Remember when I told you about that idea Delphi was working on, about how you could drive your car from your iPhone?  Seems that the Germans were working on that idea too as part of a US Military sponsored self-driving car contest.

In fact, from what I can tell, this particular version is just an iPhone app connected to some hardware in the car that works almost like Super Mario Kart on the Wii, in which you tilt your iPhone left or right to work the steering wheel, and press the brake and accelerator buttons on your iPhone display to make the car go faster and slower.

But I haven’t even told you the best part yet–there’s a YouTube video out that shows this system in operation.  You can check that out directly below, and wonder with me how long it’ll be before they hook this to a GPS and we finally, FINALLY, get the autodrive system.

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Now this is the kind of thing they banned briefly in Victoria not so long ago, so before I start I’ll give the normal credos:  it’s a bad idea to use your cell phone and drive at the same time, I’m not responsible for whatever you do in your car, yadda yadda, in perpetuity throughout the universe.

There.  Now that the lawyers have been sufficiently shot the bird, time to carry on.  Today we’re talking about the TomTom iPhone car kit, that basically allows you to use your iPhone as a kind of GPS by mounting it to your dash.  Now, it doesn’t JUST do that, because then everybody’d be enraged–it also functions as a twelve volt charger and a speakerphone.

None of this is a bad thing, necessarily, but for crying out loud.  A hundred and twenty bucks for what amounts to a car phone cradle?  That’s a bit excessive even with the added bells and whistles.  I don’t look for this one to do any too well.

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The folks out at Delphi are working on a way for you to be able to check many of your car’s features  from your iPhone.  Pretty soon, if the folks at Delphi have their way, you’ll be able to do all of the following: start or stop the car, roll down the windows, check tire pressure, monitor oil and brake fluid life, as well as detect if the car has been broken into.

But this isn’t the most interesting part…no sir.  Delphi has also been fiddling around with remote control of the gas, brakes and steering column, essentially allowing for the possibility of driving your car from your iPhone.

I don’t know whether to be amazed or horrified.  On the one hand, if someone steals your car, you could pretty much recover it with your iPhone, and that’s awesome.  But if someone steals your iPhone, they could have your car within minutes, and that is NOT awesome.

I’m left a little unnerved by this technological movement.

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We’re all familiar with the ZipCar by now, that car rental line that offers driving freedom to urbanites who don’t want to bother with the hassles that come with owning a car.  But what you may not be aware of is that, if you have an iPhone, you’ve just opened up the entire world of ZipCar.

iPhone users will now be able to lock and unlock ZipCar car doors remotely with their iPhones, as well as start their engines remotely.  Plus you can even locate and reserve a particular car from the ZipCar lineup with your iPhone.

Seems that one third of all ZipCar customers use iPhones for one purpose or another, and so, offering iPhone connectivity represented a significant advantage to ZipCar users.  This in turn helps fuel brand loyalty.

It’s a smart idea for the ZipCar company, and if you’re an iPhone user who’s looking for a rental car, ZipCar may just be your ticket after all.

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It seems that new cars are coming out with new features as well. And as far as the Lexus is concerned, it is making sure that one of the popular handsets in use today doesn’t go unnoticed. In fact, they have come up with a concept headrest for the iPhone, an iPhone dock that should come in handy for people who have to embark on long journeys on a luxury car such as the Lexus LF-Ch.

Now this may be a concept but it certainly does make sense. Now if you don’t have an iPhone yet, surely you can afford one if you can own a high-end luxury car as a Lexus right?

(Source) Ubergizmo

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Allstate has today announced the release of their Mini Roadside Service iPhone app that is set to go up against road side service providers such as GM’s OnStar.

This app will apparently give users the ability to quickly access service if they so encounter problems such as a dead battery, flat tire, running out of gas or any other automobile complications. Autopia says that non Mini owners can get down on the deal as well as Allstate has a similar program for sale at $119.95.

While the app isn’t as convenient as being built right into the car, like OnStar is, this will definitely give those a chance without GM vehicles to get down on some hassle free roadside assistance.

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For the people in search of a used car online, here is another site that was redesigned to be more browser-friendly. When it comes to matching used cars with car finders, site owners just have to put into consideration things that a person would be looking for. And it looks like Dominion Dealer Solutions has done just that with GetAuto.com.

