Volvo as of late has been on a bender.  Releasing new models and new technology as fast as a small Swedish company can.  Today we are not focusing on the cars rather a new piece of technology that only science can explain.  Many people seem to have a texting/emailing/not paying attention while driving problem.  This is an especially big issue here in the U.S..

Volvo has launched a new safety technology dubbed City Safety.  The new system comes standard on all XC60′s (Volvo’s new midsize SUV).

City Safety essentially attempts to stop the vehicle in the event of an imminent crash.  The system uses an optical radar located behind the rear view mirror mounting.  This optical radar projects forward at a rate of fifty times per second!  If the radar detects another vehicle and the crash is imminent, it will at the last possible second slam on the brakes.  The system only works when traveling between 2-18 mph.  I recently tested this system (see video below) and it worked flawlessly.  I was a little nervous as it had been raining and it was a tad bit chilly.  This made for a somewhat wet and possibly slick surface on the road, but the system worked.  The radar needs to be clean and the viewing path clear of debris.  The wipers actually cover the area when on, keeping the rain from covering it. The system is meant to lessen the amount of accidents in city driving when in heavy traffic. My only question is, what happens when the person behind you is not paying attention when your XC60 suddenly slams the brakes at the last possible second?

Full Disclosure-  The vehicle used in the video was provided by the local Volvo dealership.

“Go big or go home.”  This saying was something I learned at a early age as ‘the American way.’ The American way has had many trends, and many of these trends move over to the auto industry.  The winds are changing at our doors again.

1984 Dodge Caravan

In 1984 Dodge introduced the world to the Dodge Caravan.  These were an instant success as they were a better option than driving around in a station wagon.  The concept of a minivan appealed to families hauling the kids with lots of gear.  With decent fuel economy and the ability to haul lots of people and luggage, it is no wonder why the minivan was a hit.  Once the initial fad wore off, the minivan started getting the soccer mom name plate.

1991 Ford Explorer

Once the minivan was no longer the ‘cool’ vehicle to be pulling up to soccer practice in, something had to took its place.  This was the birth of the SUV fad.  Having a vehicle that sat up higher made people feel like they were the king of the road.  The higher seating position and the four wheel drive capability gave people the sense of safety and security.  With poor fuel economy and un-necessary running costs for most people, the SUV was truly a symbol of what Americans thought they needed.

1999 Cadillac Escalade

In 1999, Ford’s premium brand, Lincoln, introduced the Navigator. The Navigator was essentially a rebadged Ford Expedition.  Sales were successful enough that General Motors felt it was necessary to rush something into production that would compete with the Cadillac badge.  General Motors immediately rebadged the GMC Yukon Denali to become what was known as the first generation Escalade.  This is when SUV’s became the status symbol in America.  It was no longer cool to just have a SUV. You needed a large, premium badged SUV.

Now we skip forward to last summer.  Gas prices hit an all time high in the U.S. and people stopped their love affair with SUV’s as quickly as it started.  People started switching the SUV status symbol to hybrids.  It is always amazing to see how short term American’s memories are.  Now that gas prices have gone down significantly from last summers, we are getting back into buying SUV’s.  That said, something else has happened since last year and it is larger then just the auto industry.  The economy has been hit hard and so have people’s pocket books.  This has hurt auto sales across the board. Everything from the Toyota Prius to the Chevrolet Suburban, no one was immune to the down turn.  Sales are starting to pick up again, and people are going back slowly.  The main factor seems to be that people still like SUV’s but they want them more fuel efficient.  The new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is rated at 32mpg on the highway.  This is very good milage for a crossover SUV since the first SUV’s were averaging 17mpg on the highway.

It seems the tides have turned once again, and people are now in love with SUV’s and good fuel mileage.  The old adage “go big or go home” seems to have turned “go green or go home”.

As the fall approaches, students are heading back to school.  For those students who have a car, now is a good time for a refresher on basic maintenance.  Here are some highlights for both parents and students.

Dipstick

Make sure your student knows where the dipstick is located to check the oil level.  Also make sure your student knows what type of oil is correct for their vehicle.  You should consult your owners manual to see which oil is specified.  It is important to understand how many miles between oil changes is appropriate for their vehicle.  I recommend changing the oil after 5,000 miles when running fully synthetic oil, and 3,000 miles when running regular oil.

Tire Pressure Sticker

You should also show your student how to fill up the tire pressure and make sure they understand they should check this regularly.  Once the season changes the air pressure in your tires will change dramatically.  When it gets cold you need to adjust accordingly.  For every 10 degrees your car will lose 1 psi per tire.  You should fill your tires based on the posted suggestion on the car not the tire.  You can usually find the suggested tire pressure on the car either on the gas flap, the inside of the drivers door, or the glove box.

Something many people do not think about is windshield washer fluid.  You should always make sure your windshield washer fluid is full, especially before going on a road trip.  In the winter, depending on the climate, you will want to make sure you get a de-icer.  A de-icer resists freezing in the colder climates.

A survival kit in the trunk is always a good idea.  A basic survival kit should include things like jumper cables, a blanket, a small first aid kit, basic tools, and a flashlight.  Students should also have a snow brush/ice scraper if you are in the snow belt states.

Finally, it is always a good idea to get to know a reputable mechanic or dealership near where the student will be living.

This list covers the essentials that many students are unfamiliar with.

Note:  I would welcome reader input regarding the topics you would like in the future.  Feel free to leave a comments.

We all know GM filed for bankruptcy.  GM is aware they have a problem and it seems they are trying to fix things.  They have a poor reputation tarnished by years of poor products.  They are looking to change that perception as they have changed their products.  Now that they have changed their products to actually be competitive, and they need people to realize it.  Seems traditional marketing/press is not doing a good enough job and GM is looking to have a little help in the social media arena.  They have made huge strides in making a presence on Twitter and Facebook.  They are now holding a event and inviting influential people with a automotive presence on social media to the event.  I was fortunate enough to get a invitation to the event This is the exciting news happening soon.  I will most definitely share what happens and impressions.  See below for the invitation.  I removed some of the details for obvious reasons.

INVITATION: GM Product Technology Event – August 10, 2009

Hello,

Based on recent postings, we know you have an interest in General Motors and appreciate your

candid comments about the company’s situation.

We realize we have a challenge ahead of us to rebuild consumer confidence in our company and our vehicles.  Let me assure you that our new CEO, Fritz Henderson, has put a priority on Customers, Cars and Culture to reinvigorate General Motors.

One opportunity to meet that challenge head-on is to invite people just like you to Detroit, to interact with the new GM management team, get a glimpse of future car designs, and have the opportunity to drive our current vehicle lineup.

This is an invitation to you and a guest to join us as our guests in Southeast Michigan for a one-day program August 10.    Due to the driving portion of the program, both you and your guest must be at least 21 years of age and licensed drivers.

We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to see and drive our latest vehicles, ask questions and provide your thoughts and suggestions.