Did you know that the National Transportation Safety Board is strongly considering making pre-crash or pre-collision technology in motor vehicles mandatory in the next year or two? Maybe you have seen the Mercedes Benz commercials where the driver starts to unconsciously swerve into oncoming traffic? The technology referenced in those commercials is pre-crash or pre-collision technology. This technology works by using radar or sensors to detect the imminent approach of vehicles or objects. When a collision is detected the vehicle is designed to perform several functions to reduce the severity of the crash on the vehicle occupants. There may be some sort of warning beep transmitted to the driver of the vehicle. The seats on the vehicle may also inflate in order to provide additional support in the event of a collision. The seatbeats may become tighter. The passenger seat is automatically adjusted to further protect the person riding in it. The rear headrests are folded up to prevent whiplash. Finally, the vehicle's partial or full brakes are applied to reduce or avoid impact. All of these functions are carried out electronically without any action being taken by the vehicle's driver or other occupants of the vehicle.
This type of vehicle functionality is something most people probably don't think much about when deciding to purchase a vehicle, but think about it this way; You are driving on a two lane highway with your family in the vehicle with you. You are engaged in a highly animated conversation with your passenger so you don't notice that the vehicle coming directly towards you is veering into your lane and is about to make contact with your vehicle. The single action that alerts you to this serious situation is that you suddenly become aware that your vehicle has automatically applied your vehicle's full braking capacity while tightening your seatbeats. Somehow, you avoid a collision with the oncoming vehicle. At that point in time, how valuable would this technology be to you?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Discussion on Vehicle Reputation
What is it that makes a vehicle's reputation? We have all heard the jokes about different car brands such as Ford and KIA supposedly being acryonoms for "forever on the road dead," or "killed in action" respectively. These labels tend to stick in spite of the fact all reports show Ford and Kia have progressed nicely with improving the quality of their car models over the last 20 years.
JD Powers, an independent research and consulting firm, has compiled data that is designed to add more science to the study of what makes a vehicle's reputation for reliability. In their study, JD Powers developed a model that looks at the number of vehicle problems per vehicle per 100 vehicles. In other words, for the study, JD Powers found that the Land Rover has 441 problems per 100 vehicles. The problem variables range from reported oil leaks to engine problems to transmission malfunctions. The study tablulated all of the problems found in a sampling of 100 vehicles of the same make and model and then ratings were applied based on the reliability of the vehicle. JD Powers also included input from experienced auto mechanics to provide balance to the study. For example, according to Mitchell Seligson, a mechanic in Orangeburg, N.Y. for 16 years, Hondas and Toyotas are the most reliable vehicles. This sentiment was echoed by Shawn Harris, a 25 year mechanic from Overdrive Motors in Iowa City. Most of the mechanics surveyed in the study gave the same input. This type of research is important because it contributes directly to consumer perception which contributes to what consumers are willing to pay for a vehicle.
In the 1980s it was pretty much assumed that "import" models were more reliable. Today, companies like Toyota and Honda regularly construct the cars in the U.S. so maybe the term "import" is obsolete, but the perception, and in the case of this study, the data, still indicates that Toyota and Honda are the best bets for your dollar.
JD Powers, an independent research and consulting firm, has compiled data that is designed to add more science to the study of what makes a vehicle's reputation for reliability. In their study, JD Powers developed a model that looks at the number of vehicle problems per vehicle per 100 vehicles. In other words, for the study, JD Powers found that the Land Rover has 441 problems per 100 vehicles. The problem variables range from reported oil leaks to engine problems to transmission malfunctions. The study tablulated all of the problems found in a sampling of 100 vehicles of the same make and model and then ratings were applied based on the reliability of the vehicle. JD Powers also included input from experienced auto mechanics to provide balance to the study. For example, according to Mitchell Seligson, a mechanic in Orangeburg, N.Y. for 16 years, Hondas and Toyotas are the most reliable vehicles. This sentiment was echoed by Shawn Harris, a 25 year mechanic from Overdrive Motors in Iowa City. Most of the mechanics surveyed in the study gave the same input. This type of research is important because it contributes directly to consumer perception which contributes to what consumers are willing to pay for a vehicle.
