OTHER VEHICLE

Paul Leroux

No doubt about it, autonomous and semi-autonomous cars will present a variety of legal and ethical challenges. But theyll also offer many benefits — some of which will be pleasantly surprising.

Take parking, for example. Cars are getting wider, but parking spaces generally arent. So how do you squeeze into a tight spot and then step out of your car without slamming your door into the car next to you? Well, what if you didnt have to be in the car? This new video from Ford tells all...



This technology is cool, especially for aging drivers who cant crane their necks as well as they used to. Still, some gotchas come to mind. For instance, other drivers might get peeved if you momentarily leave your car on the road so you can park it remotely. Also, what if you squeeze your car into a tight parking spot just inches away from drivers door of the adjacent car — but that car doesnt support remote-controlled parking? How will the driver get back into his or her vehicle?

That said, these problems can be avoided with a little common sense on the part of the user. And Ill bet you dimes to donuts that this new technology from Ford can negotiate parking spaces more adroitly than most motorists. Which means that, eventually, well all have vehicles with fewer bumps, scuffs, and scratches. I could live with that.

Justin Moon

"The only time I really don’t feel connected is when I am driving in my car.”

You can always tell you’ve had a successful conference if you come away with a few “ah ha” or “oh no” moments. The above quote, which I cannot take credit for, was my “ah ha” moment at Automotive Megatrends 2013. The conference saw leaders and forward thinkers in the automotive industry come together and discuss (or debate) three technology streams: powertrain, safety, and the stream I participated in, connectivity.

The day began with a panel discussing the Big Picture of in-vehicle connectivity. Five panelists presented their views on business model pros and cons, where connectivity is headed, how it could change consumer expectations, and steps for ensuring success. Following the panelists’ presentations, the floor was opened for questions and dialogue with the audience. It was a great introduction and it set the stage for the rest of the day.

After a brief “networking” break, a panel discussing hardware and the effects associated with connectivity began. The format continued as before: each panelist spoke on their area of interest or expertise, then the audience joined the conversation. I was intrigued by the state of persistent storage in infotainment systems, including the problems and potential solutions for maintaining performance and reliability.

Lunch was just as engaging as the panels and discussions. I participated in a lively table-wide discussion with several analysts and industry thinkers on how the connection in my vehicle needs to become a seamless part of my lifestyle, just like my smartphone or the connected entertainment equipment in my home. This discussion was a great lead-in to the panel I had the pleasure of participating in — Software and Apps.

Clearing a path
The panel followed the same format as the others. Panelists discussed the role of the software platform and where application models fit into the future of the connected vehicle. One engaging panelist, after a rousing lunch discussion, explored how ubiquitous connectivity will clear a path for bigger possibilities with ecological initiatives, safety strategies, and making the vehicle a part of the connected lifestyle consumers already relate to and expect.

The final panel of the day was about wireless networks and had some industry big thinkers jam about infrastructure requirements, futures, and business models.

All in all, my experience at Automotive Megatrends was very positive and I look forward to doing it again next year.

Maruti Suzuki is India’s largest car manufacturer. Most of the models are famous among the Indians. But there are some exceptions like the A-star and the SX4, which never got the sales going. New generation of the SX4 is coming soon. Now Suzuki has commenced the testing of the next generation A-star. Globally A-star is called Alto.

In India Ritz is the next model after A-star in its portfolio. Suzuki has already announced that both A-star and the Ritz will be replaced by a global small car. The upmarket feel of the Ritz combined with the efficiency of the A-star is a killer combination. As of now we can call the test mule as next generation A-star until Suzuki reveal the name. Next gen A-star was spotted somewhere in southern Europe and we can see another test mule along with the A-star.

Next generation A-star take design inspirations from the S cross concept. A-star get the new grill which debuted with the S-cross. Test mule is heavily camouflaged and there are not much visible except the rear door. From the exposed parts we can see that the side has a strong shoulder line like the swift and the door handles are placed in a similar to the swift.

In the rear, the tail lamp design is same from the Alto 800 in the Indian market. We expect the number plate to be placed in the hatch door along with a chrome strip on the top. The engine options will be the same for India. The European market gets a new turbo charged petrol engine. Suzuki might bring a concept model for the next generation A-star at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor show.  

source : carscoops