Toys: Beverage Buggy serves you drinks

At least in the northern hemisphere the time for need of a cool drink is passing but this is a nice toys anyway.

If you're one lazy twat who loves lounging in the, er, lounge all day long without lifting a finger to help with the housework and yet expect a can (or two) of cold ones to be by your side within seconds of shouting out an order, perhaps the Beverage Buggy will help put you in running for the Sloth of the Year competition. The Beverage Buggy is a radio controlled toy which can hold up to a couple of cups, cans, or bottles and deliver them you safely, assuming they do not get knocked over or run into obstacles like table legs or toys. Now you can harass whoever opens the fridge with the Beverage Buggy for a mere $49.95.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Mitsubishi: Screens to replace rearview mirrors

Currently planned just for the commercial vehicles but who knowns when this will join our passenger cars, too?

Mitsubishi is taking the rear-view mirror into the 21st century, with its new CM-7200 7-inch screen. The screen displays the rear-mounted camera in your truck, which according to Mitsubishi's press release, have been available in Japan since 1970. The CM-7200 ships on November 1 for ¥65,100 ($553) -- even at that somewhat elevated price, we're willing to bet that before the end of the year someone will figure out how to hook up a computer, DVD player, or console to the monitor.

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Source: Engadget

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Hitachi: Improving Automotive Safety

Hitachi Automotive Systems Group launches an initiative to develop a new Information and Actuation integrated management System (IAS) and an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), designed to improve the safety and efficiency of automotive vehicles.

The system is designed to improve the safety of individual vehicles and in the long-term minimise congestion, which in turn reduces harmful CO2 and NOx emissions. The IAS development will be officially launched today at the Hitachi Automotive Technology Forum in Munich, Germany.

Dr Hideyo Kodama, CTO Automotive Systems Group Hitachi, expressed to all4engineers: "The development of the Hitachi IAS solution will benefit both individual drivers, minimising the risk of accidents and the stress of driving, while delivering significant macro benefits by helping to reduce emissions and facilitating the efficient flow of traffic. Reducing congestion and travelling times will deliver substantial economic benefits, as the 'down-time' caused by lost working hours is minimised. Initially targeted for installation in high specification prestige automotives, in the long-term Hitachi believes that as sales expand economies of scale will drive down the cost of the technology allowing the installation of these systems in mid and low range automotives."

The IAS solution can contribute to an easing of road congestion by linking together dynamic 'real-time' data from vehicles, people and roadways through advanced telecommunications and information technologies. It will also help reduce fatalities and injuries resulting from automobile accidents, which is crucial given that the number of automobiles on roads worldwide continues to rise, as countries industrialise and develop their transport infrastructure. The key innovations that drive the IAS concept include technologies that enable drivers to improve their recognition of the driving environment, identifying potential hazards and obstacles. The system will bring together existing and new automotive technologies, ensuring they communicate with each other within the car environment to boost safety and improve the efficiency of the vehicle.

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Source: all4engineers

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Cadillac: GPS for free

For a limited time selected Cadillac 2007 models will be equipped with a free navigation system.

The offer will end on January 2nd 2007 and is only available on "specially-equipped" models.

What directional joys await those of you willing to drop the coin on a new Caddy? It's pretty much the standard navigation fare, with a dash-mounted LCD displaying turn-by-turn directions, with the option of a sultry vixen barking orders at you if you make a wrong move (some don't need a sat-nav for that). Other standard features include an address finder, a business search and, for those of you willing to upgrade to XM, NavTraffic, that provides real-time traffic reporting.

The free navi will be only available on 2007 models and we haven't found out the meaning of "specially-equipped" yet, but we'll call our local dealer today.

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Source: Autoblog

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Audi: Computer tomography used for Aluminium bodies - and Egyptian mummy

Audi usually uses high-tech to ensure that only premium quality is delivered to you. But now Audi's high-tech supports as well completely different branches of science.

