Now it’s time to look forward to a brighter year ahead…to take a breath and then to ask what are the solutions that will truly solve today’s great commute reboot.

We’re going to start our look at some of the trends shaping the mobility industry today by talking with one of the companies that made some really interesting moves in 2020. We’re talking with Olabisi Boyle…Vice-President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy for Hyundai Motor North America. Bisi… we saw some really interesting changes in consumer behavior particularly in buying and shopping for cars in 2020. What sort of things do you see on your end?

You know, people are finding comfort in car ownership. There’s been this rise in consumer desire for their own personal mode of transportation…And post pandemic, they’re relying less on public transportation and the used car market is skyrocketing. Consumers have been tuned in digitally to shopping and comparing models and prices. And they’ve really come to appreciate those no penalty deferments on payments. And we’ve seen even in dealership experiences that they could be enhanced with at home test drives, review videos, digital showrooms and VR test drives and interior overviews…those types of things.

So in the mobility space we’ve seen a decrease in use of public transportation and ride sharing and an increase in those opting for private vehicles which is bringing in new buyers into the market.

So of all those changes…and some of them are pretty radical compared to the trends we saw coming into 2020…how much of that is really impacted by the pandemic and how much of that is just kind of a reflection of economic changes overall?

The flight to online is going to continue for auto buying, selling and research. So we as a company…and as OEM companies obviously we have to go digital. We have to make sure our messaging highlights hygiene and contactless and describes that end-to-end journey. And we’ll have to focus on online and pick up solutions and have design solutions that work locally…

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To: Our Valued All Pro Towing & Recovery Customers

From: Your All Pro Towing & Recovery Team

The health and well-being of our customers and team members is our #1 priority. We are closely monitoring the evolution of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Some of the measures we have taken to ensure the health and safety of our customers and team members include:

• Reducing the number of people visiting our shop by providing customers with scheduled appointment times and alternatives for dropping off their vehicles.
• Whenever possible, we are limiting contact, including handshakes. We are also completing updates and providing communication to our customers by phone and email.
• Like everyone, we have taken additional precautions and enhanced our cleaning process in our shop and among our Team Members.

We are taking this situation seriously and are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who visits and works in our locations.

Sincerely,

Jerry Movrich

All Pro Towing & Recovery

New, even higher safety standards have been announced by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for awarding its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ honors to 2020 models.

Only 64 of the 219 new models evaluated actually earned TSP ratings, and only 23 of those earned the TSP+ award, which is the industry’s most comprehensive crash-testing criteria and its most coveted safety award.

“We’re identifying what the real safety problems are from real-world crash data, and how to best protect occupants in a vehicle, or how to prevent a crash from happening,” ~ David Harkey – IIHS President 

The IIHS (a nonprofit) runs vehicles through six crash tests and assesses the functionality of headlights and automatic emergency braking to develop a safety rating. For 2020 TSP awards, IIHS added three new elements aimed at safeguarding pedestrians and vehicle occupants.

First, the passenger-side small overlap test that mimics the right side of a car hitting another car or pole must be rated “Good,” up from “Acceptable” last year.

Second, automatic emergency braking must be offered with pedestrian detection. From 2009 through 2018, pedestrian fatalities have spiked 53% yet traffic fatalities have increased by only 8%, according to the IIHS.

“Rewarding technology that protects people outside the vehicle is new territory for the TSP awards, but we believe vehicle manufacturers have an important role to play in protecting vulnerable road users,” Harkey said.

 

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For the first time, no cars are represented in the top 10 slots of this list…Trucks and SUVs only.  While the average new vehicle will be worth about 39% of its original sticker price after 60 months, these 10 vehicles will return an average of about 55% to their owners’ pockets. For a $35,000 vehicle that works out to a meaningful difference of about $5,700 over a five-year buy-own-sell ownership cycle. That’s why choosing a car with good resale value can often save you more money in the long run than chasing big rebates and other incentives.

6. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado

Resale value:

• at 36 months: 59.8%
• at 60 months: 53.7%

The second-best-selling vehicle in the country, the all-new Chevrolet Silverado combines capability, comfort and strong resale value.

7. 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Resale value:

• at 36 months: 63.2%
• at 60 months: 51.3%

The Honda Ridgeline mixes a more truck-like design with clever features, SUV amenities and excellent resale value.

8. 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

Resale value:

• at 36 months: 59.0%
• at 60 months: 50.9%

The Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck has a lot to offer, including best-in-class towing, available diesel power, and a consistent spot on KBB’s list of Top 10 resale values.

9. 2019 Ford F-series

Resale value:

• at 36 months: 57.5%
• at 60 months: 50.6%

The Ford F-150 F, -6.57% is the country’s best-selling vehicle, a resale value standout and has been named KBB’s Pickup Truck Best Buy five years in a row.

