Automotive

Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates

Honda Hits Doubleheader With 2019 Pilot, HR-V Updates Honda has put a doubleheader in play here, with updates for 2019 coming for both the Pilot and the HR-V utes. Yes, I said “utes.” Anyway, the broad brushstrokes are the Pilot gets a more aggressive styling redo, the HR-V gets two new trims levels, and now all Hondas will get the Honda Sensing package of safety tech.
So let’s dive right in with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
Transmission & Entertainment
For those new to this sphere, the Pilot is Honda’s big SUV (or as big as they’re currently making). While still keeping the seating capacity at a healthy eight people, the 2019 Pilot brings quite the list of upgrades to the Pilot. The first thing you’ll notice is the more aggressive exterior styling, but this is not just a mid-cycle styling refresh, oh no.
Also to be found on the 2019 Pilot is a new, hands-free power tailgate and significant refinements to the beast’s nine-speed automatic (but that trick transmission is found only in the Touring and Elite trims).
4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi is now along for the ride and so is the larger rear entertainment system with Blu-Ray and streaming video capability. Given that 99.9 percent of the rides with the Honda Pilot will be family trips, having in-car net access and a rear entertainment system will probably be heaven sent to you over-worked, under-slept parents.
2019 Honda Pilot. Photo: Honda North America.
Pilot Chat
You parents of the less-than-saintly disposition will be happy to know that Honda’s innovative CabinTalk in-car PA system is also standard. My tendency would be to use it for saying “Uh, this is your captain speaking. We’re at our cruising altitude of, uh, four feet, and we will be arriving at our destination – uncle Merle and Aunt Vernie’s – at about 4:30.”
Or . . .
“ALRIGHT JUNIOR!! IF I HAVE TO GET ON THE HORN ONE MORE TIME I SWEAR ON YOUR MOTHER’S GRAVE I WILL PULL THIS HUGE HONDA PILOT OVER YOUNG MAN!!! DO NOT TEST ME MISTER!!!!!”
2019 Honda Pilot interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Connectivity & Safety
It seems all the “infotainment” stuff can be controlled via a smartphone-enabled CabinControl app. You can also adjust things with a new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built right in. And the system is slick enough to behave like your smartphone and get over-the-air updates, which sounds pretty cool.
Yes, the 2019 Pilot will come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive gizmos as standard on all grades. Nice. In other words, Honda is really serious about it. They plan to make it standard equipment on all models and trims within the next four years
The refreshed 2019 Pilot will be available starting on July 16th.
2019 HR-V interior. Photo: Honda North America.
Honda HR-V
Now, about that 2019 Honda HR-V. The five-door subcompact SUV looks to expand its appeal with the addition of new Sport and Touring trims, along with refreshed styling and new tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V also gets a more refined Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) while a Real Time all-wheel drive system is available.
The new HR-V also gets additional sound deadening here and there, and the cherry on top is the new addition of variable-ratio electric power steering, making for easier parking lot maneuvers and such.
And yes, the 2019 HR-V also comes with the Honda Sensing package for the first time. Honda Sensing comes standard on EX and higher, but is optional down there in the lower grades as well. Expect to see the refreshed HR-V at dealerships on July 24.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat

Letter From The UK: Born On The Back Seat Some people sing of being born on the 4th of July; others wax lyrical about being born with a smile on their face whilst some poor benighted souls were born under a bad sign.
If however, you were born on the back seat of a beaten-up Mk1 British-built Ford Mondeo you’ll probably want to keep it to yourself.
Shaping Your Future
This sort of happenstance of birth can shape a person. It can dictate your life. With your father laboring under the name of Mondeo Man because of his life on the business car highway, imagine spending your days forever known as “Mondeo Boy.” Being conceived on the back seat of a car is one thing, but to greet the world smelling of stale sweat and burgers is quite another.
Now, if an infant is born on the back seat of a Maserati Quattroporte somewhere along the Italian Amalfi Coast with a nice view of the Isle of Capri in the azure distance, then he or she will undoubtedly be a golden child destined for great things; especially if the father’s name is Berlusconi. If however the poor unfortunate is born on the flat bed of an ancient El Camino pickup truck near a trailer park in Utah, life could be a whole lot different.

