ShAARP Session

Jun '09 10

News To Know: Good News For Autos?

Well over the past few months, bad headlines from the auto-industry have been pretty easy to find. Between bailouts, bankruptcies and plant closures, it has been one calamity after the other for American auto-makers.

However, a look through the news today shows a few bright spots. The courts cleared the way for Chrysler to be bought out by Fiat. G.M. has a new chairman in former AT&T executive Edward E. Whitacre. Also, the House just passed 'cash for clunkers' legislation that would incentivize consumers to trade in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks to buy new more fuel-efficient vehicles.

They certainly aren't out of the woods yet up in Detroit, but it's nice to see something positive coming from the auto industry for the first time in a while.

May '09 19

News To Know: New Mileage Rules

David Goldstein | 11:08 AM | 0 Comments

The White House announced today that it will be releasing new proposals for vehicle emissions laws. The new rules would greatly raise fuel efficiency for all vehicles. In addition, the proposed laws would allow the government to regulate green house gas emissions from cars for the first time. These laws would offer up some serious savings for the consumer. Not only would higher mileage cars save money and the pump, but the creation of one consistent standard for automakers would help them to cut down on production costs. These new laws have found a delicate balance between automakers that have long fought mileage and emissions restrictions, and states such as California which have pushed for standards that are even more stringent.

Feb '09 11

News To Know: Safety Features Take Center Stage

David Goldstein | 9:32 AM | 0 Comments

So I've already told you all about the Washington Auto Show and its new focus this year. Aside from economy and efficiency, safety features played a prominent role in this year's auto show. Many cars showed off some pretty high-tech gadgets designed to keep you safer on the road. Lexus showed vehicles which have adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, the ability to park themselves, and a crash detection system that deploys the brakes automatically if it senses an imminent crash. Check it out:

The small Volvo SUV the XC60 also highlighted several new safety devices. This "cute ute" comes with items such as lasers and radar designed to identify objects and slow moving vehicles that could cause collisions. The XC60 also has blind spot sensors to prevent accidents while switching lanes and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and aid parking. It's a good looking little SUV too:

Feb '09 6

Automakers On Display

David Goldstein | 9:13 AM | 0 Comments

I recognize that I might be a bit of a car nut, but even if you aren't a gear head an auto show is a pretty fun thing. The Washington Auto Show has been going on since Wednesday and will be in town until Sunday. The cars and trucks on display give an interesting commentary on the state of the economy and the American consumer. There will be some of the traditional sports cars and exotic concepts of course, but the automakers will be focusing on hybrids, electric vehicles and a host of other new powertrains. In addition there will be a much greater emphasis on small, economical cars. I can't wait to check out the show this weekend and I think it's a great idea for anyone who is in town. Here are just a few of the cars that will be on display:

The Third Generation Toyota Prius: