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Embracing The In-Car App Revolution
In-car apps are the future of vehicle technology and communication. What's the most impressive features currently available, and what's coming down the road?
The Contemporary Sports Car
**A Milesperhr Exclusive**
Let’s talk about sports cars.
First, a definition: a sports car sacrifices utility for driving pleasure, comfort for cornering speed, fuel-efficiency for fun-factor. A sports car has been a purpose-built tool without any concessions to added objectives…at least until recently.
A ‘Hybrid’ or ‘Electric’ production sports car just a decade ago wasn’t just “future-talk,” it wasn’t really discussed at all. There were a few loonies tinkering away in their garages, but manufacturers were not involved in anything more than projects like the original Honda insight…and that couldn’t roll faster than a child’s pedal-powered Big Wheel. Yet presently, we have several of these technological marvels in our midst with many more on the way: the Porsche 918 Spyder, the new McLaren P1, the Ferrari LaFerrari; they all promise remarkable performance and fuel efficiency (get the full specs on these cars by visiting Autoblog Canada). For the first time, a sports car offers every bit of driving euphoria we’ve come to expect, without requiring its own oilrig.
Two German Icons
Head on over to the “Videos” tab to see the latest MPH interviews of industry experts regarding the BMW and Porsche brands!
The Ford Action Movie: Stunning, But Inconclusive
**A MilesPerHr Exclusive**
No one can say Ford Motor Company hasn’t made a recovery.
Since the release of the first quarter profits this last week, it’s been obvious Ford is back in a big way.
Here’s a couple POI’s for you about this turnaround:
-Ford was the only US car maker that didn’t need the government bailout
-Ford isn’t just more profitable now that the past 3 troubled years, how about the past 13?
-The only V8 Ford models still made are the F-series trucks, the Mustang, and the Expedition
-Ford uses more new media marketing than ANY other automaker
-Ford CEO Alan Mulally was named TIME’s Person of the Year in 2009, Fortune’s Businessperson of the year in 2010, and just received the Edison Achievement Award
The Theme of the 2011 New York International Auto Show
**A MilesPerHr Exclusive**
All auto shows have themes.
Regardless of subtlety, there’s a theme to each one.
Recently, the theme has changed based on the price of gas.
When gas was nearing $3 a gallon 5 years ago, the automakers began cranking out hybrids.
Then when the price of oil dropped 3 years ago, the giant SUV’s returned to the show floor.
This year, the NYIAS showed us something new.
small, fuel efficient vehicles are coming to the US in a big way
Think of all the auto makers who brought out either a sub-compact, smaller engine option, or hybrid:
Hyundai’s Next Campaign
A MilesPerHr Recommendation:
If I were holding the reins over at Hyundai Motor Company, here’s the next promotional campaign I would
set in motion:
**extensive layout**
Company Rundown:
Hyundai entered the US market in 1986. The company targets middle class consumers who can’t afford $60,000 luxury vehicles, but still want a quality machine. Hyundai has been pulling customers from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus who care more about the features than the brand. Hyundai offers well-equipped compact, mid-sized, and large sedans as well as sportier coupes and SUV’s. The company’s best-selling vehicle is the Genesis.
Innovative Features Coming to a Car Near You
**Guest Blog on MilesPerHr**
Joy Paley is a science and technology writer based in Berkeley, California. She is also a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog.
Since the invention of the yearly model, car enthusiasts have taken pleasure in waiting with bated breath to see what new innovations would be coming out in the next year. The 2011-2012 season is no different, and is bringing some of the usual fun-but-unnecessary gadgets and tweaks, as well as some serious changes in make and design. Here are my top innovations to look out for in this year’s new models.
MilesPerHr Poll
[polldaddy poll=”4015393″]
MilesPerHr Mission
Well it’s been some time since anything has come out of the pipeline here on the MPH blog, so here’s some insight into what’s coming up.
After some considerable research and planning, I have redirected and narrowed the focus of MilesPerHr.
Now, MilesPerHr videos will focus on the auto industry news and analysis. There will be short recaps of the main auto corporate stories/activities plus analysis of the implications regarding current news. This analysis will be for the average consumer and car-lover alike. The purpose is to inform consumers about the brands they are considering as investments. Also, for those considering vehicle purchases, this information will serve as guidance so consumers know which brands are communicating the company vision and reputation well through their vehicles, employees, and other constituencies. Becoming part of a corporate family is a big decision, and consumers need to know with whom they are aligning themselves and how recent organizational activity will affect them directly or indirectly.
Now for car lovers, this aspect of auto news may seem dull, but real enthusiasts want to know more about the brands who make their favorite cars and if these brands have been keeping their values central as they become global corporations. For example, there are thousands of VW GTI fans, but how will VW’s newly announced plans to appeal to the more general US population affect its iconic hatchback? Issues like this will be addressed regularly. The videos will be brief, but honest. The only influence that affects me is my personal interpretation of the facts.
So look for exciting content and fun topics. Feedback will direct many of the topics and I will answer as many questions as possible with the videos. Whether they will be daily, weekly, or somewhere in between is TBA. Get ready for the new MilesPerHr ride!