Never before has any system been able to investigate vehicle bodies at Audi with such precision: with an accuracy in the micron range, in other words about one hundredth the width of a hair, a uniquely configured computer tomograph (CT) at Audi in Neckarsulm is capable of screening not only individual components, but - this is what makes it so special - entire vehicle bodies. The advantage of being able to examine objects without any contact and non-destructively meant that the CT system at Audi has also been used for an examination of a very special "patient": a mummified ibis, around 2,000 years old, from Abydos in Egypt, which was provided by the Hesse State Museum in Darmstadt.

Dr. Erwin Keefer, from the Württemberg State Museum, is thrilled with the first pictures of this rare object from antiquity: "This is the first time in Germany that a mummified object has been screened using an industrial CT system - the uniquely high-resolution pictures are a great help to us in our research".

Keefer regards the CT system at Audi as the most innovative method of investigating mummified objects. Until now, it has only been possible to obtain two-dimensional X-ray pictures; by contrast, the pictures taken by the CT system are 50 times sharper. They can consequently assist with the compiling of three-dimensional images that can be used to examine the mummified bird's feather stalks for mites or fleas.

[...]

But back to the main purpose of the CT system at Audi in Neckarsulm: costing around one million euros and weighing ten tonnes, the system is normally used for closely scrutinising joining techniques involving aluminium and lightweight construction methods. X-rays are fired slice by slice through weld seams, punched joins, laser-welded seams and clinched joins. "An important new departure is that parts can now be examined without any contact and non-destructively," explains Dr. Manfred Sindel, from Aluminium Technology Quality Assurance at Audi.

It was previously necessary to cut components out of the body in order to examine them for any inaccuracies. There is a wide range of possible applications for the CT, from minute electronic components with diameters of three millimetres to body components over five metres long.

Whereas patients lie down for examinations by computer tomography, objects for industrial applications are positioned initially upright on a turntable. To enable even large components such as entire vehicle bodies to be examined, Audi's system has been customised for the automotive industry. The large components are secured to a robot that brings them into the desired position.
While the object is rotated in the X-ray, the computer tomograph compiles X?ray projection images for between 100 and 1,000 different angles. To this end, the object to be screened is positioned between an X-ray source which emits the rays and an X-ray detector which converts the X-rays into electrical signals and compiles what is known as a shadowgraph. The 3D reconstruction thus obtained of the object being investigated permits a great many different angles of view. The observer can for example cut a virtual section through the object with the aid of the computer, or "fly through" it in order to obtain an impression of its physical properties from any perspective.

The computer tomograph itself is located in a 45 square metre radiation-proof booth operated by specially trained staff. The personnel's additional qualifications cover primarily the operation and maintenance of the plant, evaluation of the measurements with suitable software and X-ray protective measures.

The aim of project manager Dr. Michael Brodmann and his team was in particular to shorten the work processes with the aid of the system; this includes the investigation proper and the evaluation of the results.

The production technology of the Audi A8 body is now routinely monitored with the aid of the CT system. Several complete bodies are investigated in entirety each year. This involves measuring every detail of thousands of joins and evaluating them non-destructively.

"The system is in addition used for projects for defining quality standards and for sampling new parts," adds Brodmann. Even the investigation of a rather different "patient", the mummified ibis, is beneficial according to Brodmann: "This gives us the opportunity to test the system on entirely different materials and broaden our experience both in how to use the system and in how to process the data". Perhaps one day it will even be used on a real Pharaoh.

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Source: Fourtitude

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Security: Do Jeep and Mitsubishi share alarm codes?

Do Mitsubishi and Jeep seem to define 'security' a little bit careless...

Check out this video, where our beloved bloodbrother Ray Wert at Jalopnik wants to get into his Jeep, hits the unlock button on his remote key fob, and the alarm goes off in the Mitsubishi next to his Jeep. WTF? Ray tells us that Mitsubishi and Daimler Chrysler, Jeep's maker, once shared components, so maybe this is just a coincidence.

This happened to me one time, where a valet parker brought me the wrong car, an identical model to mine in which my keys actually worked. Could happen. Anyway, car alarms are a big pain in the ass; they make lots of unwelcome and unexpected noises when not needed, and any self-respecting car thief can defeat them, anyway. But at least they could all have unique codes.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Smart: EV coming to public?

