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AAA Warns Consumers of Dangers of Flood-Damaged Cars Nation's largest motor club offers tips to owners and potential buyers of flood-damaged cars ORLANDO, Fla., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heavy rain and rapidly melting snow can lead to vehicle flood damage, which often results in difficult and expensive repairs. To avoid causing additional problems, AAA cautions motorists that a flood-damaged car should not be started until a thorough inspection and cleaning has been performed. "In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that works its way into every seam and crevice of a vehicle," said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information. "Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission and drivetrain, along with the fuel, brake and power steering systems. Unless dirt and other contaminants are completely removed from these important vehicle components, increased wear and premature failure can result," Nielsen said. Before attempting to start a flood-damaged car, a qualified technician should: If a car has been completely or partially submerged, extensive disassembly may be needed for a thorough cleaning. Depending on the vehicle make, model and age, the cost of such an effort may exceed the car's value. AAA encourages motorists to contact their insurance companies first for help in determining the best course of action when dealing with a flood-damaged vehicle. "The car's electrical system also is subject to flood water damage," Nielsen explained. "Engine computers, sensors, sound systems and other electronic devices can sometimes be salvaged, but unless they are thoroughly cleaned and dried, inside and out, problems caused by corrosion and oxidation may occur weeks or even months after the flooding." Many parts of a car are difficult to clean and dry because they are hard to access. Door locks, window regulators, wiring harnesses, heating and air conditioning components and many other small devices are tucked away in hidden spaces. These items may work okay initially following a flood, only to fail at a later date due to contamination by dirty water. "Restoration of a flood-damaged car can be as extensive and expensive as restoring a classic," Nielsen warned. "Compare the value of the vehicle to be restored to the cost of restoration before proceeding with flood-related repairs." In many cases, insurance companies "total" flood damaged vehicles which are then sold to salvage companies. However, rather than being disassembled for parts, some of these vehicles end up being purchased by individuals who restore them to operating condition—with varying levels of expertise. AAA warns car buyers in all parts of the United States that flood-damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale, and they often continue to appear in the marketplace for many months following a major flood. The best protection against buying a flood-damaged vehicle is a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified shop such as a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Nearby locations can be found at AAA.com/Repair. As part of their inspection, the shop will look for common indicators of flood damage such as dried mud under the hood or in body cavities inside the trunk. A damp or musty odor in the vehicle is another frequent warning sign, and new carpeting and upholstery in an older car can be a red flag calling for closer inspection. Another good practice that can help prospective buyers avoid flood-damaged cars and trucks is the purchase of a vehicle history report. While such reports don't always catch everything, more often than not they will indicate when a vehicle has been in a flood or been issued a salvage title, indicating a major problem in its past. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news. One in Ten Drivers Admit They May Have Driven Drunk, Finds AAA Foundation Study Almost 150 Percent More Alcohol-Related Fatalities on New Year’s Day WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Although filled with merriment, the holidays also harbor many dangers, including drunk drivers. Drinking and driving is viewed as a very serious threat by 87 percent of drivers and the related social disapproval is almost universal. However, new data recently released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that one in ten drivers reported having driven when they thought that their alcohol level might have been close to or possibly over the legal limit within the past 12 months, and just over half of those (5.5 percent of all drivers) reported having done this more than once within the past 12 months. The AAA Foundation’s study also found that nine out of ten Americans support requiring all drivers who have been convicted of DWI more than once to use a device that won’t let their car start if they have been drinking. And, 69 percent of Americans support requiring all drivers convicted of DWI, including first-time offenders, to use such a device. Additionally, a new analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from 2000 to 2009 found that an average of 80 people a year are killed in alcohol-related crashes on New Year’s Day—almost two and a half times as many as on the same day of the week in other weeks around New Year’s. In 2009, 73 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on New Year’s Day. In 2005—the last time New Year’s Day fell on a Saturday—98 people died in alcohol-related crashes on New Year’s Day. “Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger, especially during holiday season which often combines travel with multiple opportunities to consume alcohol,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Exploring new technologies, such as interlocking devices, are important to ensuring public safety in conjunction with personal responsibility and law enforcement.” Every alcohol-related fatality is preventable, and it is everyone’s responsibility to make the right decision before getting behind the wheel. That’s why AAA is asking motorists to visit TakeThePledge.AAA.com to sign a quick online pledge to drive only while drug and alcohol-free this holiday season and all year long. Once you’ve taken the free pledge, you can share it via Facebook and Twitter, or even send personalized E-cards to encourage others to do the same. These findings were part of the AAA Foundation’s third annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, a nationally-representative survey conducted by Abt SRBI Inc. The Traffic Safety Culture Index was a telephone survey of 2,000 U.S. residents ages 16 and older conducted from May 11, 2010 through June 7, 2010. For more information about the survey and other materials related to drinking and driving visit www.AAAFoundation.org. Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is an independent, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. SOURCE AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Advance Auto Parts Keep the wheels turning
