The Multimedia System Challenge Between Toyota and Ford
The operating system of Entune is connected to the mobile phone used by the driver in accessing Toyota’s applications store, streaming audios and downloading program updates. 
With the use of your blackberry, Iphone or android phone as you data connection, Entune then offers link access to different media or entertainment services as earlier mentioned. Moreover, Entune system likewise features HD radio, old-school radio channel, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, as well as a USB port where you can connect any audio device or ipods.
It has been said that, with voice enable recognition, this can reduce the possibility of drivers getting distracted. Applying this type of interface plus the touch screen prompting on smart phones are innovations that are integrated to one. Besides that, whichever mobile network or system carrier that is providing you, it can work well with this Toyota Entune. Although, in some locations, there might be service disruptions, yet this is very minimal as part of any mobile phone network’s nature.
The Multimedia System Challenge Between Toyota and Ford
The entertainment media and mobile market is no doubt making a bomb blast in the United States. By means of smartphones that was anticipated to surpass the sales of basic mobile phones from last year’s sales is an indication that many people will be using mobile applications when browsing the internet, listening to music, and more or less when they are in a lookout of entertaining themselves.
With the unstoppable innovation and rising of versatility of mobile phones, Toyota intends to take advantage of this trend through Entune. This is an innovative system bringing and combining some famous media applications jointly in a single easy to access car arrangement, with the use of smartphones as the link or connection.
Entune is offering its services and applications with several content sources such as Pandora, Bing, Open Table, MovieTickets, and Iheartradio and it is offered as part in the navigation tech service package in the Prius V, Tacoma, and Toyota Camry.
Indeed, with this Entune system, Toyota is considered battling with Ford’s systems – Myford touch and Sync that were both premiered in 2007 through Microsoft’s support. Further, Ford lately made an update of their system integrating the use of smartphones. On the other hand, Hyundai will have a launching of the “Blue Link” wherein its features include pay-to-play navigation support, speech-to-text messaging, geography fencing and speed alert (this support notifies guardians and parents in case their young children’s car lost or away from a predetermined spot), and BL’s real-time traffic info.
Toyota 2012 Camry Introduced
Just recently, the Toyota 2012 Camry was launched and it did get a spectacular response from the public. In fact, the 2012 Camry is considered as Toyota Camry’s sixth model and this one is expected to create a great momentum in this year of the blue dragon. 
True to the sense of the year’s Chinese name, the 2012 Camry will surely make it to the top and make it well in the car market as the water dragon surges higher and higher to give spectacular manifestations to the car enthusiasts.
The introduction of the 2012 Camry has actually followed the launching of other models such as the new Avanza and the Prius C along with the three of the freshest in the car market like the Yaris, Land Cruiser 200, and Innova. The launching event was witnessed by the public, particularly car enthusiasts, at the Sofitel Hotel Philippine Plaza.
Basing from its global market, the Camry edition of Toyota is already on its thirtieth anniversary in this year. As a matter of fact, the Philippines only got its very first and only Camry edition sometime in 1996, which was that time, Camry took the place of Corona, which was venerable during those days while Exsior was basically the last of its variant that time.
When the Toyota Camry was introduced in the Philippines during that particular year, its name plate was already tagged on its 6th generation particularly in other place where this edition from Toyota was popularly marketed. So, this basically means that the entry of Camry in the Philippines was completely late because the Camry model that has entered the Philippine car market was already on its 6th generation. Obviously, the other first five generations weren’t introduced to the Philippine market due to various reasons coming from the Toyota Company, perhaps.
However, the launching of the 6th generation Camry model in the Philippines in 1996 was quite successful and it was followed by another very successful model sometime in 2001 and another one again sometime in 2006. The Toyota Company has basically followed the market direction of such car models the Asian way most particularly to the 2006 up to the 2012 model. However, the company made sure that all of the Camry models share the same kind of engineering and architecture like the ones sold in the United States.