How To Enter The World
So, if an unborn person is to be given a choice of which vehicle to be born in, what should they choose? Obviously, if it is a Mercedes they will be German, probably successful, but not all that good at soccer and so on. If it’s a Toyota, then the kid will be industrious and polite and if it’s a Fiat, then the poor unfortunate will be forced by law to wear Armani and always be incapable of forming a stable government.
Any couples planning on having a family probably shouldn’t buy a Dodge Dart Swinger. You’ll meet a lot of interesting and possibly unusual people no doubt, but are they really suitable?
There’s a true UK story of a child born in a Volkswagen outside of a grocery supermarket. Thankfully there were many people about to help but only after they had exhausted the batteries on their mobile phones and posted the happy event on YouTube.
Years on and the Mother still doesn’t want to talk about it. Young Jetta is none to keen on discussing it either.

Other Tales of UK Births
In Scotland, here in Great Britain, the first view a baby got of the world was of the foot well of the front passenger seat. His Dad wasn’t exactly overjoyed because they were so, so near to the maternity hospital and he’d only just cleaned the carpet. One enterprising UK Dad managed to film his wife giving birth on the back seat. He was driving at the time. Also, there is a little girl who appeared at a set of traffic signals. They called her Amber, naturally.
Births in cars happen more often than you think.
So if you’re considering buying an used car the chances are a baby got there before you. That’s a thought. Can the back seats of cars induce fertility? Now that really is a worry. Think about that next time the children ask to borrow the car.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive

New Study Reveals The Most Dangerous Times To Drive When we hop in our cars and go about our day, we are likely thinking about everything we need to get done. There is the stress from work and impending deadlines; there is that often endless list of tasks we keep playing over and over again in our heads. We can, at times, be focused on everything but driving. The very act of driving can become monotonous over time, but that’s proving to be a dangerous thing.
By The Numbers
A new study from Avvo examined data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2016 to see how many crash-related fatalities happened across the United States. Depending on the time of day, month, and location, the data shows we are exposed to varying levels of risk during our travels.
“We were surprised to see car crash deaths are over 85 percent higher during the after work rush hour between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. than they are during the morning rush hour between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.,” explained Jeremy Reitman, Avvo’s Vice President of Organic Marketing.
“There could be a number of explanations why the majority of crashes occur during this time period,” said Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “When people all leave work around the same time, it leads to a large volume of traffic on the roadways and severe traffic congestion. Combine that with people in a hurry to get home, frustration, distracted driving, and impaired driving, and it is a recipe for traffic crashes to occur.”
The most dangerous times to drive are the late afternoon and early evening: 6,201 accidents occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m., followed by 6,067 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. By contrast, the fewest fatalities (3,345) occurred during the morning hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 a.m.
“It’s interesting to see this difference in our commutes and points to a driver’s state of mind after work,” Reitman said.

Weekend Worry
Weekends pose their own inherent risk with Saturday standing out in particular. Avvo’s study found that nearly 7,000 fatalities occurred on Saturdays in 2016, with Friday not far behind at 5,826 fatalities. The figures show the most dangerous time to travel is Saturday night after 10 p.m., but that risk extends into the early morning hours of Sunday, with 1:00 a.m. to 3:59 a.m. being equally as risky.
“The increase in fatalities on the weekends could be due to many different reasons,” Reitman said. “Our data doesn’t explore this specifically, but we can see various trends across the country where more drivers are on the roads during the weekends and also more careless and potentially reckless during this time.”
“Weekends are also a time where people have a tendency to drink alcohol and ingest controlled substances,” Flegel added. “This ultimately leads to extremely dangerous driving decisions and behavior.”
State to State
Some states fared worse than others with Mississippi being among the top five deadliest states on all seven days of the week. The absolute highest incidence of fatal accidents occurred on Saturdays in Mississippi, accounting for 4.3 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Montana at 4.2.
“This could be because, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, only 78 percent of Mississippi drivers wear their seat belts compared to the national seat belt usage of 90 percent,” Reitman said.
Meanwhile, on days that had generally fewer road accidents, the safest states regularly clocked in below one fatality per 100,000 residents: On Mondays, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were tied for the safest at 0.6. On Fridays, Rhode Island represented the lowest number of the entire data set at 0.4.
Here at home, the Michigan State Police conduct several traffic safety initiatives throughout the year based on statistical data. Each post of the department is responsible for conducting these initiatives in their immediate area, which often focus on high density traffic crash locations. The Michigan State Police also participate in several other traffic safety campaigns including the Six State Trooper Project, Click It or Ticket, and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“In 1977, the Michigan State Police and Indiana State Police were the founding agencies for Operation C.A.R.E. – Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts,” Flegel said. “The C.A.R.E. project was designed to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities through public information, education, and strict consistent traffic enforcement.”