Lawmaker Calls for Van Safety Alarms After Haile Brockington’s Wrongful Death 2010-12-24 16:56:59 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Law, Press Releases) 12/22/2010 // Coral Gables, FL, USA // Grossman Roth // Stuart Grossman- Miami Wrongful Death Lawyer Miami wrongful death attorneys report that four months after two-year-old Haile Brockington was abandoned for an entire school day in a sweltering day care van, a Florida lawmaker announced that she will introduce legislation intended to prevent similar deaths. State Sen. Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach), accompanied by Haile’s mother and Grossman Roth, P.A. wrongful death and child safety lawyer Andrew Yaffa, said her bill requires the installation of alarms in vehicles used to transport children to and from day care centers. The alarms, which sound when the driver turns off the engine, can be deactivated only by pressing a button at the rear of the vehicle. The device, in effect, forces the driver to do a full walkthrough of the van or bus and alerts them to the presence of any children still in the vehicle. Though Haile’s mother, Nelder Lester, did not speak at the Dec. 16 press conference, she held a pillow with an image of her daughter on it, along with a poster-size photograph of Haile. Her lawyer, Yaffa, said that Lester wanted to be there because she supports the bill, which will be named for Haile. “[Haile] did not need to die in vain,” said Yaffa. “Her name will stand for something, and no other child will suffer the same fate. No other family will suffer the same pain.” Haile was found lifeless, still strapped into her car seat, on August 5. She had been left there, alone, for more than six hours. The inside of the van in which she died, owned by Katie’s Kids Learning Center in Delray Beach, reached temperatures exceeding 130 degrees that day. The driver of that van and the center director were subsequently arrested, charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in this wrongful death. A police investigation revealed that both had checked off Haile’s name on transportation, attendance, and meal logs that day, even though the 2-year-old had never left the van. The Brockington family’s Miami wrongful death attorneys at Grossman Roth have filed a wrongful death suit against the owners of Katie’s Kids Learning Center: Kathryn Muhammad and Barbara Dilthey. They have also called for the state to adopt stricter child safety measures that go beyond requiring names be checked off a list when children board and leave a day care vehicle. Sachs’s effort, says Yaffa, is a big step in the right direction. But the Grossman Roth lawyer also noted that the announcement, which took place in the courtyard of another day care facility, was bittersweet for Haile’s mother, particularly with the holiday season approaching. Lester plans to accompany Sachs to Tallahassee, the state capital, in March, when the lawmaker intends to introduce her bill during the legislative session. “If we use technology for everything else, why not use it for our children?” asked Sachs. She said that, pending the legislation, she’d like to see day care centers voluntarily install the alarms, which cost approximately $250 per vehicle. Meanwhile, the Brockington family’s lawyers at Grossman Roth hope that their wrongful death lawsuit will send a message: that child safety must always be the top priority of everyone who works at a day care facility, from the drivers who take the children to school, to the administrators who track their comings and goings, and the teachers and other professionals who nurture and protect them throughout the day. This news story was brought to you by the wrongful death and child safety attorneys at Grossman Roth, P.A. For three decades, we’ve been fighting for—and coming through for—those needlessly injured by the negligence of others. Along the way, we’ve become one of south Florida’s preeminent firms for wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury claims, helping clients obtain the recovery they deserve. Fla. Auto Insurance Regulators Strongly Recommend Extra Coverage 2010-12-02 09:20:37 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Auto News, Press Releases, insurance) Orlando, FL - (WiredPRNews.com) In addition to requiring motorists to carry auto insurance in order to drive legally, states also set minimum monetary thresholds up to which policies in the state must provide financial protection. But still, regulators and industry experts say that these minimums often fall short of the coverage levels needed to ensure that an individual’s assets are fully protected. This is certainly the case in Florida. In the Sunshine State, residents initially are required to carry a total of only $20,000 in coverage — $10,000 worth of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 worth of property damage liability. With protection levels that low, vehicle owners in the state may find it worthwhile to conduct a Florida car insurance comparison to see if the extra price of above-minimum coverages would be affordable. Something else for Floridians to consider is that, since their state remains one of the few with no-fault auto insurance systems, prospective policyholders do not have to purchase bodily injury liability insurance. This type of protection differs from PIP in that bodily injury liability goes to pay for damages caused — rather than incurred — by the policyholder. In addition, bodily injury liability policyholders will receive legal representation from their insurers if they are sued over damages that they are responsible for. Not only is this type of protection “strongly recommended” by the state’s department of financial services, it is advised that drivers get covered beyond the $20,000-per-occurrence minimum. Source: http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/Guides/Auto/docs/AutoRatefact2008.pdf According to some sources, the average driver should, ideally, have at least $300,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident. To find out about comparing rates for protection, consumers can go to http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/florida/florida-auto-insurance-quote-comparison.htm where they will be able to start the shopping process by using the free quote-comparison generator. Fatal accidents with teen drivers declines 2010-10-24 04:30:08 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Press Releases) 10/23/2010 // US // TiffNews10 // News Desk Atlanta – The number of fatal automobile accidents involving teen drivers has reportedly declined. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), experts say that tougher laws and advancements in the safety of cars have made it safer on the road. As noted in the report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in a recent report that the number of deaths connected to accidents involving teen drivers fell approximately one third in five years. Russ Rader, a spokesman for the Arlington, Va.