Currently just planned to be available to fleet customers there might be chance for the rest of us in the future.

Anyone hoping to drive the Smart EV anytime soon will have been disappointed by the fact that only 200 of the things are initially going to be released, and then only to commercial fleets. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the rest of us. The Smart website now boasts a section on the Smart EV and there are some tantalising hints that they are planning a release to the general public some time in the future:

"Although the smart ev won't be available to the public just yet, it's definitely something we're working on. What's more, towards the end of 2006, some London-based smart owners will be able to try it out as a courtesy car when they bring their current smart in for service. We'll be interested to hear what you think."
Whilst there's no timetable set out for a more general release, the website does have a section to register your interest. Now if enough people were to put their name down to receive updates, perhaps this would send a message to the manufacturers that there is a genuine market out there. We can but hope. As an aside, it's nice to see that Smart will only lease the first batch of cars to companies who agree to buy 100% green power for them: "When we say zero emissions, we really mean it!"

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Source: Treehugger

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VW: UMPC on board

VW equipped a Passat with an UMPC. Fortunatley premium has to go premium so we prefer the combination of Audi and Apple instead.

Volkswagen engineers fashioned a form-fitting docking cradle inside the glovebox of the Passat. After docking, navigation screens and media are streamed from the computer to a 9″ touchscreen LCD headunit. Eric Jensen, Volkswagen's Project Engineer for Connectivity and Computing gave us a detailed demonstration of the UMPC's features.Most drivers will primarily use the UMPC for navigation. Using GPS and a WWAN Internet connection, the car can show real-time location and can give direct-to point of interest navigation. Navigation can be shown as a top-down overlay or on satellite imagery from the web. The car can also display traffic incident information, but Jensen admitted that navigation instruction and traffic cannot be shown at the same time. "In the future, we are looking to combine navigation and traffic, along with providing dynamic rerouting around accidents," said Jensen.

While navigation is important, media playback is where the UMPC really shines. The car can playback MP3s and videos in various formats to the two backseat monitors. For safety reasons, Volkswagen won't allow videos to be played on the front headunit. Music can be streamed from the Internet or played off the UMPC's drive. Drivers can also synchronize and playback podcasts. Jensen plans on adding a Slingbox feature to stream television from the driver's home

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Source: only UMPC

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Saab: Field-test for the AlcoKey

Saab is going to reduce the number of drunken drivers. We really appreciate this but maybe they should increase the number of their sales first - else I doubt if the company exists long enough to bring this gadget to market.

Called the AlcoKey, this small cell-phone size device is basically a breathalyzer with a radio transmitter that tells your Saab whether or not you're fit to be behind the wheel. If you fail the breath test, the car won't start - simple as that. Not only does it analyze the alcohol content in your breath, it also measures the temperature of your breath to thwart those trying to game the device by using a balloon or an air pump to pass air through it.

Saab will be field-testing the AlcoKey in Sweden with the help of various car fleet and taxi operators over the next six months in 100 vehicles. This is the last step before Saab might offer the AlcoKey as an option with the 9-5 or 9-3 sedans for 3,000 SEK ($408USD, we think).

The last two years of development have been spent shrinking the device to an acceptable size and increasing its battery life, which Saab says now stands at 12 months if the device were to be used five times a day. If you need to use the AlcoKey five times a day, then perhaps you have bigger problems than not being able to start your car.

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Source: Autoblog

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Telematics: Prototype shown in London show

STMicroelectronics demonstrated several prototype solutions for in-vehicle entertainment, information, and safety applications at the 13th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, helt in London from 9 to 12 October.

Navigation systems shown at ITS 2006 include a working prototype using ST's NaviFlex platform - announced at ITS 2005 in San Francisco - and based on a Nomadik Application Processor, with ST's GPS chipset, software platform, and reference design. NaviFlex is a complete Nomadik-based platform for in-car infotainment that targets two main markets: Car Navigation and Infotainment (NaviFlex-PRO), and Portable Navigation Devices (Naviflex-PNE platform).

