There are many reasons why this has site has gone by the wayside, and a few as to why I haven't deleted it. Life gets in the way of many things, this included. In May, I got a contract job writing for High Gear Media, Inc. Google it, you'll see.
Then in October things got really exciting when I got a job at Car and Driver Magazine working on their website. I don't write, but do a lot of online stuff and collaboration. What you see on the live site is what I do. I add text, images, HTML, and other shiny looking online things.
Do I miss this; Auto Watch 411? Yes, it was and in some ways still is my baby that started me down this path. And that is why I will never take it down. You cannot kill everything that you make, and this is just one of those things.
Follow me on Twitter to keep up with all I do.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, May 24, 2010
Green Relationship: Toyota and Tesla.
It appears that there is a power partnership forming in California. Toyota, emerging from recent bad publicity and numerous recalls, recently purchased $50 million in Tesla common stock, a welcomed boost for the electric car company.
Tesla purchased the recently vacated NUMMI facility in Fremont, Calif. Tesla plans to use the facility to produce its upcoming Model S, and future models.
The NUMMI plant is home to Toyota's Production System, known for its heightened quality, efficiency, and cleanliness. The NUMMI plant was recently shut down after Toyota and GM vacated it.
With Toyota now invested in Tesla, one would hope to see a crossover of technology.
Toyota offers Tesla the avenue that Ford does to Mazda in being a competitor in the auto market.
Tesla's first car. the Tesla Roadster was designed to be an electric sports car, though has been plagued with reliability issues, something Toyota could help the company with.
Toyota may benefit from Tesla from Tesla's sports car mind set. Possibly a hybrid system that powers its FT-86 Concept?
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Toyota and Tesla]
Tesla purchased the recently vacated NUMMI facility in Fremont, Calif. Tesla plans to use the facility to produce its upcoming Model S, and future models.
The NUMMI plant is home to Toyota's Production System, known for its heightened quality, efficiency, and cleanliness. The NUMMI plant was recently shut down after Toyota and GM vacated it.
With Toyota now invested in Tesla, one would hope to see a crossover of technology.
Toyota offers Tesla the avenue that Ford does to Mazda in being a competitor in the auto market.
Tesla's first car. the Tesla Roadster was designed to be an electric sports car, though has been plagued with reliability issues, something Toyota could help the company with.
Toyota may benefit from Tesla from Tesla's sports car mind set. Possibly a hybrid system that powers its FT-86 Concept?
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Toyota and Tesla]
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
GM in Talks With Google for Ford Sync Rival
GM is not going to let Ford and Microsoft gallop off into the automotive technology segment sunset without offering its own infotainment system.
GM is reportedly in talks with Google to incorporate the Android OS into future GM vehicles. Though the possible system may not be a direct rival to Ford's Sync and future MyFord system as it could allow users more interactive use through outside devices.
A third party OS would render most of GM's own OnStar features obsolete, yet its crash response is still something unique of OnStar.
Some have also considered a collaboration between GM and Apple, though software compatibility between the car and interface may pose problems. Also, with Apple being a smaller segment of the technology world amongst the mainstream car buying community, it could alienate some buyers.
Consumers should not expect to a hear any confirmation until sometime in 2011.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Motor Trend]
GM is reportedly in talks with Google to incorporate the Android OS into future GM vehicles. Though the possible system may not be a direct rival to Ford's Sync and future MyFord system as it could allow users more interactive use through outside devices.
A third party OS would render most of GM's own OnStar features obsolete, yet its crash response is still something unique of OnStar.
Some have also considered a collaboration between GM and Apple, though software compatibility between the car and interface may pose problems. Also, with Apple being a smaller segment of the technology world amongst the mainstream car buying community, it could alienate some buyers.
Consumers should not expect to a hear any confirmation until sometime in 2011.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Motor Trend]
Hummer Hit With Recall
The fix? Glue, of course.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Car Gurus]
Ford and Mazda to Continue Partnership
It looks like Ford and Mazda won't be walking separate paths after Ford recently sold its controlling share in Mazda. Both automakers plan to continue working together on advanced technologies, and possible sharing of platforms again.
Masaharu Yamaki, a Mazda board member said, "Ford will remain an important partner for Mazda."
Both companies benefit from the partnership. Mazda is too small to directly compete with Ford, while Ford collaborates with Mazda on platforms and small engine technology.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]
Masaharu Yamaki, a Mazda board member said, "Ford will remain an important partner for Mazda."
Both companies benefit from the partnership. Mazda is too small to directly compete with Ford, while Ford collaborates with Mazda on platforms and small engine technology.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]
Toyota Investigated for Recall Delay
It looks like Toyota's recent recall woes are far from over. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating if Toyota is at fault for delaying a recall involving the steering linkage failures, which could result in loss of steering control.
The recall involved almost 1 million Toyota pickups, T100's, and 4Runners built from 1989 to 1998.
Toyota first issued a recall in Japan in 2004 for the linkage failures, but did not issue one in the U.S. until September of 2005.
Toyota commented saying that the U.S. and Japan had different driving standards and a similar failure was unlikely.
This type of delay islead to Toyota's fine of $16.4 million last month when it had issued a recall in Europe regarding sticky acceleration pedals but did not do so in the U.S. until January of this year.
Under Federal law, all automakers must notify the NHTSA within five days of learning of a defect. Not complying could lead to a $16.4 million fine; the maximum allowed.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Consumer Reports]
The recall involved almost 1 million Toyota pickups, T100's, and 4Runners built from 1989 to 1998.
Toyota first issued a recall in Japan in 2004 for the linkage failures, but did not issue one in the U.S. until September of 2005.
Toyota commented saying that the U.S. and Japan had different driving standards and a similar failure was unlikely.
This type of delay islead to Toyota's fine of $16.4 million last month when it had issued a recall in Europe regarding sticky acceleration pedals but did not do so in the U.S. until January of this year.
Under Federal law, all automakers must notify the NHTSA within five days of learning of a defect. Not complying could lead to a $16.4 million fine; the maximum allowed.
-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Consumer Reports]
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