-based research group Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is quoted by the AP as stating of the causes for the decline, “It’s not that teens are becoming safer…It’s that state laws enacted in the last 15 years are taking teens out of the most hazardous driving situations.” State Farm Data Shows That October Remains Most Dangerous Month for Teen Crashes Teens Are Conflicted; State Farm Survey Shows 70% of New Drivers Are Nervous About Being in a Crash or Hurting Someone, Yet 57% Say They Text While Driving BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly analyzed State Farm® claims data shows the trend continues - October remains the most dangerous month of the year for teen driver crashes. According to claims data spanning the last seven years, the highest number of injury or collision claims filed by 16- and 17-year-old drivers continues to hit a high point in October, spiking by about 15 percent when compared to other months of the year. State Farm evaluated its extensive claims database from 2003 – 2009, and in every year, October continues to register the most claims across the United States and portions of Canada. At a state level, about 1 in 4 states show October as the most dangerous month of the year for teen crashes. About 70 percent of states show October as being among its top three months for teen accident claims. "Car crashes remain the number one killer of teens and October continues to be our single biggest battleground month," said Laurette Stiles, Vice President of Strategic Resources at State Farm. "While promoting teen driver safety requires a year-round commitment, the fall time frame is critically important. As teens return to school, attend homecoming and begin managing very busy schedules, we want them to keep safe driving practices at the top of their minds because our data shows this is one of the most dangerous times of year for teens to be on the road." Teens Remain Conflicted A recent State Farm survey by Harris Interactive shows that despite concerns about getting into an accident, most teen drivers still lack awareness about the true ramifications of dangerous driving practices. In the survey, of 14- to 17-year-olds who intend to have or already have a driver's license, 70 percent of teen drivers admitted to being nervous about being in a crash or hurting someone. But despite these concerns, 57 percent of teens admit to reading or sending text messages while driving. When we asked teens why their peers text while driving even though they know it is dangerous, the general response is that staying connected is more important than ever to Generation Y. "Kids my age want to stay in touch," said 17-year-old Danish Hasan of Algonquin, IL. "We like instant communication, and many kids worry what their friends will think if they don't answer text messages immediately." Danish nearly drove onto a sidewalk while sending a short text message, recovering control of the vehicle just in time to avoid hitting several pedestrians. Danish said this close-call taught him a lesson about how quickly one can become distracted, and now he's an advocate for putting the phone away while driving. Parents can play a major role in closing the awareness gap with their teens. According to the survey, those teens whose parents frequently talked with them about safe driving practices have the clearest understanding of what represents risky driving behavior. National Teen Driver Safety Week Given the prevalence of teen car crashes in October, beginning in 2007, State Farm and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia worked with Congress to designate the third week of October as National Teen Driver Safety Week. Having a dedicated week provides a unique opportunity to focus attention on this national problem. The week serves as a time set aside for parents, teens, educators and legislators to shine a spotlight on teen driver safety and ramp up conversations about solutions for the high rate of car crashes involving teens. Across the country this week, hundreds of State Farm agents and employees will be participating in teen driver safety activities in their local communities. State Farm and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have produced a social media announcement (SMA), "Not Now, I'm Driving," to help spread the world about teen driver safety and the importance of refraining from texting while driving.
Colorado Auto Insurance Consumers Given Med-Pay Option 2010-10-17 20:16:58 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Business, Press Releases, insurance) Rancho Cucamonga, California (WiredPRNews.com) — Colorado motorists are required to have bodily injury and property damage liability auto insurance before hitting the road. But what they might not know is that their policies also come with at least $5,000 in medical payment insurance. Consumers in the market for Colorado car insurance may want to become familiar with what type of protection is afforded through the med-pay option before deciding on whether to keep it on their policy, or perhaps whether they’d like to purchase even more. The financial protections provided through medical payments coverage are very similar to personal injury protection insurance, which is offered in no-fault states. From the mid-1970s up through the early 2000s, Colorado had in place a no-fault auto insurance system, in which residents’ insurers paid out directly to the policyholder for bodily injury damages that he or she had incurred, regardless of fault. This system is the counterpart to the more popular tort system, in which the policyholder is protected from having to pay for other parties’ damages that are caused by the policyholder. In 2003, Colorado switched from a no-fault to a tort system, reportedly resulting in a significant decline in coverage expenditures for residents. Five years after the switch, the state legislature instituted the med-pay option, wanting to retain some kind of first-party injury coverage that was characteristic of the previous no-fault system. So, as of 2009, when consumers go to purchase a policy, the law requires prospective insurers to include at least $5,000 in medical payment coverage. By having this type of coverage, the insured will be covered “for the first $5,000 of medical expenses following an automobile accident, including significant costs associated with emergency services, including ambulances, doctors and emergency medical procedures.” Source: http://www.dora.state.co.us/Insurance/consumer/Med-Pay%202009.html This extra protection, though, is likely to bring with it extra premiums. And since med-pay is not mandatory, consumers wishing to shed the added costs and coverage can opt-out from the med-pay provision in writing.
