TechCrunch: Track autonomous vehicle testing in your state with this new tool from the US government . “The official name of the online tool — Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing Initiative tracking tool — is a jargony mess of a word salad. Fortunately, its mechanics are straightforward. The online tool gives users the ability to find information about on-road testing of automated vehicles in 17 cities throughout the United States. The public can find out information about a company’s on-road testing and safety performance, the number of vehicles in its fleet as well as AV-related legislation or policy in specific states.”
cars
US News & World Report: US Rolls Out Free App for Alerts on Vehicle Recalls
US News & World Report: US Rolls Out Free App for Alerts on Vehicle Recalls. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was scheduled to roll out the free app for both Android and Apple phones on Thursday. Owners key in or scan their 17-digit vehicle identification number, and the app will search the agency’s database for recalls. If there is one, the app will send an alert, the agency says. People also can add child seats, trailers and tires, and the app will check those for recalls.”
CNET RoadShow: Russian company Yandex sets up self-driving car testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan
CNET RoadShow: Russian company Yandex sets up self-driving car testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “Yandex is a regular attendee of CES in Las Vegas, and now, according an announcement… by the company, it’s getting even more of a foothold in the US. Specifically, it’s opening a facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Why Michigan? Unlike cities such as Moscow and Tel Aviv, where Yandex also tests, Michigan allows self-driving cars to operate without an engineer behind the wheel, and Yandex is already taking advantage of that.”
Roadshow: America, your cars are old and COVID-19 will likely accelerate their age
Roadshow: America, your cars are old and COVID-19 will likely accelerate their age. “Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the research already concluded that Americans are holding onto their cars for a longer period of time: nearly 12 years, the highest figure in almost 20 years. IHS Markit released its latest study analyzing the age of vehicles on US roads on Tuesday, and while you may think it has everything to do with boosting new car sales, an old vehicle fleet on the road also does no good for emissions regulations. Newer cars are (generally) far more fuel efficient than older vehicles.”
Central Maine: Transportation museum launches web series ‘Shifting History’ June 30
Central Maine: Transportation museum launches web series ‘Shifting History’ June 30. “After a year-long production effort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum has announced the release of its first-ever web series, ‘Shifting History,’ set to premiere on Tuesday, June 30, according to a news release from Sophie Gabrion, communications manager for the museum. Written and directed by Assistant Curator Thomas Goodwin, this nine-episode mockumentary follows one millennial’s quest to care about America’s most influential car — the Model T.”
Paul Scherrer Institute: Life cycle assessment of cars – new web tool helps consumers and researchers
Paul Scherrer Institute: Life cycle assessment of cars – new web tool helps consumers and researchers. “Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a web tool called the Carculator that can be used to compare the environmental performance of passenger cars in detail. The program determines the environmental balance of vehicles with different size classes and powertrains, and presents the results in comparative graphics. The entire life cycle of the passenger cars is taken into account, including the manufacture of the vehicles and the environmentally relevant emissions from driving.”
WEHT: Ford invents tool to neutralize COVID-19 in police vehicles
WEHT: Ford invents tool to neutralize COVID-19 in police vehicles. “Ford has developed a new tool to help neutralize COVID-19 inside police vehicles. The heated software enhancement temporarily raises the interior temperature of the car to at least 133 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.”
CNBC: Hertz files for U.S. bankruptcy protection as car rentals evaporate in pandemic
CNBC: Hertz files for U.S. bankruptcy protection as car rentals evaporate in pandemic. “The more than a century old car rental firm Hertz Global Holdings filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday after its business all but vanished during the coronavirus pandemic and talks with creditors failed to result in needed relief.”
Air Quality News: New database for carbuyers reveals vehicle pollution levels
Air Quality News: New database for carbuyers reveals vehicle pollution levels. “The AIR Alliance has created a database for car buyers that reveals the levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions created by a particular vehicle. Covering hundreds of models, the AIR Index details vehicle emissions information and rates each from A (the best) to E (the worst). The database is the result of rigorous on-road testing according to the legal standard method, CWA17379.”
TopGear Philippines: If your kids are starting to feel cabin fever, Porsche 4Kids might help
TopGear Philippines: If your kids are starting to feel cabin fever, Porsche 4Kids might help. “If these kids have found something to immerse themselves in at home—such as books or art—then good for them (and for you). But if the kids keep asking what else they’re going to do at the start of each day, you’re in deep waters. We have a possible solution here for you, though, and it’s not the usual smartphone app, video game, or YouTube content that might first come to mind. This is Porsche 4Kids, a website filled to the brim with activities, games, and all sorts of enjoyable interactive content for children.”
Speedway Digest: Fans Can Learn More about Rich History of IMS through New Online Digital Archive
Speedway Digest: Fans Can Learn More about Rich History of IMS through New Online Digital Archive. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has opened its deep, 111-year archive for race fans around the world to access, enjoy and use as a tool to learn about the extensive heritage of the Racing Capital of the World.”
Pew: Speeders Take Over Empty Roads — With Fatal Consequences
Pew: Speeders Take Over Empty Roads — With Fatal Consequences. “Daily vehicle traffic dropped by two-thirds nationally from March 1 through April 10, according to StreetLight Data, a San Francisco-based traffic analytics company. And while many states, such as California and Ohio, have seen a reduction in overall crashes during the pandemic compared with last year, some are reporting a jump in traffic fatalities that they say is linked to speeding or reckless driving.”
CNET: Coronavirus just lopped 10% off the value of your car
CNET: Coronavirus just lopped 10% off the value of your car. “Automotive News reported Monday dealers find themselves in an odd situation where retail prices are off by just 1%, while wholesale values are down between 10% and 12%. Yes, the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, likely sucked at least 10% of your car’s value away, according to data from Cox Automotive.”
CNET: Ferrari banks on coronavirus testing and phones to restart production
CNET: Ferrari banks on coronavirus testing and phones to restart production. “The scheme starts with blood tests for workers, which works with a smartphone app. The blood tests will give workers a green light to return to work and show there’s no trace of illness. If the blood test flags a disease, workers will then receive a COVID-19 test. All the while, the app tracks those registered and lets other workers know if they’ve come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. It should help isolate cases and quarantine those quickly and effectively.”
Wakefield Express: New website helps key workers locate open garages near them
Wakefield Express: New website helps key workers locate open garages near them. “Garages and other car maintenance facilities are currently allowed to continue operating but many have chosen to shut down to protect staff and customers, while others are operating altered or limited services. In order to help key workers in need of car maintenance who might be struggling to find a service centre, the automotive insight website Cazana has launched a free garage tracking service at KeyworkerGarages.co.uk.”