A display shows GPS System-on-Chip solutions, including the STA2051 and ST's new high-performance embedded-Flash single-chip baseband devices, and the STA2056 genuine one-chip system with on-board RF. ST has been selected by the Galileo Joint Undertaking - overseeing Europe's global navigation satellite system - as a Prime Contractor and chipset provider for the GR-POSTER (Galileo-Ready POSitioning TERminal) program for mass market Galileo terminal development. All ST GPS chipsets will be upgraded to be Galileo-Ready.

The recently announced ADR (Advanced Digital Radio) chipset, created in collaboration with Blaupunkt, can tune in to all the current analog radio services worldwide, as well as to the new digital radio services. Combining two of ST's TDA7528 RF front-end ICs with an STA3005 back-end chip, the solution delivers excellent sound processing and equalization performance, even in difficult signal conditions, while reducing the workload on the radio's main microprocessor.

In-car mobile TV will be demonstrated using a working prototype, also in cooperation with Blaupunkt, that uses the T-DMB (Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) system, which is based on the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) standard and infrastructure already operating in many European countries, including the UK. The solution is based on ST's powerful but power- efficient Nomadik mobile multimedia application processor.

Satellite digital radios from leading manufacturers that use ST's market- leading receiver and tuner ICs will be on display. For terrestrial digital radio, a prototype of a DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) receiver created by ST in cooperation with Kenwood and Fraunhofer IIS (Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits) will demonstrate ST's broad capability in this field. The receiver design is expected to lead on to the development of a low-power ASIC for DRM applications in radios and PDAs.

A working automotive Media Center demonstration - with disk drive (HDD), DVD player and USB interfaces - is based on the STi710x family, which includes the world's first single-chip H.264/AVC and VC-1 decoder; it includes wired and wireless links for PCs and smart phones.

Safety and security systems are supported by a live demonstration of 3-axis accelerometers using ST's MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, with sensors detecting movement as inclination or acceleration. Applications shown include anti-theft systems for wheeled vehicles and anti-tamper systems for containers, and inputs for adaptive lighting.

The VS6x24 family of color digital cameras combines small physical size with low power consumption. They integrate a high-sensitivity pixel array, fully-featured digital image processing and camera control functions into a single die. With multiple resolutions and standard output formats (YUV, RGB or Bayer), this Imager-on-Chip (IoC) solution allows the rapid design-in of a high-quality digital camera to any system. It is shown with the x24 Camera Integration Kit (CIK) in a working demonstration of its easy evaluation and use.

A practical application of imaging technology in a vehicle environment is shown in a demonstration of a System-on-Chip (SoC) processor, the result of a joint development program between ST and Mobileye, which monitors pedestrians and lane discipline in real-time using a video stream from a single CMOS camera.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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PMP: Sanyo NVA-HD1500DT with 1Seg tuner

Here is Sanyo's latest latest top-of-the-line 1Seg product: the NVA-HD1500DT.

It comes with a 30GB hard drive, a 1Seg tuner, a DVD player, GPS and a 7-inch screen -- we're assuming that the hard drive is for storing various digital media, but wonder if it could also be used (or hacked) as an over-the-air DTV DVR. You'll be able to cruise the Tohoku Highway decked out with the NVA-HD1500DT beginning on October 25, but only after you drop a cool ¥247,800, (nearly $2,100) for the priv.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, DVD, GPS, DTV, DVR

Source: Engadget

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GPS: Device leads into sandpile

You trust your GPS. OK, but don't switch off your brain.

...an 80-year old gentleman apparently thought his nav-equipped Mercedes was of the yet-to-be-released autopilot variety when he failed to take matters into his own hands. The elderly German motorist set out sans a clue of what route(s) he'd be taking to reach his destination, but obviously felt that his trusty navigation unit knew far more about the highways and byways than he did. After blatantly ignoring a prominent "closed for construction" sign, he threw common sense to the wind and put that 4MATIC system to good use by wheeling over "a number of warnings and barricades" in search of his next landmark. A police spokeperson said frankly: "His trip finally ended when he wound up crashing into a pile of sand." The most alarming tidbit may not be the overt reliance on technology or the slightly antiquated maps he was utilizing, but that even his wife found no reason to object to cruising head-on into a sandpile.