Daily Driving
It’s important to understand – as best we can – how traffic generally flows during high volume times. Flegel notes that in heavy, stop-and-go traffic where cars are constantly merging, there is an increased risk for accidents. The difference between a collision and getting home safely might be an adjustment in our driving style – from offensive to defensive.
“Leave yourself an out,” Flegel explained. “Give sufficient space and distance between you and the traffic around you to give yourself time and distance to stop to avoid a crash.”
“Reckless and distracted driving, whether it be drowsy driving, or texting, or engaging in road rage, can be met with grave consequences – for you and for those you share the road with,” Reitman said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. Distracted driving was also the cause of the nearly 400,000 reported injuries during that same period.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” Flegel said. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.”
It is best to respond to texts or e-mails prior to driving.
Future Considerations
While Avvo’s study gives us some insight, it’s important to remember there is a certain level of risk each time we take the wheel – even during the times when crashes are statistically low. Perhaps the best takeaway from Avvo’s study is avoiding anything that would deliberately endanger yourself or others.
“First and foremost, seat belts save lives,” Flegel said. “If more drivers and passengers took that extra few seconds to put on their seat belts, it would drastically reduce the number of crash fatalities, not only in Michigan, but across the United States.”
“You can’t control other drivers, but under most circumstances, you can control your vehicle,” Reitman added. “We should all drive responsibly and stay alert when on the road.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Drive defensively.
Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
Wear your seat belt each and every time.
Be aware of your surroundings while driving.
Never operate a vehicle impaired on alcohol or drugs.
If your day involves alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.