In the 1980s it was pretty much assumed that "import" models were more reliable. Today, companies like Toyota and Honda regularly construct the cars in the U.S. so maybe the term "import" is obsolete, but the perception, and in the case of this study, the data, still indicates that Toyota and Honda are the best bets for your dollar.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Best in Class Fuel Economy
Consumer Reports recently reported their list of best in class economy cars in the area of fuel economy. Toyota produced 6 of the 27 cars mentioned with Honda coming in second with three models making the grade. The Toyota models that averaged 35 MPG on the freeway are the 2009/2010 Prius, 2009/2010 Yaris, 2009/2010 Corolla and the 2011 Camry Hybrid.
In this age of consistent $3.00 gasoline prices, fuel economy is foremost on most consumer's minds when shopping for vehicles. Most people want a car that has adequate acceleration while delivering the best possible fuel economy. This has become a reasonable expectation because at $3.00 per gallon, if you drive the average of 5 miles a day (to and from work)that's probably about $30 to $40 per month in gasoline costs and that's without traveling and any additional driving.
It says alot about Toyota that they can produce 22% of the best fuel economy cars on the road right now. Giving you a quality vehicle that will maintain it's resale value and save you money.
In this age of consistent $3.00 gasoline prices, fuel economy is foremost on most consumer's minds when shopping for vehicles. Most people want a car that has adequate acceleration while delivering the best possible fuel economy. This has become a reasonable expectation because at $3.00 per gallon, if you drive the average of 5 miles a day (to and from work)that's probably about $30 to $40 per month in gasoline costs and that's without traveling and any additional driving.
It says alot about Toyota that they can produce 22% of the best fuel economy cars on the road right now. Giving you a quality vehicle that will maintain it's resale value and save you money.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Kelley Blue Book announces best in class Resale Value
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced their picks for the vehicles with the best resale value for 2010. Their findings are best on establishing vehicles in each class such as compact car, SUV, mini-van, and truck. Their winning criteria is based on reliability, durability, performance, and mechanical ratings. According to KBB, a vehicle's ability to perform in each of those categories determines it's resale value. For this year's report, Toyota and Honda came out on top with Toyota having four of the top 16 vehicles for best resale value and Honda having three. The four Toyota vehicles are the Tacoma as the winner for the midsize truck category; the Highlander as the winner for the utility vehicle category; the Sienna as the winner for the mini-van category, and the Prius as the hybrid winner.
These four vehicles continue to be strong components in shaping out Toyota's overall reputation for putting vehicles on the road that maintain best in class resale value.
These four vehicles continue to be strong components in shaping out Toyota's overall reputation for putting vehicles on the road that maintain best in class resale value.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Toyota and diesel engines in the U.S.
Why doesn't Toyota make new diesel vehicles for the US market? Here's a perspective that speaks from the standpoint of consumer perception of diesal.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires that diesel passenger vehicles and light trucks meet the same emmissions requirements as gasoline vehicles. Some other states (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine) also follow CARB standards. Depending on who you talk to, it's either cost-prohibitive or technically not possible to make diesel engines that meet CARB standards for passenger vehicles using the low-quality, high-sulphur diesel fuel currently sold in the US. Most manufacturers don't want to go through the expense of EPA/DOT testing and certification for a vehicle that can only be sold in non-CARB states -- which exclude some of the largest vehicle markets in the country.
Market research probably also shows that many Americans have a negative opinion of diesel vehicles. They think of large trucks with plumes of thick black exhaust, the noisy, clattery diesel engines in early Mercedes, or the disastrously unreliable diesel engines produced by GM in the early 1980's. Also, there's no getting around the fact that there's an inconvenience factor involved in owning a diesel. Only 1-in-4 gas stations in the US have diesel available.
Some people also believe there's an oil industry conspiracy to keep fuel-efficient vehicles out of the US market.
Things may be changing for the better though. Current regulations will require refiners to start producing low-sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD) in 2007. That may make it easier for manufacturers to produce diesel engines that meet CARB requirements for a reasonable cost. Also, recent spikes in fuel prices have greatly increased public demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires that diesel passenger vehicles and light trucks meet the same emmissions requirements as gasoline vehicles. Some other states (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine) also follow CARB standards. Depending on who you talk to, it's either cost-prohibitive or technically not possible to make diesel engines that meet CARB standards for passenger vehicles using the low-quality, high-sulphur diesel fuel currently sold in the US. Most manufacturers don't want to go through the expense of EPA/DOT testing and certification for a vehicle that can only be sold in non-CARB states -- which exclude some of the largest vehicle markets in the country.
