Rave Reviews For Inflatable Seat belts

Consumers Drive Demand For Ford's Unique Safety Device 

About a year ago, we discussed Ford's inflatable seat belt, which was named "best new technology."  Well it turns out, consumers are taking to it and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.  

The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported  "some 40 percent of new Ford Explorer buyers are ponying up an extra $200 for inflatable rear seat belts. That has encouraged Ford to expand availability of inflatable seat belts to the 2012 Flex."  

Here's a basic rundown of how the device works: The vehicle’s crash sensing system determines when the inflatable belt should deploy.  The unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion.

"The inflatable belts are proving to be very successful and take rates are increasing as people become more aware of them after being introduced in the spring," says Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.

Good stuff.  If you want to see the inflatable seatbelt at work for yourself, stop by West Herr Ford in Amherst or Hamburg and test it out. Be safe! 

Lane Drifting Avoidance

Ford Fusion and Others To Add Significant Safety Addition 

A safety concept normally found only in luxury cars is soon making it's way to mainstream sedans with some help from Ford engineers.

Ford announced that the new Fusion, which is set to debut in a few weeks, will offer a lane departure alert system as part of it's new safety features.  If you've  never heard of this concept, read on as it is definitely a game changer in the way of safety.  

Basically, lane departure systems will warn drivers, especially drowsy ones, if their vehicles wander out of their lane. A digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rear-view mirror keeps a watch.

If you do drift out of your lane, the system not only causes the steering wheel to vibrate if it senses an unintentional lane departure, it will also steer the car back into the right lane.

"Fusion's Lane Keeping System combines a digital imaging sensor with our own state-of-the-art control software to process images and determine what level of warning or assistance to provide to the driver," said Michael Kane, Ford development engineer. "We've put a lot of effort into ensuring the accuracy of the lane detection and the smoothness of the assist."

Ford hopes they will counter traffic accidents associated with drowsy drivers. Check out these alarming statistics reported by USA Today:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes occur every year as a result of drowsy drivers, leading to 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.

Technology To AVOID Distracted Driving?

Consumer Survey Reveals Surprising Data On Technology and Driving

There has been a lot of talk about distracted driving lately, including legislation to curb it.  Yet, a recent JD Power and Associates survey reveals that consumers don't want technology eliminated, they just want different ways to use it.  

Of the consumers surveyed, the majority said they want automakers to develop technology that will allow them to safely make calls, get directions, and check e-mail while driving, while staying within the law.  This data could easily manifest itself in demand and sales numbers. 

While we've covered many of these types of devices, it seems like consumers are demanding more of them. 

The study, which measured consumer interest and intent to purchase new automotive technologies (before and after learning pricing), showed that consumers are looking to automakers to find simple and effective solutions that will comply with government-imposed restrictions on the use of hand-held phones while driving.

Here's a staggering number-  "86% of smartphone owners reported using their device while in their vehicle. The two most common activities are making and receiving calls as well as getting driving directions."  This shows that distracted driving clearly occurs, and perhaps automakers could capitalize on the public's willingness to counter it.  

The study also showed that almost 60 percent of consumers who own a portable digital music player would like to incorporate it into their car’s controls and display at a price point of $200.

So how will automakers respond?  Time will tell, but it's interesting to see consumers admitting to distracted driving and a willingness to embrace ways to change it.  

What To Do When You Get Into An Accident

A Few Pointers You May Forget In The Moment 

I got into an accident recently.  Luckily no one was hurt and so far everything has gone relatively smoothly.  It made me think that maybe first time drivers or others may not know what actually to do when an accident occurs.  

First off, check to make sure everyone is ok. Seems obvious but it's clearly important.  If someone is then insurance and other things really aren't your first priorities at the moment.  

Call the police immediately either way.  

As MSN autos said "make sure you have the name of the officer(s) and that they have your version of what happened. Do not assume a police report will 'take you off the hook' or even that one will be generated in the event of a minor accident."

If everyone is ok then it's time for the paperwork.  Report the accident to your insurance company immediately.  If there's another party involved get their name and insurance information.  

Now, it's ok to admit you never read your big insurance policy.  Many people don't read all of it.  

As MSN said "look in the back for what are called the conditions of your policy -- what you are supposed to do in the event of an accident. These requirements are pretty straightforward, although compliance may seem like a hassle when you're already upset by the accident itself. But you may forfeit some of your rights if you don't follow these instructions."

It also seems obvious, but you should always have your insurance premium in your car.  Also, have a pen.  Seems like a little thing but I personally had trouble finding one, making recording info while talking to my insurance company difficult.  