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2018 Lexus RX 350L Review

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review Lexus redesigned the RX 350 for the 2016 model year and, in a way, it looks as if the lines were chiseled by a samurai’s sword. It exudes a new attitude that shouts contemporary and easily runs away from the conservative models of the last generation. And now, Lexus gives the RX a third-row seat for the very first time.
Families wanting luxury with more kid-hauling capability can now look at the Lexus RX. This past weekend, we drove the new Lexus RX 350L.
What’s New For 2018
The Lexus RX gets a new 350L variant with third-row seating.
Features & Options
The 2018 RX 350L ($49,070) comes standard with leather upholstery, rearview camera, nine-speaker audio, an eight-inch screen, HD and satellite radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and full-time all-wheel drive.
Options on this tester included Blind Spot Monitor, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Mark Levinson premium audio, 20-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Total MSRP including destination: $58,190.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the RXL cabin we were greeted with an attractive contrasting color scheme. The seats were surrounded by black leather accents on the doors and dash. Metal trim is featured on the dash, console, and door panels for an extra contemporary look. The cockpit is driver-focused with plenty of leather trim and quality materials throughout. You can’t miss the large 12.3-inch screen in the middle of the two-tier dash.
We felt right at home in the cabin. We especially liked the cooled front seats during a recent 100-degree Denver day. The back seat offers enough legroom and headroom for taller passengers. The soft leather rear seats are especially comfortable for longer rides as our passengers commented on our extended July 4th trip.
The new third-row seat isn’t big enough for adults but perfect for kids. Even with the second-row seat positioned all the way forward, average size adults will find the lack of legroom problematic for anything other than a short trip. It’s a similar story for headroom: You’ll find your head brushing up against the headliner if you’re taller than 5 feet 5 inches.
Access to the third row is so-so. The second-row seats have a handy lever that brings the seat backs forward and unlocks the fore-aft adjuster, allowing the seat to slide forward and make a narrow aisle to crawl into the third row.
The standard RX, with its rear seats up, has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the L provides 23 cubic feet of volume with the second and third rows up. But with the second and third rows folded down, the gains are less tangible. The regular RX has 56.3 cubic feet versus 58.5 cubic feet in the L.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, developing 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It sends power to all four wheels by way of a full-time, Active Torque Control system.
EPA-estimates come in at 18/25 city/highway and 21 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We couldn’t tell much difference between the new L and the standard RX. The crossover offers good communication with the road for an energetic and fun experience, whether in the city or on mountain roads. Along with performance, the main goal of the RX 350L is to provide occupants with a comfortable ride and plenty of utility. Visibility is good, especially in the city, with thinner pillars and wider rear quarter windows.
On the open road at highway cruising speed, the cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth, even with the larger 20-inch blackened aluminum sport wheels our tester had. The RXL did send some engine noise inside, but it’s barely noticeable.
When we got out of town, we chucked the L around some tight mountain curves. The RX suspension kept the crossover stable and flat. With the V6 having more horsepower than previous models and combined with all-wheel drive, we felt safe, secure, and confident well beyond any average commute. The 2018 Lexus RXL features Drive Mode Select, which affects powertrain response and steering effort. You can select the mode based on your driving preferences.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is a good crossover for families needing a third-row seat. It delivers the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride you would expect from a luxury vehicle. There are lots of positive attributes that make the Lexus RX 350L a smart, practical, energizing choice for families.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 350L Gallery

Lexus RX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition

Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition Nissan is showing off their six pack this summer and towel-snapping the competition with the new Titan Surfcamp. The super truck is ideal for beach goers and surfing enthusiasts: Nitto off-road tires? Check. Rooftop tent? Yep. Fishing rods? Bet your bottom dollar. Solar-powered shower? Better Believe It!
Inquires from everyone on the beach when pulling up? Indeed. Get ready to field a few questions.
Sun & Sand
The Surfcamp is the latest in Nissan’s Titan Adventure series, an array of lifestyle-themed project builds. It started with the Titan Project Basecamp for the camping lifestyle, then the skiing-themed Armada Snow Patrol, and the family adventure-themed Armada Mountain Patrol. The BBQ crowd even got their coals stoked with the Smokin’ Titan, a flagship truck for those carnivorous cookouts where bringing a salad won’t make you any friends.
“In the summer, beach parking lots are full of trucks hauling surfboards, fishing rods, boats, and campers as people crave the sun and sand,” explained Fred DePerez, Vice President, Nissan North America LCV Business Unit. “Inspired by the vintage beach trucks of the 1960s, Titan Surfcamp is a celebration of the beach truck tradition with all the modern technologies Titan customers want when they head out to surf, shore fish, and camp-out by the water.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Essential Equipment
The Titan Surfcamp comes with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard rack, and a Rhino-Rack Batwing awning for extra shade. Fishing rods can be stored along the roof rack while integrated rod holders in the bumper are there for when the lines are cast. While shooting the breeze, the Yeti 125-quart cooler keeps your beverages chill and once the sun sets, the party can continue with lighting from KC, Rigid, and Baja Designs.
A Road Shower rack-mounted solar shower and teak wood deck was incorporated for washing off the salt and sand. For the interior, a set of WeatherTech floor mats help trap and contain any excess sand from that well-earned day on the beach.
In Person
The Titan Surfcamp heads west to the Pacific Ocean for the Supergirl Surf Pro in Oceanside, California beginning on July 27th. A complete spec sheet on this beach warrior is below the gallery.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Nissan Titan Surfcamp Gallery