The launching of the Camry XV50 2012-2013 is touted as the launching of the 3rd generation of Camry in the Philippines.
Google Navigates Self-driving Car Safely
A blind man dropped by at the Taco Bell restaurant, enjoyed his Taco order, and later picked up his suit from a neighborhood dry cleaner. Sounds like nothing special but the blind man is seated behind a self-driving car powered by Google’s technology.
Organization like DARPA has been launching a special kind of competition started in 2004 challenging car designers to come up with a technology in self-driven cars that will complete the course without any human intervention. Through the years, participants in the competition failed to complete the course and only managed a 12 km unaided and that’s how far the best record has gone so far. 
But, Google as one of the year’s entrants has published a video showing how a blind man named Steve Mahan has completed a 200,000 miles course safe and unaided with his self-driven Toyota Prius and Google is claiming to have taken the competition victoriously.
Google’s Toyota Prius uses navigation technology using radar and laser that has somewhat taken the Steve Mahan safe in his drive around his neighborhood. Mahan is with a ninety-five percent vision handicap and is legally blind. He is very optimistic that the feat would generally change his life and would bring more independence and flexibility in his movements. He said he is happy that with his self-driving car powered by Google, he can go around places and go where he needs without getting anxious or paranoid about his safety while on the road.
Google being a web giant admitted that the project has been going on as early as 2010 with goals to make driving more safe and enjoyable and said the drive is a sort of test drive for its core research. Google also described the drive as a technical experiment that would guide them in continuing their quest for autonomous technology that will complete and meet the safety standard in self-driving car technology. It also added the company is excited to own the self-driving car anytime soon. But also said that there’s still a lot of jobs to do before the technology can be really out and ready.
Google has released a video of the successful test drive and encouraging the public to view and share their opinions on the said videos. Meanwhile other US States are now gearing towards passing bill on the use of self-driving cars and want to ensure that safety standards are met to ensure public safety.
The 2012 Acura NSX
In January, the new concept of the upcoming 2012 Acura NSX was announced in the North American Auto Show 2012. The new Acura NSX is considered to be the next generation Honda NSX concept in progress. On the other hand, previous concepts remained in the new Acura NSX. The previous model is a mid-engine, all-wheel drive coupe with 2 doors. These features are being adopted in the new prototype. Meanwhile, the new concept is much lighter compared to its predecessor. The integration of the light materials and contemporary platform enhances the overall weight of the vehicle. Acura NSX added an electric motor, which creates a hybrid-type of vehicle. It is integrated in the dual clutch transmission that delivers the most excellent fuel economy.
Initially, the new model was based on the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept publicly released in 2007. In 2010, the model was called the Honda HSV-010 GT. It runs in 3.4-liter B-8 engine with 500 horsepower. During the last quarter of 2010, it was reported that the NSX successor will be created by Honda. The new concept of the Acura NSX has always been rumored to come out within this year. In fact, the new concept was dubbed as the NSX second generation model. It is fully-equipped with the V-6 hybrid power train with an all-wheel drive formula. The eco-friendly Acura NSX is composed of 3 different electric motors to boost the vehicle’s speed. On the other hand, the engine’s horsepower was not yet revealed to the public. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic design improves the overall handling of the new Acura NSX.
The 2012 Acura NSX provides the most excellent car acceleration with the new all-wheel drive system. Honda offers the VTEC system (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. The hybrid setup is one of the primary highlights of the new concept. Some people claimed that the idea of the Acura’s hybrid sports car was first created for a famous Hollywood actor. People spotted a unique Acura car in the set of the film the Avengers. Robert Downey Jr. was seen to be driving an exclusive Acura NSX made just for him. Today, several television advertisements are being aired in the United States alone. However, the production of the second-gen NSX will be offered by 2015. The production of the new Acura NSX is set to be built in Marysville, Ohio. The 2015 second generation NSX model is expected to be released by 2014.
