Pre-crash technologies

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?

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.

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.

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.