Among the highlights of GetAuto.com include that of over 1 million used vehicles and real-time updates on vehicle choices. As you know, the demand for second hand cars has grown tremendously, something sparked by the financial problems that most people are plagued with today.

The new GetAuto.com is accessible to consumers anywhere, anytime through its new iPhone application. Also available on the iTouch, the GetAuto iPhone application can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store by searching for “GetAuto.com.”

(Source) Press

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Nissan has recently come forth to show off their all-electric EV-11 prototype that is based on the company’s Versa vehicle.

Pictured above is said vehicle and will apparantly feature a Nissan-designed 108HP electric motor that will be powered by a Automotive Energy Supply corp. designed 24 kWh battery making for a ~100-mile range.

On the inside the car will reportedly feature a navigation system that maps out how much farther the driver can travel on the current charge along with show you charging stations along your route. What’s more interesting is that Nissan will give consumers the ability to check up on the car’s charging status via a cellphone.

iPhone app anyone?

via Autoblog

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There will be times when drivers will be unable to drive their cars. It could be due to various reasons such as injuries, intoxication or some common defects that no one can really tell when. However thanks to technology, there is a new app called the Designated Driver for iPhones that should assist car drivers in any which way they can.

The Designated Driver iPhone app becomes a means of asking for help from friends or family members at times of dire need. Rather than risk being in a car accident, this is one app that should become a great lifesaver.

This unique iPhone app is one of the first such applications to allow a user to reach out to family, friends or a cab to request a ride when a designated driver becomes necessary. With a single push of a button on the iPhone screen you can send a text message to five or more of your friends simultaneously to request a ride.

(Source) Press

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There is no stopping anyone from using their phone despite laws prohibiting their use. So as a businessman or an ordinary civilian, the best thing you can do is to find alternative ways to take a call and keep your eyes on the road. And for the new iPhone 3G S which was launched recently, it did not take long to have holders come out which are especially made for it.

These holders, designed and manufactured by Brodit AB in Sweden, are custom made and attach to vehicle specific ProClip dashboard mounts. Once this two part solution (Device Holder plus Vehicle Mount) is attached, to the dashboard, the solution provides better viewing and easier access. ProClip holders may also be attached to other manufacturers’ vehicle mounts or any other flat surface.

Here are some of the mounts that ProClip USA launched:

• The Padded Holder with Tilt Swivel
• The Padded Holder with Tilt Swivel and Charging/USB Cable
• The Holder with Tilt Swivel and Pass-Through Connector
• The Adjustable Holder with Tilt Swivel and Pass-Through Connector
• The ProClip Vehicle Mount

These are all available at the ProClip USA website.

(Source) Press

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It seems uncommon but if you are from the business sector who loves to analyze things, you will agree that the supposed apps we get for the iPhone or the iPod Touch carry a indirect way of viral marketing. Though not made directly, games or software inclined apps sometimes carry the brand name or are included somewhere along the way.

There have been a lot of apps for the iPhone with car themes written all over. There are the games such as “Need for Speed” or even rally based cars which at some point showcase special cars which some may have never seen before. Talk about awareness, that is a perfect example for it.

If you are clueless, here are some well-known iPhone apps to show you what we are trying to explain:

• Audi A4 Driving Challenge (driving game)
• GM Mobile (General Motors news and info)
• Mercedes-Benz (card game, company history, trivia)
• Ford Flex Photo Editor
• Scion Radio 17 Beats Per Minute Meter (music rhythm meter)
• Kia Soul on Imeem (social media content sharing app)
• Volkswagen Polo Challenge (game)
• Jaguar XF (pictures, info)
• Mazda3 Concert Quest (concert info, only for Canada)
• BMW Z4 An Expression of Joy (game)
• Lexus sponsored Urban Daddy app (local calendar/events/reviews)
• Nissan Cube (2 apps: one a “hub” for Cube content, the other a scavenger hunt-style game)

Seriously, they are brand names making use of the iPhone craze and whether you admit it or not, they are making thing easier for the car manufacturers. When building a brand is in focus, this is obviously a mobile marketing way of summing them all up!