Nissan Juke News
Nissan Juke: Touted as the Urban Proof of the Super minis
Nissan Juke, considered as the most extreme and the smallest member of the Nissan’s range of crossover cars is touted as the “urban proof” among the other super mini cars of today. We have tried to see the car ourselves and had seen it lined up with other four cars occupying the same amount of space fiscally and physically. 
The Cube shares its space with the Juke; the Note is a little different from its siblings known as B-segments; the Thick C Pillar hampers visibility. The scattershot strategy conducted shows that Nissan Juke actually deserves to be called as such.
The Nissan Juke sits on a similar platform like the Cube and Note. The three are all within 155 millimeters of their lengths. The Tiida on the other hand sits on a similar space that is extended and this has also formed Micra’s basis. This gives us the point of view that their corresponding characters make them different from one another.
There was a point in time that the Cube has been described by the car’s designer as a car that seems to stand still even when it’s moving. However, the Nissan Juke’s chest that is puffed out, glass house that seems to look like a turret and rear tail that looks like a boat are enough reasons for this car model to compete with the other larger bullies.
As of this car’s aesthetic appeal, Nissan Juke comes with a terrific appeal at the kerbside, which can never be unmistakable, even in the traffic or even when it is being driven by. The car’s DRG is stratified and its blister lamps fender top is considered as something unique in the see of different cars.
The car’s rear elevation is much better along with its lamp graphics, which emphasize the car’s bustle butt and wide hips. Even the Jude’s lower bumper does not spoil the SUV vibe. Many would claim that this flamboyance level hasn’t been accessed before until now.
Nissan Jude’s center console, which has been “motorcycle inspired” and its driving fin cards for its doors, are definitely positioned in the right lines but they give the feeling of being tokenistic and they can’t be seen when you are driving.
So, for those people out there who are looking for a car, which they can brag to other then the Nissan Jude is a great choice for them.
/p
GM Announces Stoppage of Volt Production
General Motors gives another means to idle some 1,300 workers when everything seems to be brighter for the auto industry. The automaker has announced it will be halting its production of Chevy Volt for five weeks because of low sales. 
The shutdown will start from March 19 until April 23 and gave no indication the shutdown will be extended or not. It was relatively a disappointing move as electric cars have been on the showdown and have grabbed the limelight when increased sales and public interest showed signs of hopes.
It was in 2010 when the automaker got the public attention when it launched the Chevy Volt filled with glitters and grandeurs. The Chevy did not perform well in terms of sales and performance when just recently it incurred high fire risk issue. It was a blow dealt with poor sales results.
Chevy Volt is one of the hopefuls among electric cars dealing with the fuel-efficiency issues and auto enthusiasts have put high preference on it but Volts appeal seem to dwindle fast. Observers blamed it to its high price tag and consumers are quick to shift to cheaper brands of the same fuel-efficiency promise. Chevy Volt is placed at high $41,000 and a generous $7,500 tax credit did not boost its appeal.
Volt is not alone in poor sales performance and has Nissan Leaf for a company when the Japanese car only sold 1,154 units a little more down compared to Volts 1,203 units. Both electric cars have high hopes for 2012 and still hoping to reap the fruit of their hard works in the next quarters of the 2012.
Auto Economist like Lacey Planche is quick to note that Volts poor sales reflect that consumer’s interest and appeal for Volt’s type of car is not that high and results in its failure to lure car enthusiasts to buy it. It could have account to poor marketing and fire risk issues.
Volt is still trying to dispose an oversupply of 6,000 units with 154 units per day that need to be sold. The figure is seen as a big challenge to GM thus the decision to stop production comes as a rescue. But GM is assuring people in the industry that the production will be temporary as GM and all electric car automakers are very hopeful that electric cars is the answer to the continuing gas price hike. GM is committed to make electric cars as the car for the future and it has no intention of backing off.
