A new crash test program from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety aims to ensure that manufacturers pay attention to the safety of front passengers as well as drivers.
The test was developed after it became clear that some manufacturers were giving short shrift to the right side of the vehicle when it comes to small overlap front crash protection. A good or acceptable passenger-side rating will be required to qualify for the Institute’s 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
The first test group in the passenger-side small overlap front test program did better overall than vehicles IIHS previously evaluated for research. Ten out of 13 midsize cars tested earn a good rating, while one is acceptable and two earn a marginal rating.
In contrast with a group of 2014-16 model small SUVs tested for research, none of the 2017-18 midsize cars had a poor or marginal structural rating. Instead, the biggest problem in the new group was inconsistent airbag protection in five cars, which would put passengers’ heads at risk.
Michelin announced today it will expand the market footprint for its airless skid steer tires with the launch of two new versions of the award-winning MICHELIN® X® TWEEL® SSL airless radial tire: a 12N16.5 X® TWEEL® SSL All Terrain for a wide range of surfaces and a12N16.5 X® TWEEL® SSL Hard Surface for pavement use.
The development of Michelin’s Tweel technology is significant, since skid steer loaders equipped with traditional pneumatic tires, experience at least two or more flat tires per month. Desperate to find a solution to reduce flat-tire downtime, many users resort to using foam-filled, solid tires or other alternatives that result in diminished traction, handling and ride comfort. The 12N16.5 X TWEEL SSL provides the advantages of no air pressure maintenance, easy mounting, damage resistance, increased operator comfort, reduced operator fatigue, improved productivity and longer wear life than pneumatic tires.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7347551-new-michelin-x-tweel-ssl-airless-skid-steer-radial-tires/
Micah Muzio, managing editor for Kelley Blue Book, offers sneak peak at auto industry’s most coveted event.
“Every year we invite some of the biggest names in the aftermarket tuning community to build some of the most exciting vehicles at SEMA,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We wanted this year’s builders to develop performance and luxury in tandem, and from what you see from our lineup of vehicles, they have exceeded our goals on every measure.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7278251-sema-show-2014-kbb-toyo-tires-hyundai-lexus-kia/
Spring is around the corner, and it won’t be long before it’s prom and graduation seasons for many high schoolers. Rites of passage for many, these are times for teens to celebrate, but can also be times of poor decision-making, especially when vehicles are involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 2,524 teen drivers and passengers were killed and 177,000 were injured in 2013. Twenty-seven percent of these fatalities occurred between April and June, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“The statistics are staggering, especially when you consider that most of these accidents and fatalities are preventable,” said Randy Petro, Mercury Insurance’s chief claims officer. “We don’t want any families to suffer through the loss of a child, so Mercury is taking action with the launch of the ‘Mercury Insurance Drive Safe Challenge.’”
The Mercury Insurance Drive Safe Challenge kicked off with a free defensive driving program, which included hands-on driving skills training and classroom material. An interactive website provides teens with detailed instruction, as well as gives parents the tools to shape responsible driving behavior.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7772251-mercury-teen-drive-safe-challenge/
The Mercedes-Benz Star Fund, the automaker's largest start-up amount for a charity fund worldwide outside Germany, today commemorated its first anniversary. Distinguished by its past year achievements in the five core areas of environmental protection, education, music, arts and sports, culture of driving and social care, the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund announced another boost to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by launching the new ‘Star Ambassador’ Volunteer Program. This is also its latest initiative to enhance its CSR program in China through encouraging greater participation and providing a more sustained and strategic development of its social contribution efforts.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/mercedesbenz/50793/
At the 2014 New York Auto Show, the S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe makes its world debut. The new S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe is the latest dream car to augment the Mercedes-AMG model range. Exciting lines underpin this two-door model's design. Power and sensual purity combine to give the vehicle irresistible presence and breathtaking performance. Equally impressive is the combination of outstanding driving dynamics, advanced lightweight construction and groundbreaking efficiency. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine is a paragon of poise and assur-ance. Boasting an output of 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the S63 AMG Coupe delivers exceptional performance with remarkably low fuel consumption. In addition, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive (33/67% split) will come standard in the U.S. market for optimum traction in any driving situation.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7112052-mercedes-benz-usa-s63-amg-4matic-coupe-luxury-car
A new AMG high-performance automobile is all set for its world premiere in the fall of 2014. The Mercedes-AMG GT will thrill sports car fans around the world with breathtaking design and supreme agility. Fascinating, dynamic – and versatile to boot: the GT will line up in a new segment – and it will make the dream of the authentic Mercedes-AMG sports car come true.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7112051-mercedes-benz-usa-new-amg-gt-high-performance-sports-car
Summer is upon us, which means pedestrians, pets, bicycles and motorcycles are out in force, requiring drivers to be even more cautious. No matter where you’re headed, the park close by or family vacation to the beach, it’s important to think about everyone who'll be traveling with you, especially children and pets.
As a driver, your responsibility is to know the law and protect those in your vehicle. Infants and toddlers need special care and safety seats are required by law in all 50 states.
Some states even have laws that require your furry friends to be restrained. New Jersey, for example, requires pets to be in a restraint or a carrier in the car. The fine for this violation is anywhere from $250 to $1000. Check with your department of motor vehicles or veterinary office for information on pet restraint in your state.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7493131-state-farm-safe-driving/
Today, Fleetmatics celebrates its 10th anniversary as a leader in the global SaaS-based mobile workforce industry, saluting a decade of several major milestones. To date, the company has approximately 523,000 vehicles under subscription, over 24,000 global businesses, 27 billion miles tracked and more than 62 billion data points collected to provide key benchmarking and business intelligence insights for companies looking to better manage expenses, employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7237751-fleetmatics-celebrates-10th-anniversary/
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC (MBFS) today announced it is adding an in-vehicle account management app to its suite of mobile tools for its customers in the United States.
The new app, called My MBFS, will automatically be added to the cloud-based infotainment system on model year 2013 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the COMAND Navigation and a subscription to mbrace2™ with Mercedes-Benz Apps. My MBFS joins existing apps from Google, Yelp! and Facebook.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61684-mercedes-benz-financial-services-mobile-technology-with-new-app
With lower fuel cost and less emissions, many automakers and fleets are turning to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a vehicle fuel. Even though the fuel has been used in this capacity for decades, increasing prices of gasoline and growing concern for the environment has reignited interest. In this video we talk with Kathryn Clay, the executive director of the Drive Natural Gas Initiative, and Stephe Yborra, the director of market development at NGV America, about the growth, development and future of CNG in America.
More states are allowing a relatively new breed of vehicle on public roads, but crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show why the mix of low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or minitrucks and regular traffic is a deadly combination. LSVs are designed for tooling around residential neighborhoods, and minitrucks are for hauling cargo off-road. While these vehicles have a lot of appeal as a way to reduce emissions and cut fuel use, they don't have to meet the basic safety standards that cars and pickups do, and they aren't designed to protect their occupants in crashes.