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Source: Engadget

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Digital video: Four channel, multi-camera, automotive Digital Vid eo Recorders

These four channel, multi-camera, automotive digital video recorders might be useful to verify insurance claims, sense nearby cars and people and alert the driver, and bear faultless testimony to any accidents.

Apart from being readily available to assist with parking and reversing (analog rear vision mirrors don't zoom), they could also verify insurance claims, sense nearby cars and people and alert the driver, and bear faultless testimony to any accidents. Who knows, as digital storage becomes a legitimate part of the automobile's entertainment armoury, we may eventually find multiple camera systems keeping records of every business-related trip.

RAE Systems specialises in building sensor networks that enable customers to identify safety and security threats in real time, and their latest kit is the Aegison DV8020r and Aegison DV8040r network-enabled mobile digital video recorders.

These high-quality two- and four-channel mobile digital video recorders (DVRs) are specifically designed for multi-camera mobile security applications. The two-channel Aegison DV8020r is intended for vehicle surveillance for police cars, helicopters, planes, and other small-scale mobile applications, while the four-channel Aegison DV8040r is intended for large-size vehicle surveillance for mass transportation, trucks and school buses. Both devices meet SAE J1211 and military Mil-810F specifications for shock, vibration and operating temperature. The units are small enough to be easily mounted under a vehicle's dash or even on a motorcycle. Similar units are already deployed with the US Army in both ground-based and helicopter applications.

"This pair of mobile digital recorders brings more visual and recording coverage to law enforcement and municipal authorities as they deploy video as part of their mobile recordkeeping and security systems," said Steven Hwang, director of security systems products for RAE Systems. "We have already seen successful deployment of the previous generation of single-channel mobile DVRs designed for military applications."

RAE Systems' Aegison mobile solutions are fully customizable with both Ethernet and wireless interfaces, as well as fixed or removable hard drives that can provide up to 160 hours of recording time. These mobile solutions include an embedded DVR device that produces DVD-quality video from each camera, recording at 30 frames per second. The wireless-enabled DVRs are fully integrated with the Aegison real-time streaming and archive server (SAS). Recorded data in the Aegison DV8020r and Aegison DV8040r can automatically uplink to the in-station SAS servers through the wireless 802.1 1a/b/g network. With the SAS, the system supports segmented uplinking: uplinks can be interrupted before completion as vehicles leave the station, and when the vehicles return to the station the uplink resumes from where it left off, seamlessly completing the data transfer. With this feature, a fleet manager can easily manage the data from many vehicles without monitoring uplinks for completion.

Four alarm inputs in the DV8020r and DV8040r can be connected to light bars, sirens, or any other dry-contact relay for recording activation. Playback includes pause, slow motion, frame stop and fast-forward/fast-backward. The on-screen graphical user interface supports multiple international languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic. Optional accessories for the Aegison DV8020r and DV8040r include a dash-mounted or remote control, USB 2.0 ultra-fast docking station, and windshield-mount mobile zoom camera.

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Source: Gizmag

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Diesel: German carmakers team up for diesel market in the US

The German carmakers teamed up to develop the potential of diesel in the U.S. For this all of them want to use one engine.

Mercedes' Bluetec diesel came out swinging at the Detroit Auto Show, only to kneed in the groin by California emission regulations. What was thought to be one of the cleanest diesels available, turned out to be just a few oxides of nitrogen over the newly developed limits. To resolve the situation, Mercedes developed the urea injection system that pumps a small amount of ammonia-based acid into the exhaust stream, neutralizing many of the harmful emissions. The problem is, the urea bladder needs to be refilled periodically and unless there's a mandate set for all drivers to do so, the engines will run with no drama, but will pollute at a greater level.