Don't be afraid to ask questions at any time.  When it comes to the repairs, always be in control of the repair process.  Take your car to the repair shop YOU trust.  

Feel free to tell us anything we missed. Drive safe.  

All-Wheel Drive Vehicle Sales On The Rise

30% OF CARS SOLD PROJECTED TO HAVE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE BY 2015

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle sales have been making huge strides in the automobile market lately. Just take a look at some of the statistics that The Detroit Free Press has turned up:

• About 50% of the CTS models Cadillac sells have AWD.
• Lincoln offers AWD on every model it sells – about one quarter of MKZ sedans sell with AWD, as do about three quarters of MKX crossovers.
• 80% of Audi sales in the US operate on the Quattro AWD system.
• Even BMW’s M5, a traditionally rear-wheel driven power house, might be going AWD. BMW has offered few details, but they have confirmed that an AWD version is in the cards.
• The increase in the sale of vehicles with AWD is so dramatic that Paul Lacy, a consultant of IHS Automotive, projects almost 1 in 3 vehicles sold in the US will have AWD by 2015.

As you might have noticed in these stats, it does look like much of the growth in AWD vehicle sales are in the luxury car market, but the prevalence of AWD in mainstream cars is on the rise, as well, Autoblog.com points out. The Ford Fusion, Chrysler 300 and all Subaru models currently offer it.

The draw of AWD is pretty obvious – you get the power and performance of rear-wheel drive and the control and added safety of front-wheel drive. What may be surprising is how many people are opting for it considering the added expense.

AWD can add more than $1,000 to a sticker price and take 1 mpg off of the projected fuel economy, Autoblog.com notes. With gas prices on the rise, one might expect buyers to be more concerned with fuel economy than most features, but that does not seem to be the case.

Performance and safety are taking priority here. Autoblog.com points out that this may be because buyers also associate AWD with advanced technology and overall vehicle sophistication and capability.

Soon, buyers might not have to choose between fuel economy and AWD, however. Engineers are working on lighter and more efficient AWD systems. For instance, Autoblog reports that Haldex is working on an electrically powered rear axle that combines AWD performance with hybrid-style technology to improve fuel economy by up to 20% in AWD vehicles.

Whatever Haldex is able to produce, you can rest assured that AWD won’t be losing its appeal, and sales will continue to rise.

The Safest Cars for Teens

THE ACCORD, FUSION, AND CAMRY MAY BE THE SAFEST DRIVING OPTIONS FOR YOUR TEENAGER

It can be difficult to decide just what type of car would be best for your teenager. Parents need to balance safety and durability with their child’s taste.

To make the decision a little bit easier, however, The Wall Street Journal’s columnist Joseph B. White published an article recently rating the best cars for teens in terms of safety and reliability. His top picks are the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion and the Toyota Camry, all of which have received excellent safety ratings and have a lower level of performance, which may help to keep young drivers from speeding.

White claims that late-model used cars are a better choice than new cars for a teen as well because young drivers tend to cause minor dents and scratches. It shouldn’t be too difficult, White explains, to find a reliable used car with up-to-date safety features like air bags and stability control.

Among other information, White notes that used luxury cars can also be a great buy, though parents are cautioned against high performance vehicles as they give young drivers the temptation to speed. And, the Columnist cautions against pick-up trucks (because of the high rollover rate), sports cars (because they are too fast), and subcompact cars (due to lower safety ratings).

The overall message here is that you should think about a used Accord, Fusion or Camry for the new driver in your home. These are models that are sure to bring your child home safe and sound.

How To Sell Your Car Safely

Avoid Risk With A Few Simple Steps 

West Herr would love to buy your car from you, but if you'd prefer to sell it on your own be safe about it  

That may sound fairly obvious and common sense, but some of the horror stories about private online sales through such sites as Craigslist would shock you.  A thorough screening process will make your private care sale much safer.

We won't get into those here, but Phillip Reed of Edmund's has sold over 50 cars online.  He also spoke to police and, interestingly enough, real estate agents for tips on meeting with strangers to sell goods. 

Here's what he found out:

1.  Don't go to a meeting alone. It's that simple, says Rico Fernandez, a sergeant with the Long Beach Police Department in California. "Take someone with you. People are less apt to harm you if there is someone else there."  Also meet in a public place such as a mall parking lot. 

2.  Tell the caller you will want to see a driver license before the test-drive. This might discourage anyone with criminal intentions from going any further.