2018 Nissan Titan Surfcamp Build Sheet
Exterior
Vehicle Wrap
IF Signs; inspired by Hot Wheels 1971 Datsun Bluebird Wagon nicknamed “JNC Surf Patrol”
Wheels
ICON Alloy Alpha Wheels
Tires
Nitto Ridge Grapplers 35/12.50/17
Front Bumper
Fab Four Vengeance Series
Lift Kit
ICON Stage 5, 3-inch lift
Auxiliary Lighting

KC Hilites Pro 6 Lights
Rigid Industries E-Series LED Light Bar
Baja Designs XL9s

Gear Storage
Bed Rack
Leitner Designs Cargo Rack
Roof Rack
Rhino-Rack Cab Roof Rack
Storage Drawers
Decked bed drawer system
Recovery
Jack
Hi-Lift
Shovel
Rhino-Rack
Interior
Seat Covers
Wetskinz neoprene
Floor Mats
WeatherTech
Fishing Gear
Fishing Rod Holders
Custom surf rod mounts
Surf Gear
Paddle Board
DragonFly
Surf Boards
Chris Birch custom surf boards
Protection from the Elements
Tent
Freespirit Recreation Elite Series Automatic
Awning
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning
Convenience
Coolers
Yeti 125 Hard Cooler
Shower
Road Shower 4 Solar
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production

BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina is prepping for production of the all-new X5. The forthcoming X5 will be the tenth X model produced at the facility since it opened in 1994. BMW’s manufacturing base in South Carolina is the single largest exporter of automobiles by value in the United States, according to the company.
Since the introduction of the X5 nearly 20 years ago, two of every three vehicles produced were exported to customers outside the U.S. When considering the Spartanburg-built X3, X4, X5, and X6 together, more than 70 percent of the annual production is shipped to export markets.
Increased Capacity
The X5 is one of BMW’s top-selling models in the U.S. as well, fueling enough growth in Spartanburg to make it BMW’s largest plant in the world. Overall, the X5 accounts for more than half of the 4.4 million vehicles produced at Spartanburg since its opening. Demand for X models is expected to rise globally, and officials say Spartanburg’s output will eventually reach the plant’s yearly capacity of 450,000 units.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Economic Footprint
When Plant Spartanburg opened in 1994, its shifts employed no more than 500 people, contrasted with 10,000 today and another 1,000 expected to join the team by 2021. BMW’s parts and materials purchases for production totaled nearly $6 billion in the U.S. last year, coming from more than 300 American supplier companies.
A recent study by the University of South Carolina found that for every 10 jobs that are directly generated at a U.S. BMW facility, an additional 90 jobs are created elsewhere in the U.S. economy as a direct result of those jobs.
Production & Training
BMW X5 production begins later this summer. In the meantime, new employees will undergo a dual apprenticeship training program that utilizes classroom learning and firsthand experience.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Nissan & DeNA Begin Field Testing Robo-Vehicle Service

Nissan & DeNA Begin Field Testing Robo-Vehicle Service Nissan and DeNA will begin testing a new robo-vehicle mobility service called Easy Ride on March 5th. The field test, held in the Minatomirai district of Yokohama, in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, will have participants in vehicles equipped with automated technology. A preassigned route has been established near Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping center.
Points of Interest
Nissan and DeNA will be examining what they call Easy Ride’s “unique service functions.” Through a mobile app, passengers can text or use voice commands to choose where they want to go from a list of recommended destinations. An in-car screen will show an additional 500 points of interest and events in the vicinity, with about 40 discount coupons for certain area retailers and restaurants offered to passengers.
Planned Expansion
The two companies have set up a remote operations center to monitor the experience of each Easy Ride participant. Nissan and DeNA say they are developing different “service designs for driverless environments,” while expanding available routes, optimizing vehicle distribution, and the pick-up/drop-off process. The goal is for Easy Ride to achieve a full service capacity, complete with multilingual support, in the early 2020s.
Participants complete a survey about their overall experience, which Nissan and DeNA will use to further refine the service. The video below explains more.