(Source) LA Times

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ChronoSafe Media has released VIN Hunter which is an application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch that permits users to organize their car research. VIN Hunter allows you to research, record notes and photograph each vehicle you decode. Used car buyers and sellers can immediately view the free Carfax Record Check and have access to purchase the complete Carfax Report. Convenient accessability to this information builds consumer confidence and helps buyers and sellers avoid potential problems.

With a local database of over 150,000 car and truck models from 1981 through 2010, you can get instant information on the bulk of cars and trucks sold in North America. No Internet connection is required to decode a VIN, but one is needed to access vehicle history information from Carfax. VIN Hunter is designed to be an easy to use solution for consumers and auto professionals alike.

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When it comes to driving, hands-free kits are your answer when you have to answer a call or even listen to your audio files. Thanks to Belkin, two new products will make that happen. They are the TuneBase FM and TuneBase Direct which allow you to answer an incoming call and enjoy music while on the road.

Newer cars include an auxiliary input jack to connect different audio sources to the car’s stereo. Using a 3.5mm cable, TuneBase Direct connects to your car stereo through the auxiliary input, so you can play the music from your iPhone or iPod while in the car. TuneBase Direct also charges your iPod so the battery doesn’t run out while you’re on the road.

TuneBase FM with Hands-Free (F8Z441) – $89.99

• Features push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• Features ClearScan technology
• Transmits audio wirelessly on multiple FM channels from 88.1MHz–107.9MHz

TuneBase Direct with Hands-Free (F8Z442) – $69.99

• Features push-button call pickup and speakerphone
• 3.5mm cable included

(Source) Press

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Motorists who have been longing to find out when the 2009 Nissan Cube will be available need not wait any longer. The all-new 2009 Nissan cube goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide, sporting an engaging asymmetrical exterior design, socially oriented lounge-style interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, six standard air bags, a full catalog of innovative accessories, a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $13,990 and one other thing – an innovative marketing campaign centered around a downloadable-content-rich “cube Mobile Hub.”

Access to the “cube Mobile Hub” will be available (beginning May 15) through a shortcode or “text to” number incorporated into the traditional marketing media mix, including television, print, direct mail and interactive. Once at the Mobile Hub, users will have the opportunity to download unique content, such as wallpapers, videos, music, ringtones and a link to the nissanusa.com mobile site.

The iPhone app, “cube Party Roundup,” is scheduled to go live on June 15 and will be available for play in single-player and multi-player modes (up to eight friends). The personalizable, mission-based driving app sends the player around a city picking up friends, ice, music and other items before a party.

Additional levels allow the player to pick up dates, go to concerts and other activities, all the while navigating around various obstacles to complete the mission. A Facebook version of “cube Party Roundup,” where users will be able to share their progress with friends, will go live in early July.

(Source) Press

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RepairPal and Cars.com have banded together “to deliver a unique experience for consumers needing automobile repair and ownership information” and “will work together to deliver a co-branded site, free to consumers.”

Key features of the co-branded www.RepairPal.com and www.Cars.com site, according to the companies, will include:

• RepairPrice estimator. Delivers accurate, “instant” auto repair and maintenance estimates.
• Common problems. Expert technicians share known issues for each specific make and model.
• Quality mechanic Q&A. Provides car insight and solutions from ASE-certified mechanics.
• Comprehensive auto shop directory. Empowers drivers to find a local mechanic, features user-ratings and reviews.
• Helpful auto ownership content. Features “how to’s” and helpful hints, problems to be aware of, recalls and technical service bulletin (TSB) information as well as an in-depth encyclopedia of automotive terms.

Emeryville-based RepairPal claims to be the only automotive resource delivering free, “instant”

RepairPrice estimates via the Web and an iPhone mobile application. It also offers a comprehensive user-rated directory of auto repair shops and dealerships and has a patent-pending system that provides more than 23 billion unique repair price estimates covering 98 percent of passenger vehicles and every zip code in the U.S.

Cars.com—which is a division of Classified Ventures L.L.C. and is owned by a number of media companies—said it offers online car shoppers “easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car.”

(Source) Tire Business

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