Are Electric Cars Getting Better?

Unfortunately electric cars haven’t been met with the enthusiasm the manufactures had hoped for. Early adopters loved them however they seemed to have fizzled out. The limited driving distance between charging and the high cost of the vehicles could be to blame. But little by little EVs (electric vehicles) are getting better. The driving distances between charges are moving up. Kia has a new all-electric Kia Soul which is slated to go on sale late 2014.

Vulcanized rubber was invented in 1844 by Charles Goodyear and was later used for the first tires.

If you are looking for the cheapest new car sold in America look to the 2014 Nissan Versa selling for just under $13,000.00. This is the base line model no frills or upgrades. If you want a conventional four-speed automatic it will add about a $1,000.00 to the sales price. But if your look for a bare bones commuter car this may be the car for you.

Toyota’s ending the FJ Cruiser SUV

Making good on its promise Toyota is pulling the plug after an eight year run on the distinctive FJ Cruiser. In its last model year 2014 the FJ Cruiser will be offered as a special edition. In addition Toyota will sell a Trail Teams Ultimate Edition FJ Cruiser 2014 model year.

Ford to recall 2.618 Focus Electric Cars

Due to potential loss of power to the wheels while driving Ford is recalling 2,618 of the Focus Electric cars model years 2012-2014 and nearly all of the cars were sold in the United States.  In a statement from a spokeswoman from Ford, Ford claims that there was one crash with no injuries related to the issue.  Software anomalies related to the power control module and a long with a "Stop Safely Now" warning in the instrument cluster. Should this warning appear the car's steering and braking systems will still operate normally. According to Ford dealers will reprogram the powertrain control model.

 The first asphalt roads built for cyclist?

Most motorist assume the asphalt road was built for the automobile, but the truth is the first flat asphalt roads were not built for the automobile as commonly believed they were built for cyclist. More than 100 years ago cyclist campaigned for flat roads. The flat hard road surfaces still in use today are relatively new. The asphalt road surfaces were not put into wide-ranging use until the 1930’s.

Mercedes-Benz incorporates a navigation system with Google Glass

Mercedes- Benz has developed a system that integrates a navigation system with Google Glass. Google Glass uses a pair of glasses that in one of lenses is a voice activated interface. The idea behind the system is to merge digital living with the driving experience. The overall concept is to allow the driver to access the same information that is stored on his/her Smartphone form their car. An example of the system is that it can direct a driver to his/her car and transfer destination address into the navigation system.  Mercedes-Benz stated they will offer the system when Google makes the glass commercially available.