Easy Ride Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Past, Present & Future: 4 Evolving Trends In Automotive & Insurance

Past, Present & Future: 4 Evolving Trends In Automotive & Insurance From the Model T to Tesla’s autopilot-enabled vehicle, the automotive industry has come a long way – and it’s not slowing down. With potential for new technology and functionality growing daily, automakers are paving the way for the future of transportation . . . and insurance. Let’s take a look at how the auto industry has transformed insurance over the years, and what’s to come.
GPS Systems
Been awhile since you last pulled your trusty Rand McNally atlas from the glove box to help guide your journey? Those days probably seem like another lifetime. How we receive directions has changed dramatically since then. Today, there are 24 U.S.-based GPS satellites orbiting the globe, each providing guidance to drivers everywhere with just the push of a button.
While the availability of GPS has simplified how we get from point A to point B, it has also created an added benefit for insurers by providing a valuable cache of driver data. Thanks to this information, providers will soon be able to adapt policies based on driver habits, creating personalized plans that fit the needs of each individual.

Telematics
Data gleaned from GPS technology is just one part of the picture. A fairly fresh idea, auto telematics provide opportunities to do even more with driver data, extending into everything from speedometer tracking to mileage logs. However, according to a recent Deloitte report, 74 percent of consumers are not too keen on sharing that data. But given the potential benefits of telematics, insurers are undeterred and have begun offering added value to drivers willing to share their driving behaviors. Those who do can enjoy savings such as lower premiums based on driving performance.
Mercedes PRO Connect, found on the forthcoming Sprinter, is an example of an on-board telematics system. The technology helps with the logistical challenges and transport requirements fleet managers face, regardless of how many vehicles they oversee. Mercedes PRO links the fleet manager with each vehicle and driver so they can better manage assignments and vital vehicle information like location, fuel level or maintenance intervals. Photo: MBUSA.
Driverless Cars
Driverless cars aren’t exactly new to the conversation, but as they creep closer to a mainstream reality they’re worth another look. It’s predicted that in just two years, 10 million driverless cars will be on the road, and automakers like General Motors and Audi are already paving the way. But what does this mean for insurance? To keep pace, insurers will need to build relationships with automakers to better understand new vehicle capabilities and how they affect policies. Together they can work to build relevant plans for an autonomous future.
Backup Cameras
While proper usage of mirrors is still an important part of a safe driving experience, now 30 percent of drivers say they rely on their backup camera to direct them when in reverse. And that demand continues to grow, with more than half of drivers saying they want a backup camera in their next vehicle. Well, they’re about to get their wish: by May, all new models will be required to include a backup camera.
While this all sounds promising, more technology means more things can and will break – making products like extended service contracts when you purchase a vehicle that much more valuable.
When we look at how much the auto industry continues to change, it’s apparent that insurance will need to continue to evolve with it. These are just a few of the many ways insurers can adapt coverage for new technology to keep customers on track.
Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra Financial Corporation, a Tiptree Inc. company. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.

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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) says the first shipment of Eclipse Cross CUVs has arrived in the United States. The vehicle was unveiled in December and will begin making its way to U.S. dealers from Port Hueneme on the West Coast. The Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi’s second all-new vehicle to hit the U.S. for 2018. The new Outlander PHEV arrived in dealerships at the end of last year and is currently on sale across the country.
Available Features
The new Eclipse Cross features a 1.5-liter direct-injected turbo engine, creating 152 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. All-wheel drive is available for additional traction via Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Other features include an available panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and lane departure warning. The Eclipse Cross also comes with Mitsubishi Connect, which includes a Telematics Control Unit, a 4G LTE cellular modem, and a GPS system.
“2018 represents an exciting next chapter for Mitsubishi Motors, and the all-new Eclipse Cross is a large part of that story,” said Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MMNA. “The Eclipse Cross builds on the strong Mitsubishi heritage of automotive performance, technology, and fun-to-drive dynamics revived in a CUV.”
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross arrives in the United States. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Pricing
The Eclipse Cross goes on sale early next month with a starting MSRP of $23,295. Trim levels include ES, LE, SE, and SEL. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is responsible for all research and development, marketing, and sales for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States, and operates through a network of approximately 360 dealers.
“We’re excited to add the Eclipse Cross to our established CUV lineup and know it will continue to fuel the brand’s current sales momentum,” Swearingen added.
Photos & Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

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