Luxury Car Brands Thriving in Weak Economy BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz Vying for Top Sales Spot in 2010 SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Through nine months, it's a tight race to the finish line to see which luxury brand ends up number one in sales. TrueCar.com , the authority on new car pricing, trends and forecasts, today released its findings comparing sales and incentive spending through September versus the same time period in 2009 and discovered that most luxury brands gained traction in 2010 while decreasing their incentive spending above the industry average. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100414/LA86246LOGO) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100414/LA86246LOGO) More than half of the thirteen major luxury brands increased sales by over 20 percent in 2010 while 10 of the 13 brands decreased their incentive spending. Cadillac had a surge in sales with an increase of 43.8 percent while decreasing their average incentive spending by 13.8 percent. Among the Japanese luxury brands, Acura increased sales by 25.8 percent, but also saw their incentive spend rise 12.9 percent. Audi and Porsche have been the strongest European brand performers this year, increasing sales among European luxury brands by 23.6 percent, while decreasing incentives by 16.8 percent and 45.4 percent, respectively. "Luxury cars have shown the most stability among the segments this year," said Jesse Toprak, VP of Industry Trends and Insight at TrueCar.com. "These next three months, including the luxury holiday sales campaign, are crucial for Lexus if they want to continue to lead the market as they have for over a decade." Below is a chart comparing luxury brands and their incentive spending through September vs. the same nine months last year:
For additional data comparing luxury brands through September 2010 vs. the same nine months last year, please visit the TrueCar Blog. About TrueCar TrueCar is the authority in new car prices. We show car buyers and car dealers how much people actually paid for a particular car in a specific local area. With TrueCar pricing, both new car buyers and new car dealers can know at any time what is considered a good or great price on a new car. Consumers no longer need to walk into a dealership partially informed and fully suspicious – using TrueCar they walk in knowing the price of a fair deal. Dealers benefit by TrueCar's real-time, unbiased information about marketplace pricing, helping them price cars for increased sales, and ultimately gaining market share over other dealers. Our innovative new car pricing service is offered free of charge on our website at www.truecar.com, on our mobile site at mobile.truecar.com, and via syndication of our tools and pricing data to leading automotive research sites throughout the web. About TrueCar Data TrueCar obtains data directly from numerous sources including automotive dealers, technology companies, data aggregators, and analytics companies within the automotive space. We also acquire vehicle configuration data, customer and dealer incentives data, financing and loan data, vehicle registration and insurance data, and much, much more. TrueCar is insatiable about data with our goal to find 100 percent of all purchase transactions, even if that means finding the same transaction multiple times from multiple sources within the car-buying ecosystem. Our data is among the most timely and comprehensive in the industry. TrueCar believes the greater our informational accuracy, the greater benefit we provide to both dealers and consumers. TRW Continues to Drive Affordable Safety with Low Cost Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW), the global leader in active and passive safety, is launching its LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) applications in 2011 model year vehicles. The new design results in significantly lowered costs for the system. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101011/DE79690 ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101011/DE79690 ) The new design features a valve that screws directly into the housing, allowing for a single housing with multiple valve design capability. This results in less parts and higher reliability than using a screw and nut. The new design also features laser welding of the cover to the housing, a compliant pin battery and valve connection, and a heat resistant, long life battery capable of operating within a range of -40 to 120 degrees Celsius. "This new, low cost sensor design is a first step in our roadmap to fundamentally lower the cost of TPMS, which is good news for a technology with recognized value being mandated in North America and soon in Europe and South Korea. These systems must first and foremost have robust performance across a range of challenging operating conditions, but must also be affordable for vehicle manufacturers and their customers," said Martin Thoone, vice president, global electronics engineering for TRW. Hurst Jaws of Life® Announces First Rescue Worldwide with Hurst eDRAULIC™ Rescue Tools New Electro-Hydraulic Tool Used to Extricate Pinned, Unconscious Passenger SHELBY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first rescue utilizing Hurst’s new line of electro-hydraulic tools, eDRAULIC, was made on September 2, 2010 by Lake Country Fire and Rescue. The eDRAULIC line of rescue tools features the same impressive forces of standard hydraulics in a self-contained rescue tool. These tools are powerful enough to stand alone as a complete rescue set, or used as a supplement to add portability to any existing rescue tool system, as it was in this rescue situation. The initial offering in the product line includes a spreader, two cutters, and a ram. The Lake Country Fire and Rescue department, serving Chenequa, Nashotah, and Delafield, WI, was dispatched to the scene of a one-vehicle MVA involving two patients, in which one patient was pinned and unconscious. The vehicle, broadside vs. tree, presented severe damage and required extensive extrication. “With no need for additional hydraulic lines, the spreader integrated seamlessly into the existing system, making the spreader a valuable asset that reduced the overall patient removal time.” Lt. Peter Walker of Lake Country Fire and Rescue, who is also a sales rep for the Hurst Jaws of Life distributor 5 Alarm Fire and Safety, had recently placed the SP300E eDRAULIC spreader in his vehicle for demonstrations at local departments. Lt. Walker was the first to arrive on scene and with only 50% battery life remaining, deployed the tool during this rescue to supplement the truck hydraulics. The spreader performed door removal, fender crush, dash lift, and sidewall spread techniques to ultimately free the trapped patient performed simultaneously with roof removal operations and cross-ramming maneuvers. “The Hurst SP300E was an excellent complement to the selector-valve power unit, which would have otherwise limited operation to one tool at a time,” states Fire Chief Jack Edwards with Lake Country Fire and Rescue. “With no need for additional hydraulic lines, the spreader integrated seamlessly into the existing system, making the spreader a valuable asset that reduced the overall patient removal time.” For more information about this revolutionary product line please visit www.jawsoflife.com. About Hurst Jaws of Life® Hurst Jaws of Life is a division of Hale Products Inc. Hale Products Inc. is a world leading provider of emergency service