3.  Refuse any unusual requests, such as driving the would-be buyer to another location. Often, such a request is framed in terms of getting the money or arranging a loan to finish the sale. 

4.  Accompany the buyer on the test-drive. This ensures that he can't just drive off with your car, never to be seen again. Furthermore, the buyer may be unfamiliar with the area and will need directions for the test-drive.

5.  This is a big one:  Once the deal is complete and the car is out of your hands, immediately file a "release of liability" form with the registry of motor vehicles. Then, if it's used in a crime, you won't be held responsible.

Be safe and good luck! 

Dog Travel Done Right

A Few Pointers For Safe Travels With Your Dog

The weather is finally getting nice and hopefully staying that way.  This time of year, it's also fun to bring your pets out and about.  With that in mind, we offer you a few helpful tips on the right way to travel with your dog.  

You may be curious as to why dogs enjoy rides so much in the first place.  Kevin Behand of NaturalDogTraining.com offers a theory:  

"Dogs love car rides because they feel as if they are on a hunt...Why when in a moving car, can a dog feel as if it's on a hunt whereas a cat doesn't? Because dogs evolved to hunt by feel whereas cats hunt by instinct." Interesting.  

Just like cars, dogs love to ride in trucks.  According to Edmunds.com, more than 100,000 dogs die annually after falling out of pickup trucks.  If you're going to take your dog in a truck, don't put it in the back of a pick up.  

Although dogs love riding with their heads poking out of the car window, they can be injured by road debris or bugs shooting into their eyes, noses, or windpipe. Cold air forced into a dog's lungs can make him/her sick. 

Just like people, dogs can get car sick. Some experts say car sickness in dogs is due to stress and not the actual motion of the car. Don't feed your dog a heavy meal just before embarking on a car tip. A light meal a couple of hours before the trip would be best. Take water and a bowl along and schedule breaks every hour or two to let your dog walk around. 

So just remember- use common sense and your dog travels will go smoothly.  Enjoy the weather! 

Safe AND Tech Savvy- That's What Ford Does

Ford's Inflatable Seatbelt Named "Best New Technology"

It's been well documented that Ford "gets" new media, marketing and technology.  They also make quality cars AND are innovative safety technology.  Thats why their inflatable rear seatbelt was named the "Best New Technology" by AJAC this week.  

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt functions like a standard seat belt in normal everyday use. The vehicle’s crash sensing system determines when the inflatable belt should deploy.  

The unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion.

"Safety is a key priority at Ford and we are honoured to win this year's 'Best New Technology' award for our industry-first rear inflatable seat belts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "Available initially on our all-new 2011 Ford Explorer, the rear inflatable seat belts work by spreading impact forces over five times more area than conventional seat belts."

What will Ford think of next?  Time will tell.  Until then, swing by a West Herr Ford location and check out the inflatable seatbelt, Ford SYNC, and other great products.  

Why The Enclave Is Converting People to GM

Buick Crossover Sales Soaring Due To Family Appeal

The critics have spoken, but so have the consumers.  More specifically, non-GM consumers are turning the corner.  

The Buick Enclave has the highest "conquest rate" of any Buick at 51%, meaning typically non-GM buyers crossing over to make a purchase.  Half of those buyers are coming over from luxury brands and imports such as Lexus.  

"The Enclave is designed for my generation," said Rick, a 41 year old grocery store manager from Detroit in an interview to Buick.com.

"It has great styling and ride quality. It’s very quiet, luxurious and roomier than the other crossovers we shopped. We couldn’t get our baby seat into the back seat of the Lexus RX350, but it fit perfectly in the Enclave. It’s lived up to our expectations, and then some," Rick said.  

Exceeding expectations is something at which Enclave excels. The luxury crossover enjoyed its strongest sales in history in 2010, with total sales up 28 percent, and retail sales nearly double what they were in its first year on the market. After having its best retail month ever in December, Enclave’s retail sales grew in January by 37 percent compared to the same month in 2010. 

Enclave is a four-time winner of Consumer Digest’s Best Buy award, and was recently nominated for About.com’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Award in the "Best New Crossover Vehicle" category.

"As a contemporary people mover, Enclave has a high level of luxury appointments and is, at a glance, very upscale," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, a marketing research and consultancy firm. "The fact that Enclave’s retail sales are so robust is testament to the appeal of the product itself and Buick as a brand as well. As the economy continues to improve, prospects for the Enclave do as well."

So if you're looking for a nee crossover vehicle, stop by West Herr GM in East Aurora for a test drive!