10. 2019 Porsche Macan

Resale value:

• at 36 months: 65.0%
• at 60 months: 50.0%

A blast to drive and even more tech-savvy than before, the recently updated Porsche Macan also offers impressive resale value.

Want to see the TOP 5 Resale Value Vehicles by KBB?

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2020 Ford Escape review: More competent and comfortable – CNET

Small crossover-SUVs have grown to be the automotive industry’s most important segment. And while the Ford Escape was one of the original entries into this segment, the current, third-generation model has grown a bit stale.

Thankfully, relief is on the way in the form of the 2020 Ford Escape. Redone from the ground up, the fourth-generation Escape sports a new look, the latest technology, efficient drivetrains and an improved chassis. The small segment may be more crowded than ever these days — can this 2020 Escape climb its way back to the top of the class?

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2020 Ford Escape Review – First Drive – AutoGuide.com

The 2020 Ford Escape is lower, wider and longer than the outgoing model. Consequently, it should offer greater head-, shoulder- and hip-room in both rows of seats. Expect better dynamics and efficiency, plus scads of technology. This small crossover is the blue-oval’s second best-selling nameplate after the vaunted F-Series and given how hot utility vehicles are these days, the stakes are higher than ever. This 2020 model better be good, or the competition will happily help themselves to Ford’s slice of the market.

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First drive: The 2020 Ford Escape you want is the Hybrid – AutoNews

by Martin Padgett

The 2020 Ford Escape may look like one compact crossover SUV, but like the English language, it’s really three different things wearing one trenchcoat. The 2020 Escape comes with a choice of four trim levels, three engines, two transmissions, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Variety’s great, until it’s confusing: Among all those choices Ford will sell you a turbo-3 Escape with all-wheel drive, a front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid, or an all-wheel-drive turbo-4 Escape Titanium with all the trimmings. The test-drive pressure is real.

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2020 Ford Escape | The Turbo Alternative – Alex on Autos

For 2020 Ford has completely redesigned their compact crossover to directly target the top-sellers in the segment. With a standard 1.5L turbo engine, the Escape gives us better performance and better fuel economy than most of the competition and the optional 2.0L turbo and the new 8-speed automatic make the Escape one of the best performing compact crossovers under $40,000.

 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2019

Distracted driving up 10% compared to 2018, study says – CNET Roadshow

by Jake Holmes

Yet another study shows drivers can’t stop looking at their phones.

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Texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving: Study – Fox

Zendrive CEO Jonathan Matus says that distracted driving is on the rise in the U.S. and that phone addicts are more dangerous than drunk drivers.

Distracted driving is killing us. These cities are the worst offenders – FastCompany

by Melissa Locker

We’ve all done it: You’re driving along, a text comes in, and even though you know you shouldn’t do it, you take a quick peek. Distracted driving is common and, according to a new report from Zendrive, the distracted driving epidemic is getting worse all the time. Even if you don’t text while driving, smartphones offer plenty of other distractions, like following your GPS directions or choosing the perfect playlist for your drive.

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In February 2019, some California drivers experienced the unpleasant reality of receiving a traffic citation (fined) for having an exhaust system that was “too loud”.  Amidst the controversy and rumor mill on the new law that took effect… the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has taken action to mitigate some of the public concerns.

A SEMA news release, stated that  the law concerning exhaust noise louder than 95 decibels was actually enacted in May of 1998…20 years ago.

Beginning January 1, 2019, a motorist cited for violating the current California exhaust noise law can receive an immediate fine. Previously, motorists received what is known as a “fix-it” ticket, which allowed for 30 days to correct the violation. ~ SEMA

What changed recently was the passage of California Assembly Bill 1824. The bill, signed into law last year by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, requires police officers issue an immediate fine for a violation instead of a 30-day notice to correct the issue.  SEMA further clarified  that the base fine for a first-time conviction is much lower than commonly believed: $25 with a total fee of $193.

Christian Robinson, SEMA’s political action committee, said motorists have the right to fight the fine in court if they can prove the exhaust is under the 95-decibel mark.

“You still have due process under the law in California to demonstrate you’re in compliance with the law using an objective test,” Christian Robinson – SEMA

Motorists accused of violating the noise law can get a certificate of compliance from the SEMA-sponsored California Bureau of Automotive Repair that shows the exhaust is not louder than 95 decibels and use it to fight the fine in court. The exhaust test costs $108.

Bottom line…

“The sale and installation of an aftermarket exhaust system remains legal in California so long as it does not exceed a sound level of 95 decibels,” SEMA said in the release.