Here's where strength in numbers comes to the fore. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have joined forces and will begin equipping all their U.S.-slated diesel offerings with the Bluetec system. In doing so, they will set a standard for diesel offerings in the States, have a common, marketable brand and will have massive purchasing power over Bosch who creates most of the components necessary.

Audi and VW have already signed on to the deal, with BMW's CEO, Norbert Reithofer and our favorite mustached-marketer, Dr. Z of DaimlerChrysler, expected to work the details out this week. A formal announcement of the automaker's intentions will likely be made in two weeks time.

VW will debut a Bluetec-powered Tiguan at this year's L.A. Auto Show and we'll see other Bluetec offerings in the coming months, in the form of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Merc R-, M- and GL-classes.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Diesel, Bluetec

Source: Autoblog

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Mitsubishi: After MIEV comes iMIEV

Mitsubishi seems to be quite into electric vehicles. After their announcement of selling the Electric Vehicle MIEVannouncement of selling the Electric Vehicle MIEV they now unveiled a new, single-motor research electric car based on its i minicar that will be used for joint research programs with Japanese power companies.

The power companies will conduct field tests, gather data and evaluate the commercial viability of the vehicle. MMC will provide power companies with EVs and analyse field test data collected by them.

The label "MiEV" now encompasses all of MMC's electric drive systems work, including lithium-ion batteries, in-wheel motors and other technologies related to EV, hybrid-electric vehicle and fuel-cell vehicles. The broader MiEV concept is based on MMC's former concept Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV), referring to a lithium-ion battery/in-wheel motor-driven vehicle. MMC continues to develop its in-wheel motor technology.

Mitsubishi decided to priotiritze development of the single-motor configuration because it can be developed more quickly and at a lower cost than its in-wheel-motor configurations-and therefore accelerate market introduction.

The new i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 130 kph (81 mph), with a range of up to 130 km (81 miles) for the 16 kWh pack or 160 km (99 miles) for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

Charge time (80% capacity) with a 15-amp/200-volt on-board charger is 5 hours and 7 hours for each of the packs. Use of a 15-amp/100-volt charger increases the time to 11 hours and 13 hours respectively. A 3-phase, 50kW/200V quick charger drops that to 20 minutes and 25 minutes respectively.

MMC will display i MiEV at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition (EVS-22) at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama 23 - 28 October 2006.

MMC will begin joint research with Tokyo Electric Power Company, and The Chugoku Electric Power Co. in November 2006 and with Kyushu Electric Power Co. in January 2007. MMC will provide each power company with i MiEVs. By testing i MiEV, the power companies will evaluate how the vehicle is applied to their business and how fast-charge infrastructure may be developed for EVs.

In the autumn of 2007, MMC will begin fleet testing in order to verify the vehicle's technical capabilities in daily use and to evaluate the commercial acceptance in collaboration with the power companies above along with the Kansai Electric Power and Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Sony: Car FM transmitter

Sony released a new car FM transmitter to use your mobile audio devices in your car.

The DCC-FMT50U costs ¥6,195 (US$52) and should be able to play anything through its standard audio jack, although for some reason the specs state that only the NW-A3000/A1000 Walkmen support playback, which has gotta be wrong. Still, anything that likes USB juice can get a charge and there are four preset buttons for the FM transmitter.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Display: In-car LCD from Sharp

Sharp unveiled a new LCD for automotive use that has industry's highest contrast ratio.

Sharp's rendition, however, touts a 1500:1 contrast ratio -- "triple that of the best alternatives" -- and can produce deep blacks that match up with dark dashboards in addition to displaying full-motion video. The unit has been road-tested to withstand the usual bumps and jerks associated with cruising on (or off) those brutal highways, and can convey a myriad of useful information not possible with those plain ole mounted needles. The 8-inch panel sports an 800 x 480 resolution that shows the typical speedometer, tachometer, and fluid levels, but also packs the ability to queue up navigational maps and backup cameras to keep you on track. While we haven't heard which (if any) automakers are placing bulk orders for these uber-contrasty LCDs, we aren't exactly sure how much good it will do you if the whip ends up driving itself.