Market research probably also shows that many Americans have a negative opinion of diesel vehicles. They think of large trucks with plumes of thick black exhaust, the noisy, clattery diesel engines in early Mercedes, or the disastrously unreliable diesel engines produced by GM in the early 1980's. Also, there's no getting around the fact that there's an inconvenience factor involved in owning a diesel. Only 1-in-4 gas stations in the US have diesel available.
Some people also believe there's an oil industry conspiracy to keep fuel-efficient vehicles out of the US market.
Things may be changing for the better though. Current regulations will require refiners to start producing low-sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD) in 2007. That may make it easier for manufacturers to produce diesel engines that meet CARB requirements for a reasonable cost. Also, recent spikes in fuel prices have greatly increased public demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Is your Vehicle Stable?
Each auto manufacturer calls the system by a different name. With GM it's Stabilitrac. With Ford it's Advance Trak. With Chrysler it's called the Electronic Stability Program and Toyota calls it's system Vehicle Stability Control. In each case, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) works by providing a technological response when the vehicle senses itself veering off it's intended path with no corrective effort from the driver. An example of VSC in action would be when you are driving on a winding mountain road and you come upon a curve where there is a traffic sign indicating the speed limit for that turn is 40 MPH. You don't see the sign and you go into the turn at 55 MPH. In this instance, VSC will probably engage by pulsating the brakes on each wheel to help rotate the tires in order to keep the vehicle on track.
VSC has proven to be such an effective safety oriented technology that Congress has passed legislation that will make the system a mandatory standard equipment feature on all new vehicles produced in 2013 forward.
Increase the safe standards of your vehicle. VSC is stanard equipment today in Toyota vehicles!
VSC has proven to be such an effective safety oriented technology that Congress has passed legislation that will make the system a mandatory standard equipment feature on all new vehicles produced in 2013 forward.
Increase the safe standards of your vehicle. VSC is stanard equipment today in Toyota vehicles!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Consumer Reports article about Accelerator issue
Analysis finds drivers did not apply brakes in runaway Toyotas
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has analyzed the “black box” event data recorders in dozens of Toyota vehicles involved in crashes linked to unintended acceleration, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report. The DOT found that the throttle was wide open but the brakes were not engaged in those instances. This may suggest driver error, rather than an electronic or mechanical defect in the cars, as the cause for those accidents. A formal study has not yet been issued. (Read our follow up: "Are drivers to blame in Toyota unintended acceleration cases? It may be too early to tell.")
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) examined the “black boxes,” which records when the accelerator and brakes are depressed, as well as vehicle speed and other factors.
According to the WSJ, NHTSA studied 75 fatal crashes involving 93 deaths. Among those crashes, the only one in which NHTSA found the brakes were applied in the August incident involving a California Highway Patrol officer who was killed with his family in a Lexus. The cause of that high-speed incident was ruled to be floor mats holding the accelerator to the floor. It was that crash that sparked the high-profile investigation into unintended acceleration last year. (Read “Misaligned floor mat may have caused calamity.”)
Beyond this reported analysis, which NHTSA has not released, the auto safety agency commissioned two related studies from National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and NASA. The space agency is investigating the function of electronic controls in Toyota products to ensure they comply with the latest electronic safety standards, with a report expected next month, and the NAS review of potential causes for unintended acceleration in all cars is expected to follow next year.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has analyzed the “black box” event data recorders in dozens of Toyota vehicles involved in crashes linked to unintended acceleration, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report. The DOT found that the throttle was wide open but the brakes were not engaged in those instances. This may suggest driver error, rather than an electronic or mechanical defect in the cars, as the cause for those accidents. A formal study has not yet been issued. (Read our follow up: "Are drivers to blame in Toyota unintended acceleration cases? It may be too early to tell.")
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) examined the “black boxes,” which records when the accelerator and brakes are depressed, as well as vehicle speed and other factors.
According to the WSJ, NHTSA studied 75 fatal crashes involving 93 deaths. Among those crashes, the only one in which NHTSA found the brakes were applied in the August incident involving a California Highway Patrol officer who was killed with his family in a Lexus. The cause of that high-speed incident was ruled to be floor mats holding the accelerator to the floor. It was that crash that sparked the high-profile investigation into unintended acceleration last year. (Read “Misaligned floor mat may have caused calamity.”)
Beyond this reported analysis, which NHTSA has not released, the auto safety agency commissioned two related studies from National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and NASA. The space agency is investigating the function of electronic controls in Toyota products to ensure they comply with the latest electronic safety standards, with a report expected next month, and the NAS review of potential causes for unintended acceleration in all cars is expected to follow next year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)