– Chrysler has teamed up with Motorola to test a Driver Advocate system in the Town & Country minivan. With the system, a three-button mechanism on the steering column lets the driver to control incoming information from cellphones, navigation systems or diagnostic/warning messages. Sensors in the steering wheel measure wheel angle and pressure of the driver’s grip to detect stress situations. If sensors determine high stress, the system suppresses incoming phone calls, navigation directions and diagnostic/warning messages (such as low fuel) until stress levels are back to normal. No word on when the feature might be available in a production car.
– Toyota has raised its global sales and production forecasts for this year, citing optimism for a gradual worldwide recovery after the war in Iraq. Toyota’s global sales for 2003 are expected to total 5.85 million vehicles, up from the 5.79 million predicted in December and the 5.52 million it produced in 2002, the company says. Japanese sales were forecast at 1.73 million, up 3 percent from the previous year, and overseas sales at 4.12 million, up 7 percent. Toyota also lifted its forecast for worldwide production 6 percent, to 6 million vehicles. It earlier estimated global production this year at 5.87 million vehicles.
– Volkswagen Bank USA, an affiliate of Volkswagen of America, and Bank One are offering the Volkswagen Visa card. For every dollar spent, 2 points are earned, and 2,500 points can be used toward the purchase of a new VW; service or maintenance on a VW; gift certificates for the purchase of VW merchandise; or discounts on airline tickets or hotel stays.
– For years cars have been bought over the Internet; now you can buy one on TV–sort of. Shopping channel QVC will air a program at 9 p.m. Tuesday in which viewers can call the company or log onto its Web site for an offer on a 2003 Saturn. Cars will not be sold on air during the one-hour program.
– GM has settled a suit stemming from a 1993 car fire that resulted in a $1.2 billion punitive damage award against the automaker. GM had been appealing the case and did not disclose the amount of the settlement. Six people were burned in 1993, when their 1979 Chevrolet Malibu exploded after being hit from behind.