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Source: Engadget

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GPS: Dual XNAV 3500

Nothing special, but maybe the right one for you.

The XNAV 3500 GPS navigation system from Dual is pretty generic, featuring a 3.5" touchscreen TFT LCD display, integrated speakers, MP3 playback functionality, and turn-by-turn voice guidance to get you out of tight spots in unfamiliar territory. The inclusion of left and right turn signal LEDs on both ends of the device makes it easier for you to concentrate on the road while navigating through a maze of roads in a foreign place. The XNAV 3500 also comes with pre-loaded maps which are available on a 1GB SD card, along with millions of Points of Interests which cover the entire US. Since the maps come on an SD card, you can easily upgrade it whenever you head off to another continent. We're not sure why the XNAV 3500 is priced at a whooping $800 though.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, MP3

Source: Ubergizmo

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Ford: MP3 jack as standard

Ford reacts to a study that found more than half of today's drivers want MP3 player integration in their cars.

Ford announced today that it would make auxiliary audio input jacks standard on its 2007 Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Fusion, Sport Trac, Ranger, and F-150. The auxiliary jacks will also be standard on the 2007 Mercury Milan and Mountaineer, along with the 2007 Lincoln MKX, MKZ, Navigator, and Mark LT.

iPod users can opt for a dealer-installed kit from Ford called TripTunes, which offers real integration between iPods and the car's stereo. TripTunes keeps the iPod charged and lets the driver select songs from the car stereo interface. TripTunes will be available early next year.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Ford, Apple, iPod, MP3

Source: CNET

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Mitsubishi: Electric vehicle available to market

Mitsubishi is about to sell an electric car in Japan and in the U.S.

Mitsubishi Motors plans to sell a small electric car in the United States. Speaking during a Mitsubishi dealer meeting last week, President Osamu Masuko said the lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle will be launched first in Japan. A hybrid version of the car also might be available.

In 2005, Mitsubishi announced that it would begin selling electric cars in Japan by 2010. Mitsubishi plans to build its EVs with in-wheel motors and lithium-ion batteries, both of which the company has been working on for several years. Mitsubishi forsees using the Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV) concept in hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles as well. (Earlier post.)

Mitsubishi is partnering with Tokyo Electric on developing an electric minicar (earlier post). In January, Mitsubishi introduced the Concept-CT MIEV-an in-wheel gasoline-electric series/parallel hybrid (earlier post) at the Detroit auto show.

The Concept-CT is electric-dominant, obtaining the majority of its drive torque via the electric in-wheel motors, which are powered by a 1.0-liter genset and Li-ion batteries in a conventional series-hybrid configuration. At constant speed, however, the Concept-CT can add engine-powered rear-wheel drive for extra driveability (the parallel-hybrid aspect).

"From an environmental standpoint, we believe the electric car is the way to go because it has zero emissions," Masuko said here last week at a Mitsubishi dealer meeting. "Fuel cell technology is still off in the future. Diesels are big in Europe but not in Japan and the U.S."

Masuko did not disclose timing or sales volume targets for the new EV. A detailed announcement about the car is expected shortly.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Mitsubishi, electric vehicles

Source: Green Car Congress, Pic of concept-CT via Autoblog

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Bluetooth: Renault teams up with Parrot

Parrot is famous for Bluetooth car products and Renault seems to polish up the technology in their cars.

In a strategic partnership, Renault will work with in-car Bluetooth experts Parrot who will provide the kit to be integrated directly into the vehicle's architecture.

The technology will be installed at point of manufacture across the entire Renault range, beginning with the Mégane from this month.

Pairing with the driver's mobile, the handsfree kit - the CML TB - will allow phonebook, call logs and contact details to be displayed on the built-in dashboard screen. It also features automatic safety call-hold function with which the driver can put callers on hold until they are ready to safely answer the call.

The announcement comes after a safety group yesterday found that the main reason people don't use their phones while driving is because of the frowns they get from other drivers.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Renault, Parrot, Bluetooth

Source: Pocket-lint

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