products in applications such as defense, rescue, firefighting, and industry, and is one of the largest manufacturers of products to the emergency services worldwide. Hale Products Inc. is a unit of IDEX Corporation, an applied solutions provider. Texting accident deaths climb in recent years U.S. – The number of driving accident deaths caused by texting has significantly risen over the past few years. As reported by HealthDay News, recent government research shows that fatalities caused by auto accidents involving texting and cell phone distractions increased by 28 percent over the span of three years, from 2005 to 2008. Lead researcher Fernando Wilson, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “The increases in distracted driving seem to be largely driven by increased use of cell phones to text… Overall use of cell phones have been pretty steady, but texting volumes have increased dramatically in the last few years.” AIAM Supports Ban on Texting and the Use of Hand-Held Phones While Driving ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the eve of the Department of Transportation’s second National Distracted Driving Summit, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) reaffirmed its support for restrictions on the use of hand-held electronic devices for phone calls and text messaging by drivers while operating motor vehicles. “AIAM believes an important part of vehicle crash prevention is banning drivers from using hand-held devices for texting and using hand-held phones while driving.” “Our member companies are taking a comprehensive approach to automotive safety addressing both protection and prevention,” said Michael J. Stanton, president and CEO of AIAM. “AIAM believes an important part of vehicle crash prevention is banning drivers from using hand-held devices for texting and using hand-held phones while driving.” AIAM member companies are investing in research to develop the next generation of safety technologies, such as lane-departure warning systems and collision mitigation systems. AIAM sees the National Distracted Driving Summit as a public-private partnership to examine new research and opportunities to decrease accidents caused by distracted driving. About AIAM – The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) is a trade association representing 15 international motor vehicle manufacturers who account for 40 percent of all passenger cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. AIAM provides members with information, analysis and advocacy on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues impacting the auto sector. The Association is dedicated to the promotion of free trade and to policies that enhance motor vehicle safety and the protection of the environment. For more information, visit our website at www.aiam.org. 64 Percent of Electric Vehicle Charge Points in the United States to be Residential Units, Says Pike Research BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) over the next several years will be accompanied by a significant buildout of EV charging infrastructure including public, private, workplace, and residential charging equipment. A recent report from Pike Research forecasts that a total of 4.7 million charge points will be installed globally during the period from 2010 to 2015, however the cleantech market intelligence firm expects that the mix of charging station types will vary significantly by region. Unique among EV markets, the United States will be led by residential charging units, which will represent 64% of the country’s 974,000 charge points to be installed by 2015. “Compared to the rest of the world, a greater percentage of U.S. electric vehicle owners will live in single-family homes” “Compared to the rest of the world, a greater percentage of U.S. electric vehicle owners will live in single-family homes,” says senior analyst John Gartner. “In Asia Pacific and Europe, where multi-family housing is more common, just 35% of charge points will be residential, and EV drivers will rely much more heavily on public or private charging equipment for their primary recharging locations.” Gartner adds that North America will also see a higher percentage of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which require less charging infrastructure due to smaller battery packs and gasoline engines that extend their range. In addition, he says, utilities outside North America will more frequently serve as operators of public charging stations. These factors will result in a higher ratio of charging equipment to electrified vehicles in Asia Pacific and Western Europe, compared to the United States and Canada. Pike Research’s study, “Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment”, analyzes technology and business issues related to the buildout of EV charging infrastructure in global markets. It examines the market for residential, public, private, and workplace charging stations as well as reviewing the key operational and technological impacts of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles on the grid. Analysis includes an in-depth assessment of market drivers and barriers, along with profiles of charging infrastructure vendors and utilities. Detailed forecasts for EV charging equipment are included through 2015. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, and Building Efficiency sectors. For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.4619. Eaton and Murphy Oil USA Team Up to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Network PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation and Murphy Oil USA, Inc., a leading fuel provider operating more than 1,000 retail gasoline stations across 22 states, today announced a joint collaboration designed to demonstrate to electric vehicle drivers the benefits of fast, convenient charging within the familiar environment of a traditional gas station. “Eaton offers a complete line of electric vehicle chargers for residential and industrial application and has a presence in communities across North America. We are excited about collaborating with Murphy Oil USA to deliver this clean technology within an environment that the consumers are very comfortable with.” After an initial test phase at a location in Tennessee, Eaton and Murphy Oil USA will evaluate ways to expand the program and utilize the combined capabilities of their organizations to help make charging stations widely available. “Murphy Oil USA is committed to being a pioneer and early adopter of alternative fuels and Green Energy. Through our collaboration with Eaton, we are paving the way for development of the infrastructure leading to adoption and expanded of use of Electric Vehicles,” said Hank Heithaus, president, Retail Marketing, Murphy Oil USA. The collaboration will attempt to address the “range anxiety” electric vehicle drivers currently face due to the limited availability and visibility of installed and operating charging stations. The demonstration project will ultimately include Murphy Oil USA’s installation and use of Eaton’s DC Quick Chargers, based upon the company’s well recognized quality and safety records as well as the reach of its service organization. “Eaton is focused on creating innovative and affordable technologies that help customers reduce their impact on the environment,” said Richard Stinson, president, Power Distribution Operations – Americas, Eaton’s Electrical Sector. “Eaton offers a complete line of electric vehicle chargers for residential and industrial application and has a presence in communities across North America. We are excited about collaborating with Murphy Oil USA to deliver this clean technology within an environment that the consumers are very comfortable with.” Eaton has developed electrical and hybrid power systems for trucks and buses for more than 20 years. Eaton is the only company to offer hybrid-electric, as well as two hybrid hydraulic system technologies, and the charging and networked charging infrastructure for commercial and residential applications. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/plugin. Murphy Oil USA, Inc. is a leading provider of quality fuels and convenience store services in the United States, operating more than 1000 retail gasoline stations across 22 states under the Murphy USA® and Murphy Express brands. Murphy Oil USA, Inc. also owns and operates a network of 12 terminals that provide, along with third-party terminals, fuel supply to retail and branded wholesale stations throughout 24 states. For more information visit www.murphyusa.com Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and industrial automation products and services. Eaton’s global electrical product lines, including Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, Santak®, and MGE Office Protection Systems™ provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential, and OEM markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. Pedego® Electric Bikes and SiGNa Chemistry Demonstrate a High Density Power Solution for Electric Bicycles LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pedego®, Electric Bikes and SiGNa Chemistry have developed an ultra-high-performance range extender for electric bicycles. The announced battery-fuel cell hybrid system is compatible with all existing Pedego bicycles and batteries. For every 1.5 lbs. of weight a rider carries, an additional 700 watt-hours of energy is available (compared to ~350 watt-hours for an ultra-high performance lithium-polymer battery at a weight of 7 lbs.). The Pedego – SiGNa hybrid system utilizes the battery for peak conditions such as acceleration and hill climbing, while the fuel cell to extend the operating range of a Pedego bicycle by over 40 miles for each additional cartridge. Riders can carry additional cartridges which are real-time hot-swappable. A key innovation is the use of sodium silicide to liberate hydrogen from water as needed by the hybrid fuel cell. This process happens at a very low pressure of less than 30 psi (a soda can typically has 55 psi at room temperature). “The Pedego line of electric bicycles provides a unique user experience of performance, style, and comfort. We are pleased to work with Pedego to extend power usage by three” “With its award-winning technology, including inherently safe, air stable reactive metal powders, SiGNa continues to develop ground-breaking products for industrial applications,” says Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO, SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. “By tripling the range of the Pedego bicycle, our hydrogen generation technology enables an unprecedented power solution for a transportation system with zero air contamination.” “The Pedego line of electric bicycles provides a unique user experience of performance, style, and comfort. We are pleased to work with Pedego to extend power usage by three,” according to Andrew Wallace, Vice-President of Alternative Energy, SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. ABOUT SiGNa CHEMISTRY SiGNa Chemistry, Inc., a green chemical technology company, has developed a suite of heterogeneous reagents and catalysts that make reactive metals far more efficient, safer, and cost effective. These products are fundamental components used for general synthesis in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, specialty chemical and environmental remediation industries as well as provide the ability to enable portable fuel cells by producing pure low-pressure hydrogen gas on demand from a safe, stable dry powder at room temperature. For more information, visit: http://www.signachem.com Research and Markets: Large and Mid Size Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Market Strategy, Shares, and Forecasts, 2010-2016 DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3b8b14/large_and_mid_size) has announced the addition of WinterGreen Research, Inc.'s new report "Large and Mid Size Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Market Strategy, Shares, and Forecasts, 2010-2016" to their offering. “Large and Mid Size Unmanned Ground Vehicles: Market Strategy, Shares, and Forecasts, 2010-2016” A new study on large and mid size unmanned ground vehicles. The 2010 study has 474 pages, 175 tables and figures. Operational success of military robots is paving the way for wider adoption of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). Unmanned Ground vehicles (UGV) are assuming logistical support and reconnaissance roles. They have become mobile recharging stations. Large unmanned vehicles represent an exciting breakthrough in military efficiency. Vehicles are positioned to support logistics missions, recharge batteries, carry soldier backpacks, and defuse bombs. They can provide a platform for launching laser defensive weapons. Vehicles are positioned to patrol and secure positions. They are very useful for border patrols. The shutdown of the U.S. future combat systems (FCS) program has deterred development of the large vehicles. The companies with existing large and mid size unmanned ground vehicles already developed have achieved enormous strategic advantage because those existing product vehicles are the only ones that will be considered for installation going forward. As all development dollars have been eliminated in the short term, existing products will be funded as the military gets renewed interest in them. Both military and commercial opportunities will evolve from the automated process. The shutdown of the UGV programs is in no way an indicator of any lack of value of the large unmanned vehicles. It merely represents a transition to different funding scenarios and different product iterations. What is most likely is that the unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) will be funded in the near term as a way to automate the army and reduce the number of people needed to create a credible ground force in any warlike encounter. To position the UGVs as an effective extension of US presence in terrorist situations is realistic and appropriate. This will result in investment in automated process for vehicles that is appropriate and efficient. Florida’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements may Not Fully Cover Drivers 2010-07-01 15:13:56 (GMT) WiredPRNews.com Orlando, FL (WiredPRNews.com) The price of auto insurance in the Sunshine State can get quite expensive, especially for those who reside in high traffic areas; this leads many Floridians to only purchase the minimum coverage required by the state. Although some may see the limits on these policies as sufficient, in many cases they may not fully cover losses resulting from a traffic accident. The state does not require motorists to protect themselves against uninsured motorists and the required coverage limits are quite minimal and are among the lowest in the country. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles motorists are only required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL). Source: www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/frfaqgen.html#3 Uninsured motorist coverage can be a very beneficial type of protection; many drivers make the unwise decision to operate a motor vehicle without a valid policy which can leave a motorist without compensation if they are a victim of a hit and run or struck by an uninsured vehicle. Contrary to what consumers may believe this coverage can be quite inexpensive and conducting a Florida car insurance comparison may help find an affordable policy with this additional protection. While comparing rates of insurers, motorists may want to see if higher limits can be obtained as well. The $10,000 limit for property damage liability can be easily exhausted if the policyholder strikes a high end automobile and causes significant damages. The insured may be responsible for paying any amount which exceeds the amount stated on the policy; purchasing higher limits can help avoid this from becoming the case. There are many ways Floridians can protect themselves as well as their assets with the right automobile coverage. Residents should consult a professional to ensure that they are adequately covered. The Mobility Resource Offers The Right Equipment to Make Vehicles Handicap Accessible The Mobility Resource is a leading network of mobility experts positioned to make travel easier for individuals with mobility limitations. The Mobility Resource provides a wide range of adaptive equipment that can make many cars, vans or trucks more handicap accessible. Among the variety of helpful solutions which can be found through The Mobility Resource are lowered floor wheelchair accessible vans, wheelchair lifts, platform-style scooter lifts, turning car seats, driving controls and much more. All of these products are designed to comply with the latest safety standards and meet the specific needs of the individual consumers. The Mobility Resource carries a wide range of safe and easy-to-use wheelchair and scooter lifts. Customers can browse through the various options to learn more about which model best fits their individual needs and their specific wheelchair or scooter. The network of dealers offers everything from under-vehicle lifts that can be neatly stowed away under the van to standard dual-post wheelchair lifts that are meant for heavier wheelchairs or scooters. In addition, The Mobility Resource offers several different models of tuning car seats that allow passengers to access their seat without the hassle of climbing in and out of the vehicle. Finding the right product to accommodate any mobility need is simple. The Mobility Resource provides a quick needs assessment questionnaire online which helps consumers determine which mobility solutions work best for them. The Mobility Resource even assists users with finding a local Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists to be assessed and trained as a safe independent drive. The Mobility Resource recognizes that adaptive vehicles and specialized equipment can be expensive. To help accommodate all mobility needs regardless of the budget, The Mobility Resource works with General Motors to help people with disabilities equip their vehicles for safer, easier travel. Most of the specialized equipment purchased from The Mobility Resource network of dealers is eligible for the GM Mobility rebate which offers up to $1,000 reimbursement for eligible adaptive mobility equipment, the protection and convenience of extended OnStar® service, and other resources to improve vehicle accessibility and mobility for people with special needs or disabilities (people who may use a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility assistance product). To browse the variety of mobility solutions offered by The Mobility Resource and to find a dealer near you, visit www.themobilityresource.com. About The Mobility Resource The Mobility Resource™ is a network of mobility experts who make traveling easier for with special needs or disabilities. Whether you’re searching for a handicapped accessible van, adaptive equipment for your scooter or wheelchair, or an innovative product like our Turning Automotive Seat that makes getting in and out of a vehicle easier for anyone, you will find customized solutions are available to accommodate a wide range of needs.
Electric Vehicles to Advance in China with Help from New Alliance between Eaton, IBM, AECOM, Beiqi Foton and Other Technology Leaders BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced the formation of an alliance to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles in cities across China. NESTIA, the New Energy Sustainable Transportation International Alliance, includes Eaton, AECOM, IBM, vehicle manufacturer Beiqi Foton Motor Co., lithium ion battery manufacturer MGL and electric motor provider Broad Ocean. The announcement took place at the Third Annual China Green Energy Auto Development Summit Forum hosted by Foton. “Bringing together the leading experts in city planning and smart grid infrastructures with Eaton’s hybrid and electric vehicle technology will offer energy saving solutions to cities wishing to accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles and has the potential to rapidly advance the adoption of new technology in China” NESTIA’s first project is to design and deploy electric buses that will utilize advanced components from Eaton, Broad Ocean and MGL. “Bringing together the leading experts in city planning and smart grid infrastructures with Eaton’s hybrid and electric vehicle technology will offer energy saving solutions to cities wishing to accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles and has the potential to rapidly advance the adoption of new technology in China,” said Joe-Tao Zhou, president of Eaton in China. NESTIA is part of a broader new global alliance between Eaton, AECOM and IBM to advance the adoption of clean energy vehicles, from plug-in to full electric across public and private transportation sectors in key markets worldwide. The group will place special focus on deployment of clean energy vehicles in taxi, bus, refuse and sanitation fleets, along with the accompanying charging infrastructure. The new alliances combine expertise to address areas needed to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles, including: “This type of solution offering is a great example of how AECOM can leverage our expertise in integrated sustainable transportation, planning and design to offer unique value to cities that are looking to support electric vehicles,” said Sean Chiao, executive vice president for AECOM China. "AECOM's continued success reflects our commitment to be the best at what we do globally - and to serving the best interests of our clients around the world." "IBM understands the demands and challenges organizations, businesses and communities face when they begin the adoption of electric vehicles into their transportation mix,” said Brad Gammons, IBM Vice President of Energy and Utilities. “Working within the partnership we will provide systems integration and implementations tools that can help to create a robust business and technical EV infrastructure.” About AECOM AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 46,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 100 countries and had revenue of $6.3 billion during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com. About IBM IBM is working with clients in approximately 70 Smart Grid engagements across emerging and mature markets. For more information about IBM's smart grid