

The changes will take place as of August 1, 2011.

View the original article here

Ford expands Crew Chief telematics to improve safety, efficiency and vehicle longevity

Leftlane reported on Ford’s Crew Chief telematics system as it was one of the automaker’s key features when introducing the new 2011 Super Duty, but now Ford has an update to add even more functionality to the fleet-minded system.

Not to be confused with the Ford Work Solutions or Tool Link technologies also introduced with the Super Duty and aimed at business applications, Crew Chief is a telematics system intended for tracking fleets in a business environment. Ford has now released changes and new data that shows the benefits of Crew Chief in regards to key areas such as improved safety, improved fuel efficiency and less wear and tear on several aspects of the vehicle.

Ford explains that Crew Chief operates by accessing data straight from the engine’s computer and then wirelessly transmitting that data back to a fleet manager. The fleet manager is then able to access and evaluate the data through an intuitive web-based interface. Data collection covers several areas including alerts and reports for safety belt status, oil life remaining, water-in-diesel, tire pressure and air bag status.

Fleet managers can also easily track the exact location and speed of each vehicle real-time.

As for new changes, Ford has announced the selection of Telogis as its partner to develop the next-generation of Crew Chief, as well as new functions such as Oil Life Minder – a special function that does in-depth analysis of vehicle use to give a more accurate and custom calculated estimation of oil life, rather than simply relying on miles travels or hours operated.

Ford has also been able to track thousands of hours of vehicle use, establishing a proprietary database that vehicles can now access via cellular connection in order to find optimal routes that improve fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent, as well as finding safer routes. The end result is a potentially sizable savings to business owners through reduced fuel costs, as well as reduced losses from accidents.

Ford says that an average automobile accident costs an employer $16,500 – not including injury. Add injury into the mix and the cost skyrockets to $74,000. With Crew Chief, there are several safety alerts for things such as seat belts, speeding and aggressive driving – all of which help to lower the risk of an accident or a more severe injury.

Crew Chief is currently available on F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect, with testing taking place on the Escape and Fusion models as well. Ford says Crew Chief can be added to vehicles after the point of sale, including non-Ford vehicles.

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Ford raises vehicle prices for third time in five months

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Learn more about new cars with our extensive collection of overviews, specifications, and pictures.

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Ford raises vehicle prices for third time in five months

New Cars Home

Learn more about new cars with our extensive collection of overviews, specifications, and pictures.

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GM builds 9 millionth vehicle at Texas SUV plant

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Vehicle Collision Protocol – 101

Vehicle collision protocol – 101 where you can find out what to do if you have a car accident. What should you do when you have a collision? Find out what to do after you have been in a car accident. The more information you have the less stress you will feel when you have to deal with an auto collision.

(NC)—Whether you're driving to work, running errands or heading up to the cottage, chances are that you will unfortunately be in at least one minor collision at some point in your life. Avoid becoming a nervous wreck by knowing what to do when a collision occurs.

After you've been in an accident, experts agree that you should remember to:

• Move Your Vehicle Off The Road

If the collision is minor, move your car into the nearest parking lot or driveway.

• Call 911

Have your driver's license and proof of insurance ready when you make the call. Once the authorities have been notified, write down the other driver's name, insurance details and policy number, as well as all information related to their car.

• Do Not Discuss Accident Details

Avoid conversations or disputes surrounding the accident by not recounting the details with the other drivers and passengers, and never admit fault.

• Keep Your Claim Number

The officer onsite will assess the accident and determine who is at fault. They will then write a report and give you what is called an accident claim number. It is very important to keep this information handy and in a safe place for future reference.

• Call Your Insurance Company

If the accident is your fault, call your insurance company as soon as possible. If it's not, use the other driver's policy information to avoid paying a deductible.

• Report To A Collision Centre

By law, drivers involved in a collision must report into a collision reporting centre (CRC) within 24 hours.

“Even the most minor collision can be quite stressful but the process involved in getting back on the road is quite simple,” says Mauro Convertini, insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Once you've visited your local CRC, your insurance company will actually handle the damage appraisal, give you a repair estimate and arrange for a rental car.”

More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.

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Vehicle Ejections Kill So Buckle Up

Vehicle ejections kill, so buckle up and read some seat belt safety facts. Seat belts can save lives so make sure to always buckle up when you get into a car.

(NC)—Do you always buckle up? Whether in the back seat of a full car, in a quick cab ride, or behind the wheel, are you always clicking your safety belt shut?

We aren't all doing it – according to Transport Canada, some Canadians are still riding in their vehicles without a seat belt.

Rehabilitative care for someone who has been injured in a vehicle crash takes months or years, not to mention the toll a serious injury can take on your life, as well as those of your family and friends.

But not wearing your seat belt also puts more than your safety at risk – being caught unbuckled nets you a fine up to multiple hundred dollars, demerit points on your driving record and may result in a boost to your insurance rates.

“Beyond being a choice that is against the law, deciding not to buckle up can be a fatal decision,” said Mauro Convertini, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “It's a fact, seat belts save lives and greatly reduce serious injury. Even for the simple reason that they keep passengers from being ejected from the vehicle, which increases chances of fatality.”

Consider the following tips the next time you buckle up:

• Don't Share:

A seat belt is only effective when one person is using it. This is true for both children and adults.

• Use The Shoulder Belt As A Shoulder Belt:

This belt should not be worn under the arm but rather across the chest.

• Tighten Across The Hips:

Tighten the belt to ensure that it does not fall or slip if the driver needs to make a sudden stop.

Buckling up for every car ride means obeying Canadian law, reducing the chance of serious injury or death, and makes you a safer driver in the eyes of your insurer. More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.

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Report: Nissan suffers 55,000 vehicle production loss in March

Wednesday, Mar 30th, 2011 @ 11:34 a.m.

Nissan has been one of the more vocal and forthcoming automakers in Japan, hardly shying away from sharing the sometimes ugly truth about the damage sustained from the recent natural disasters in Japan.

In the last week alone Nissan has revealed that some of its parts suppliers are still in dire straits, conditions may force the automaker to turn to U.S. plants to export engines back to Japan and even that the automaker is now checking its parts for unsafe levels of radiation as the nation of Japan suffers from a nuclear energy plant meltdown. To top it all off, Nissan has now revealed to Reuters that it will suffer a loss in vehicle production of 55,000 units just in the month of March.

To put the 55,000 vehicle number in perspective, the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, meaning that just two-thirds of the month’s production was lost, creating the 55,000 unit shortfall. Nissan also suggested that a return to full production will take “some time,” but as with most automakers, it is impossible to truly know an accurate timeline due to the countless variables hindering production.

References
1.’Nissan: quake to cut…’ view

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