Parking crashes usually don’t result in serious injuries, but repair costs can quickly mount, along with the hassle of going without the family vehicle while waiting for the body shop to finish work. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has launched a rear crash prevention ratings program to help consumers identify models with the technology that can prevent or mitigate low-speed backing crashes. Two systems earn the highest rating of superior, and four earn the second-highest rating of advanced.
Rear crash prevention encompasses several technologies. Parking sensors issue warning beeps and/or seat vibrations when the equipped vehicle gets too close to another vehicle or object directly behind it, or, in some cases, in front of it. Rear cross-traffic alert warns drivers of approaching vehicles that might cross their path as they back up. Rear automatic emergency braking systems detect objects behind a reversing vehicle and may automatically brake if the driver doesn’t heed alerts to stop.
IIHS engineers evaluated rear autobrake systems on six popular 2017 model vehicles — the BMW 5 series sedan, Cadillac XT5 SUV, Infiniti QX60 SUV, Jeep Cherokee SUV, Subaru Outback wagon and Toyota Prius hatchback.
Under the three-tier rating scheme, models with optional or standard rear crash prevention systems are rated superior, advanced or basic. Ratings are determined by whether the vehicles have available rear autobrake and, if so, how it performs in a series of car-to-car and car-to-pole tests with different approach angles. The availability of parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert also is factored in.
The Outback and XT5 earn a superior rating when equipped with optional rear autobrake, parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cherokee, 5 series, QX60 and Prius earn an advanced rating with this optional gear.
A new test program by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the performance of front crash prevention systems to help consumers decide which features to consider and encourage automakers to speed adoption of the technology. The rating system is based on research by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems are helping drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes.
The list of winners of the Institute's TOP SAFETY PICK award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.
In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn TOP SAFETY PICK. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.
The winners’ circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.
THINK: Be your own nail artist for the chance to win.
WHAT IT IS: I Heart Nail Art is a 5-month campaign where consumers will be challenged to create nail art based on monthly themes. As the nail authority, Sally Hansen has trend setting colors women can use to express their creativity and individuality through vibrant, vivid, bold nails. Now, Sally Hansen is asking American women to show off their nail art skills with the I Heart Nail Art Contest. Each month, Sally Hansen will post a new nail art challenge on Facebook and encourage fans to post photos of their inspiring, intricate and ingenious nail art looks for a chance to win.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60008-sally-hansen-show-your-nails-some-love-monthly-nail-art-contest
Later this year, Hyundai will be the first mainstream automaker to launch an augmented reality owner's manual app. The Hyundai Virtual Guide app is the brand's modern take on the traditional owner's manual, allowing consumers to use their smartphone or tablet computer to get how-to information for repairs, maintenance and vehicle features.
At launch, the Hyundai Virtual Guide is compatible with the 2015 Sonata model, and will soon become available for additional models. The new app recognizes more than 45 major features of the Sonata and is available for free download on the Apple App store and Google Play.
Hyundai used quality consumer survey results to determine the top difficult-to-use features to incorporate into the Virtual Guide. The app also contains 82 how-to videos, six 3D overlay images that appear once users scan areas of their vehicle like the engine bay and more than 50 informational guides.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7506058-hyundai-virtual-guide-app/
Hybrids have a safety edge over their conventional twins when it comes to shielding their occupants from injuries in crashes, new research by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, shows. On average, the odds of being injured in a crash are 25 percent lower for people in hybrids than people traveling in nonhybrid models.
The new finding is more good news for green-minded drivers who don’t want to trade safety for fuel economy. Not so long ago, car buyers had to choose between the two because fuel-efficient cars tended to be smaller and lighter. Now, consumers have more options than ever when it comes to picking an environmentally friendly — and crashworthy — vehicle.
For more information, go to: www.iihs.org
Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, today launched the Huawei P8 lite in the U.S., making it possible for U.S. consumers to have premium design and features at an accessible price. Available for just $249.99 USD, the P8 lite will be available as an unlocked device, giving consumers the option to take their phone to the network* of their choice.
“With a perfect balance of style, functionality and value, the P8 lite gives consumers a premium yet easily accessible device and experience,” said Mr. Zhiqiang Xu, President of Huawei Device USA. “We are expanding our smartphone, wearable and tablet portfolio to meet U.S. consumers’ needs and are committed to delivering the right devices at the right prices with a tremendous consumer experience.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7052351-huawei-p8-lite/
America is a land of traditions, from fireworks on the Fourth to fruitcake at Christmas. But most families actually mix traditions, creating some new ones that are all their own – like the Cape Cod family who holds cherry pit-spitting contests at its annual gathering, or the mom who organizes a backyard camp every summer. Whether your family tradition involves food or fun, Kozy Shack®, a family-owned company that has been bringing people to the table for its delicious and wholesome puddings for more than 40 years, wants to hear from you. Kozy Shack® Bread Pudding invites consumers to share their stories, no matter how silly, for a chance to win an Unforgettable $10,000 Family Vacation.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56381-kozy-shack-bread-pudding-mixing-traditions-contest-10000-family-vacation
Crystal Farms®, one of the nation’s favorite cheese brands, today announced a new line of shredded cheeses that will help make cooking authentic Hispanic dishes more approachable for consumers.
The new line features four cheese varieties popular for their versatility and melting capabilities important in Hispanic cooking:
Quesadilla – Rich and creamy, Quesadilla cheese can be used in most recipes that call for melting cheese.
Oaxaca – Named after a region in Mexico, Oaxaca melts effortlessly into casseroles, refried beans and soups.
Asadero – A rich Mexican-style melting cheese, Asadero is ideal for adding buttery flavor to queso, enchiladas and your favorite Mexican fare.
Muenster – Though not a traditional Hispanic cheese, Muenster has been adapted to authentic dishes because of its mild flavor and high melting factor.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7916651-crystal-farms-hispanic-shredded-cheeses/
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, will launch a series of YouTube videos to help consumers traverse all the recent changes to checking accounts. The first video offers people tips and things to consider when opening or updating their checking accounts.
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, will launch a series of YouTube videos to help consumers traverse all the recent changes to checking accounts. The first video offers people tips and things to consider when opening or updating their checking accounts.
From remote mountains to rural country roads and even up to 200 miles off the coast of the United States, consumers can now enjoy the freedom and flexibility to stay connected with the availability of the TerreStar™ GENUS™, the world’s first integrated cellular-satellite smartphone. Offered by mobile communications provider, TerreStar Networks Inc. (“TerreStar”), the GENUS ensures today’s active lifestyle consumer, from the extreme outdoor adventurer and action sport enthusiast to the recreational boater, can stay connected even in remote locations or when the cellular network is down.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/terrestar/47306/