initiatives, go to http://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/presskit/27725.wss and http://www.ibm.com/energy. About Eaton Eaton offers the world’s most complete line-up of clean energy drive systems for commercial vehicles with more than 50 million miles on its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydraulic hybrid and has more than 1,000 electric hybrid systems in operation in China. In addition, Eaton has comprehensive facilities, field service and support to meet the unique needs of electric vehicle charging infrastructures in cities and communities around the world including China. Eaton also has a wide range of expertise in other markets that use free-standing electrical charging, including truck and bus stops, ports, marinas, recreational vehicles parks, government and city run garages that we can access to meet the unique needs of cities and communities around the world and including China. Eaton began operations in China in 1993 through a joint venture agreement to manufacture steering control units and hydraulic motors. Since then, its presence has grown significantly in the country through acquisitions, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries. In 2004, Eaton moved its Asia Pacific headquarters from Hong Kong to Shanghai. In China today, Eaton has 27 operations with more than 10,000 employees. Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Shelby American Shelby American opens new Motorsports Speed Shop Shelby American Motorsports Speed Shop will enhance & tune any performance vehicle Engine, chassis and body modifications offered The shop is now open on the campus of the Las Vegas Shelby facility LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shelby American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (Pink Sheets:CSBI) has announced the opening of its new Speed Shop in Las Vegas. Named the Shelby American Motorsports Speed Shop, the facility on the grounds of Shelby American headquarters and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, was designed to enhance the performance and styling of a street or track car by upgrading engine, suspension and body styling components. “While we specialize in all American high performance cars, our experienced team can tune and work on just about everything” “Shelby American’s roots began when Carroll Shelby and his band of hot rodders founded the company in 1962,” said John Luft, president of Shelby. “This spirit lives in the company today, and has found its way into every car and truck ever since. We’ve been asked to Shelby tune and modify customer cars for years. With the Shelby team always testing the latest performance innovations for Shelby American’s experimental cars, we decided it was time to extend the Shelby Performance magic to the public.” Over the past three months, Shelby American has been designing and building its new Motorsports Speed Shop. The Shelby American Motorsports Speed Shop will focus on enhancing the performance of all American muscle cars. The shop recently installed a state of the art chassis dyno to further validate Shelby performance improvements on customer vehicles. “While we specialize in all American high performance cars, our experienced team can tune and work on just about everything,” noted Gary Davis, vice president of Shelby American. “In addition to dyno tuning, we can install headers, cams, heads, cold air intakes, superchargers and other performance upgrades on all of the brands. From Shelbys to Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, F150s and Challengers, we can custom build just about anything a customer can dream. We’ve even tuned sand buggies.” Modifications made to any Shelby Cobra, GT500, Super Snake or Shelby GT will be included in the official Shelby Registry. Every vehicle will include documentation that the services were performed at the shop. The Shelby American Motorsports Speed Shop is now open for business. For inquiries about engine tuning and other services, call (702) 942-1719. About Shelby American, Inc. and Carroll Shelby Licensing Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American Inc., (www.shelbyamerican.com) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Shelby American is a division of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK). Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. Info is at
Mandatory Installation of Black Boxes for Vehicles? Automobile makers began installing Event Data Recorders or "black boxes" as standard features in 2005, but they weren't mandatory or regulated. Congress is now considering making them mandatory. August 23, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The U.S. Congress is currently debating whether to require all car manufacturers to include Event Data Recorders, more commonly known as "black boxes," as standard safety features in all vehicles. Several automobile makers began installing black boxes as standard features in 2005, but they are not mandatory and are not regulated. While black boxes can be helpful tools in accident forensics, they are still surrounded by controversy because of the skill needed to interpret the recorded data and possible motorist privacy violations. Motor Vehicle Safety Act The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 was introduced to the Senate in May of this year and was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in June, where it currently resides. The bill aims to impose additional motor vehicle safety standards and penalties on car manufacturers, including requiring black boxes and standardizing how much data they record. The bill could also make vehicle safety hazards and defects more readily available to the public through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Event Data Recorders While most people have heard the term "black box" in relation to investigating the causes of airplane crashes, many people do not realize that their own cars may also contain this safety feature. Event Data Recorders, or black boxes, electronically record certain information a vehicle is involved in an accident -- like whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt, acceleration data and airbag deployment. This information may then be used as support for the injured to reconstruct an accident and determine fault during litigation. Push for Black Boxes The inspiration behind Congress' push for requiring black boxes came out Toyota's troubles with acceleration accidents earlier this year. Although many recordings from black boxes tend to corroborate information determined from current methods of accident forensics during car crash reconstruction, some of the data they provide cannot be gathered through existing techniques. In addition, making black boxes mandatory puts anyone involved or injured in a collision on an even playing field if there is a personal injury lawsuit. Help When Accidents Happen If you are ever injured in an accident, it is important to know who to call for help in determining whether your car has a black box and how to retrieve and decode the data it recorded. First, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to discuss your legal rights and options. Your lawyer will then work with an accident reconstructionist to figure out how the collision occurred and who was at fault. When compensation for your injuries is at stake, using all the tools at your disposal can help your case from the start. Specials From get ready for winter driving
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