CarsBikesBoatsNews

January 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaguar has revealed the new XKR and XFR at the 2009 North American International Auto Show -- two cars that are true to the heritage of Jaguar's legendary performance, delivering a superb balance of high performance, dynamic ability and refinement.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "We've started 2009 with the introduction of an advanced new generation engine that set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency. Our cars meet the challenges of the modern world and the needs of today's consumers -- and they're also true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful fast cars." Read more

January 8, 2009 – Three years ago, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., unveiled the industry’s first aftermarket head unit designed to deliver a fully integrated iPod experience in the vehicle. Building on its leadership experience and expertise in the category, the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions today breaks new ground with the introduction of the iXA-W404, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station.

The iXA-W404 features a brand-new touch-screen graphical user interface (GUI) that works similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch, so that consumers can have a familiar user experience when controlling their car audio system. The iXA-W404 meets the specifications for the “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility. As a dedicated iPod receiver, it does not have a CD/DVD disc drive; instead, it has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB input for optimal iPod/iPhone connection and pure digital sound from the iPod. Users also can connect USB memory devices and MTP-based MP3 players via the USB input. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404. Read more

November 2008 — NAVIGON, the leading innovator in the navigation market, today announced the launch of its new flagship product, the NAVIGON 8100T.

With a handsome, brushed-metal housing and an expansive 4.8” display, the NAVIGON 8100T is an über-premium GPS navigator offering an unmatched feature set for those looking for the best navigation experience available – a perfect hybrid of style, substance, performance and precision. It is the first GPS navigator on the market with NAVIGON’s revolutionary Panorama View 3D. This new feature brings a true 3D experience to the map using NASA terrain height data to provide geographic guidance complete with rolling hills and digital elevations. The unit’s extra-large 4.8” widescreen serves as the perfect frame for the panoramic 3D views. Read more

November 7, 2008 -- When an emergency strikes, nothing is more welcoming than a calm voice and a reliable power supply. Duracell is providing a bit of both with the introduction of Duracell Powerpack 450 with Voice. It's a solution that consumers need, according to a recent survey that shows the majority of Americans are not equipped for power emergencies either at home or on the road.

Duracell Powerpack 450 with Voice is a durable, stand-alone power supply with 450 watts of AC household power for important electronics and appliances. Its voice technology - new to the portable power category - "talks" consumers through how to use the Powerpacks' built-in vehicle jump-start system. The voice technology also tells consumers how to inflate a tire with the Powerpack's built-in air compressor, and it tells them how much runtime they have for each device connected to the Powerpack's multiple outlets. Read more

November 4, 2008 – Motorola today announced many Motorola Bluetooth headsets and car accessories will provide drivers the best hands-free experience while on the go. Motorola has paired with Jott, a voice-to-text service, to offer a free, two-month trial with purchase so users can turn their words into action and stay fully connected while in transit.

“Motorola continues to bring innovation to consumers by expanding our portfolio to include the latest technology to wholly center on the needs of drivers,” said Sean Ramsey, general manager of Companion Products, Motorola. “The combination of Motorola’s Bluetooth products and Jott’s service will allow consumers to keep their hands on the wheel and their focus on the road.” Read more

October 2008 – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. just introduced a new product that provides a multitude of entertainment options and navigation in one sleek in-dash system. The IVA-W203/P1 audio/video/navigation (AVN) system offers drivers touch-screen control over various digital media sources, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and navigation.

“The in-car environment has become more complex, with features such as iPod, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, DVD video and navigation becoming the norm,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “Alpine’s IVA-W203/P1 delivers a completely integrated, easy-to-use solution to meet this new definition of the driving experience.” Read more

October 28, 2008 –Motorola, Inc. just expanded its accessories portfolio with two new portable Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that will give consumers peace of mind when driving in unfamiliar places. Launching exclusively at RadioShack Corporation, one of the nation's most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers, MOTONAV TN20 is reliable, easy to use and relieves the stress of driving in unfamiliar places with spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions. MOTONAV TN30, a Bluetooth-enabled GPS navigation system, combines the confidence of finding a destination with a speaker for hands-free cell phone connectivity.

“Motorola is pleased to work with RadioShack to provide drivers with GPS navigation systems that are designed and tested for durability and ease of use,” said Sean Ramsey, general manager Companion Products, Motorola, Inc. “TN20 is the ideal unit for first-time or experienced GPS users to easily get them where they need to go and TN30 is designed for those who are looking to combine navigation and Bluetooth hands-free calling at a great price.” Read more

October 23, 2008– Fusion announced today the world’s first car audio receiver featuring true Apple iPod integration and internal docking, the CA-IP500. Offering innovative docking and charging inside the head unit, the new receiver eliminates installation hassles and the need for cables, while providing a stable and secure in-vehicle iPod location for the ultimate in flexibility and music accessibility.

Unlike other head units on the market, the Fusion receiver mirrors the iPod user interface to ensure simple, familiar control of the iPod directly from the head unit. The Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver solution offers music enthusiasts the latest in audio technology, the ultimate in convenience and an enhanced overall audio experience. Read more

October 13, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A new generation of alternative fuel vehicles are hitting Mercedes-Benz dealer showrooms this week. Designed to provide 20-30 percent higher fuel economy than gasoline engines and up to a 600-mile driving range, the new 50-state BlueTEC clean-diesel technology debuts on three of the company's SUV models: the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320.

The BlueTEC technology is so efficient that the Internal Revenue Service has designated it "Advanced Lean Burn Technology" which allows it to qualify for the same type of tax credit that hybrids receive. Depending on the model purchased and an individual's tax status, buyers of the new BlueTEC clean diesel SUVs can apply for tax credits of up to $1,800. Read more

October 2008 – As more and more states require “hands-free” cell phone use while driving, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, offers a new Bluetooth solution for in-car use. The new KCE-350BT Bluetooth Interface Module is now available to aid drivers by allowing hands-free conversations to be handled through the vehicle’s sound system.

The new KCE-350BT is a fully integrated solution that works with all of Alpine’s Bluetooth-ready 2007 and 2008 model head units, including the IVA-D106, IVA-W505 and IVA-W203 Mobile Multimedia Stations with touch screen monitors. “Caller ID,” “Missed Calls,” “Dialed Calls” and “Received Calls” information is displayed on and controlled through the connected Alpine head unit. Pressing the dedicated “Phone” button on the 1-DIN head units or the phone pickup soft key on the Mobile Multimedia Stations picks up incoming calls. When a call comes in, other audio being played is automatically muted. Read more