All Entries in the "Auto News" Category
Do Truck Owners/Buyers Care About Cabin Technology Offerings?
In the past few weeks, two different news stories are shining a light on all the infotainment, navigation and Bluetooth technology features found in new trucks. The quick synopsis is automakers are spending millions to develop these technologies, yet consumers and owners don’t really care.
A recent survey says most people don’t regularly use the many different technology features in their vehicle’s cabin.
The Problem With Buying A Compact Pickup
With GM’s new Colorado and Canyon exceeding expectations, a new Tacoma right around the corner, and rumors of a new Frontier debuting in the next few months, it seems as if compact trucks are really surging in popularity. There’s even discussion of Ford bringing back the Ranger, a concept that gets Ford fans as excited as aluminum body panels and small displacement turbocharged V6’s.
In the “old” days (1970s), compact trucks were more fuel efficient and substantially less expensive than half-ton trucks. Today? Not so much.
The problem with all of this excitement about compact trucks is that it ignores the “why.” Specifically, why would anyone buy a compact truck when there are so many great full-size trucks available?
5 Key Questions On 2015 Ford F-150 and IIHS Crash Test Ratings
Here are our top 5 questions about the IIHS and Ford crash test ratings issue.
IIHS Questions 2015 Ford F-150 Safety Ratings, Insurance and Repair Costs
UPDATED 12:29 PM on 7/30/15: added photo and quote from Mike Levine.
The hubbub over an aluminum truck has exploded again and this time the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is drawing attention for highlighting key safety equipment differences between Ford truck cab configurations and repair costs. Ford is fighting back with sales and repair costs data of its own. Buckle up readers, this story is just getting started.
In a rare move, the IIHS is questioning Ford’s use of differing safety equipment on their trucks. They are also suggesting the new trucks will have higher insurance premiums and repair costs.
Why Truck Owners Should Care About Fuel Cells
Toyota’s new Mirai isn’t terribly impressive at first glance. It’s pricey (about $70k), it will be difficult to refuel outside of Los Angeles or San Francisco, and it’s not very fast (a zero to 60 time of about 10 seconds).
Toyota’s new Mirai might not look like big news to pickup fans, but hydrogen fuel cells are likely to be a big part of Toyota’s plan for the Tundra.
However, the technology underneath is the game changer…especially for trucks. Hydrogen is almost certain to become the predominant alternative fuel for trucks and large SUVs. Here’s why.