The Most Recent Auto News
Recently, Porsche made an announcement of their new SUV called the Macan. It will be launched by next year replacing its predecessor named Cajun. The 2013 Porsche SUV will be manufactured at Porsche’s Leipzig factory. 
According to the statement, the new Porsche SUV will be a smaller version of the world’s best-selling Cayenne model. The Stuttgart-based company is set to introduce their 5th model line after the successful models such as the Panamera 4-door Coupe, 911, Cayenne, and Boxster Roadster. Porsche’s officials said that by 2018, they are aiming for an annual sales increase by producing around 200,000 units in this alone. One of the major highlights of the new Porsche SUV is the combination of a sports car and SUV concept that are integrated in this upcoming model next year. The Porsche Macan is coming.Video
Meanwhile, Renault recently reported that a new Mercedes-based luxury car is in its early stages of development. The concept is basically based from Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz platform where the main goal is to increase its offerings in that section. On the other hand, Renault is continuously studying the viability of the new product in the market. This latest development is considered to be the 3rd luxury model that was planned for a Mercedes-based automobile. According to reports, the production of the new model is going to be done in France for the entire period. The whole concept will be the combination of the Renaults design while incorporating the Daimler’s platform through the whole process. Renault said that they have a lot of plans in the future. In fact, the 2014 Escape minivan is on their top list and a new luxury sedan for the following year. The partnership of Daimler and Renault started in 2010 with the manufacturing of new engines and mini cars in the market.
In other news, the new Kia model called the Cee’d compact car is getting a quality boost with its Audi-style interior. The Cee’d Kia model will be showcasing a mix of sporty touches, as well as the Audi-style details for the car’s interior. This new Kia is set to be introduced in the upcoming Geneva Auto Show next month. The Cee’d Hatchback will be available in the summer in most European countries. The concept of the new model is the combination of prestige and enhanced maturity that completes the entire package. One of the major highlights of the new Kia is the aggressive front design with its very own tiger nose grille that is truly exceptional.
Hiriko, the Folding Car of the Future
A proud and smiling Jose Manuel Barroso of Europe Union Commission posed for media reporters on the occasion of introducing Hiriko, the folding car to the public. The joint ventures of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Denokinn Basque Investment Group is now set to produce the commercial version of Hiriko as the world’s first folding car.
In an email for media, the project spokesman announced that only 20 units will be made available as initial trial production for the car beginning in the early months of 2013 in Spain particularly in areas of Victoria Gasteiz. The email also added that the price will be determined by the numbers of orders from individual customers and would have an initial price tag of not less than 12,500 Euros and will have an equivalent price of $16,000 to attract prospective private individuals.
Hiriko is a pod looking two- seater electric vehicle having a 4 wheel drive and runs about 100 kilometer range with a collapsible wheelbase and entry access from the upward swinging windshield. The Hiriko projects is a long-time vision of Prof. William J. Mitchell but after his death in 2010, Prof. Kent Lacson took over and continues the concept idea dedicated to minimizing city automobiles congestion and eliminating parking problems and winning over exhaust emissions. Hiriko is likened to a shopping cart that can be folded and use in maximized space both on and off the road.
Hiriko is also slated to be deployed in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, San Francisco and Hongkong and to other world cities interested in the car. The car is now undergoing different processes of development headed by M.I.T student team including William Lark who acts as the car designer. The student team is creating an electric car with 3 wheel drive but at the same time will be adopting a bicycle mode to meet bike regulations in all European routes. Hiriko project as a visionary concept developed by Prof. Mitchell together with his student team uses a system that allows the concept to be used in other vehicles including the prototype scooters and bicycles.
Hiriko, the folding car of the future has been included in the National Design Museum and has regarded as the one that would revive the dying automotive-suppliers in the Basque region and would attract interest from tourism industry. The project is deemed as the car that will bring back Europe and also the world’s interest in cars.