Driver loses license for cell phone usage

A UK driver lost his license for using not one but two cellphones while driving. He was steering with his knees. We wish more cities had this policy!

[Source: Gizmodo]

15% off Parts & Labor - Costco Members

Kudos to Costco! Costco members now get 15% off parts & labor at participating dealers. Check their website and save money!

http://www.costcoauto.com/parts_and_service/

Flying Car Maker Gets Federal Approval

Terrafugia, Inc. has just received special exemptions from the NHTSA to begin making the 'flying car'. Check out the video.
[Source: WSJ] 

Google Maps for Android Updated

Android users - Upgrade to Google Maps 5.7 and get enhanced pubic transit directions. The app will now inform you where you're at and when to get off. Watch the video below.

IIHS Top Safe Car

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just awarded its best rating, the 'Top Safety Pick' to the 2011 Saab 9-5 and the Volkswagen CC. The current Saab 9-5 is the first vehicle launched by Saab following its split from GM.

[Source: automobilemag]

2012 Mercedes M-class SUV

Introducing the 3rd generation Mercedes M-class SUV. More luxury combined with more fuel efficiency is a good thing. They will continue to offer both the turbodiesel & gasoline versions. As a interesting sidenote, about 20% of m-class vehicles sold in the US are now diesel-powered. Releasing in September 2011.

[Source: Insideline]

2012 Mercedes M-class

Finally, Mercedes has redesigned their popular M-class SUV. And it looks great. We predict good gas mileage as they will now offer not one but two turbo diesel options - in addition to the gasoline versions. Check out more pics below.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Dont Text & Drive

Its good to see car companies paying attention to this serious issue nowadays....see BMW's latest ad below.

[Source: Youtube]

Pioneers AppRadio

Pioneers upcoming AppRadio for cars will allow you to control all your electronics via your iphone. The secret is 'integration'. You will no longer need to reach for your phone or use that crappy FM transmitter. It will supposedly work with Google Maps, MotionX, Rdio & Pandora.
[Source: Gizmodo]

Obamas 'Beast' Cadillac

President Obama is headed to London and he is being accompanied by a team of 500 staff members .... almost half of which are secret service agents. As for his 'ride', the President will travel in his customized GM Cadillac called 'The Beast'. As for standard features - doors that weigh the same as those on a Boeing 757 jet, oxygen supply, night vision cameras, tear gas cannons & even a bottle of the President's blood for emergencies. Costing over a million dollars, it runs on a 6.5L diesel engine and gives 8mpg.
 [SOURCE: DailyMail]

Honda Recall - air bags

In the latest recall, Honda is recalling older model vehicles due to air bag issues. Apparently the driver air bags are deploying with too much force. Some of the recalled vehicles include the 2001-02 Accord, 2001-03 Civic, and the 2002 Odyssey. Get your VIN# and check if your car is included over here.

[Source: ConsumerReports]

Woman survives 5-story fall

A 32 year old woman survived a 5-story parking garage fall during a shopping mall visit. Good news is that she is alive. She was driving an older style Mercedes ML SUV.....kudos to Mercedes for designing 'safe' cars.  What can we learn from this....well, stay off those cell phones! [Source: Jalopnik]

The NYC Taxi -Reborn

Say hello the new eco-friendly New York taxis. With 25 mpg and features such as antimicrobial nonstick upholstery, they are the cleaner & greener replacements to the Fords. Apparently Nissan has been granted a 10-yr contract so expect to see many of these. We are all in favor for a greener planet!  [Source: Wired]

Prince William & Kate drive away - Pics & Video

The newly weds Prince William & Kate drive away in a open top 38-year old Aston Martin (a gift from Prince Charles). The car was decorated with balloons and a 'Just Wed' license plate. See more car & wedding pics here. [Source: DailyMail]

Watch the video below

Toyota Recall - RAV4 / Highlander

Toyota is getting ready to recall 2007 & 2008 Rav4 & Highlander vehicles due to faulty roll-over air bag sensors. This applies to US vehicles only. If not fixed, the air bags will fail to deploy in roll-over situations. Find your VIN# and check on Toyota's website.

[Source: ConsumerReports]

30% hike in car rental prices

If you are planning to rent a car in Europe, expect to see a 30% increase in summer prices...mostly due to supply shortages caused by the Japanese earthquake. Many japanese car/parts companies have slowed down or completely stopped production. Our advice - Book those cars now!

[Source: DailyMail]

60% off any Audi

Audi just gave a 60% off coupon to the British Royal Family. Thats 60% off any Audi for any member of the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales already drives an A8 (his staff drives the A4s), Prince William drives an S4, and his fiancee Kate Middleton owns an A3. Do you think Kate should upgrade?

[Source: DailyMail]
 

2012 Honda Civic

The 2012 Honda Civic is launching in Spring. Completely redesigned HF & Hybrid models. And improved fuel economy delivering 40 mpg on the highway. Thumbs up! Read more details.
[Source: Honda.com]

Electric Rolls Royce

The folks over at Rolls Royce have developed an electric (eco-friendly) Rolls Royce. So for those of you who can afford the Rolls - thanks for helping the planet. For those who cannot, better buy that Prius because Toyota is running out!

[Source: Wired/Autopia]

Japanese car owners - get tuneups!

Own a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan? Get your tuneups fast! Due to events in Japan, car manufacturers are facing parts shortages. Honda factories are already working half days to conserve parts, Nissan is also cutting back, and Toyota has also started warning dealers about shortages. To make matters worse, gas prices are on the rise. So get those tuneups fast. Read the full article here. 

[Source: CBS Detroit]