 

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Ever get fascinated by crash-test videos but wonder about the different ways airbags deploy in various cars…even when subjected to the exact same crash.  The brain of the airbag holds the answer key.

The Airbag Control Module is a hardened computer in your car with a single purpose: Decide when airbags need to be fired and get that signal to them.

The Airbag Control Module, or ACM, is the airbag’s brain…a hardened computer in each car that keeps communicating with airbags even when the car around them is disintegrating. It gets constant motion data from a series of accelerometers around the vehicle and must decide if and when airbags should be deployed. If the answer is yes, it must be done during the key 20 milliseconds of what is only about a 100 millisecond impact. Talk about threading the eye of a needle.

But why airbags don’t just deploy liberally in every impact comes down to three factors:

1. Prevent injuries and save lives: This is the main goal, of course, and airbags are said to prevent some 2,800 auto fatalities per year. But doing so requires the ACM software consider the nature of an impact, its direction and rotation, the crumple characteristics of the car its installed in, and the distance between each airbag and occupants. Its a highly sophisticated decision making process that takes place in a fraction of a second. But the answer isn’t merely “deploy airbags” or “don’t deploy”… because two more factors must be considered:
2. Minimize airbag injuries: They are not completely benevolent devices and often cause their own fractures, bruises, and burns as they do their job. ACM programming is carefully tuned to only use them when the alternative is even worse.
3. Minimize airbag replacement costs: Airbags cost roughly $1,000 apiece and can only be used once. In some cases, airbag replacement can make up the lion’s share of collision repair costs, so deploying them is not taken lightly otherwise a lot more cars would be totaled by insurers.

Many people are surprised that there isn’t a standard airbag scheme used in every car, but that’s because airbags are as smart as seat belts are dumb.

 

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A #SmallThanks from All Pro Towing & Recovery to YOU!

You made us feel really special for many months. Now we’re returning the favor. #SmallThanks

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Reviews – All Pro Towing & Recovery

 

Coming Soon to Google Maps…

…updates so it’s even easier for you to keep up with the places you care about and find out about places coming soon.

Those using Google Maps for Android can now follow places right from the app. Rolling out now, just search for that coffee shop you love or that clothing store you’ve been meaning to pop into and tap the “Follow” button. Once you’ve followed places, news from them—like events, offers and other updates—will appear in the For You tab.

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2019 Acura RDX A-Spec is a sharp-dressed luxury crossover (4K) – CNET Roadshow

The 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec is the automaker’s third-generation crossover that is no longer just another face in the crowd.

THE GOOD: The new RDX is one of the more attractive vehicles in the small luxury SUV class, and it boasts one of the quietest, comfiest interiors, too.

THE BAD: The RDX’s dynamic quality isn’t as athletic as its German rivals.

THE BOTTOM LINE: While its European competitors might be a bit more buttoned-down on the road, Acura’s RDX is a compelling, competent package, and arguably the best value in the compact luxury SUV segment.

Read Full Review

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2019 Acura RDX Crossover: Return of the Turbocharged Four and Torque Vectoring – CARandDRIVER

Andrew Wendler

-The Honda/Acura empire routinely previews upcoming models with nearly-ready-for-prime-time concept cars, so there is little surprise to see that the street-ready 2019 Acura RDX is a doppelgänger for the RDX prototype that debuted at the 2018 Detroit auto show. Look closely and you’ll see the usual production-ready tells: The mirrors are larger, the front fascia bears a few additional elements and a slightly different mesh design on the lower grille, and the rear bumper panel is a bit more prominent. But it’s essentially the same as the concept car, right down to the spoiler and the descending character-line creases.    READ MORE ››

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2019 Acura RDX First Look – Edmunds

Acura Reinvigorates the RDX for 2019

Acura debuts its all-new 2019 RDX with fresh styling, new technology, a new powertrain and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

At the core of the 2019 Acura RDX is a new body and chassis architecture, with more than 50 percent of the body structure composed of high-strength steel. The wheelbase has grown by 2.6 inches, increasing passenger room as well as cargo room behind the rear seats — up 3.4 cubic feet from last year’s model — with more underfloor trunk storage.

Powering the 2019 RDX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, not unlike the one found in the Honda Accord. The V6 is no longer offered, but that doesn’t mean a drop in power since the four-cylinder engine makes 272 horsepower (down only 7 horses from the V6) and a stout 280 pound-feet of torque (up 28 lb-ft from the V6’s 252 lb-ft).

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2019 Acura RDX compact crossover goes into production in Ohio – Autoblog

by Sven Gustafson

Acura has kicked off production of the all-new 2019 RDX, capping a $54 million investment in new technologies and processes at its plant in East Liberty, Ohio, where the compact crossover will be built. It goes on sale starting in June, though prices are yet to be announced.

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