Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Isuzu Trail View - video screencap

Isuzu has taken to advertising its not-for-North-America KB pickup truck with a unique initiative. The company wanted to apply the Google Street View philosophy to some of South Africa's more remote off-road trails, and the result is Isuzu Trail View. Using multiple action cameras situated in a 3D-printed housing strapped to the top of the truck, the crew began bouncing along dirt and rock paths, recording all the while. They also shot additional video and worked with experts to provide excellent clips on how to navigate common off-road obstacles.

You can watch the making-of video below, and you can head over to the Trail View site to poke around a few South African trails for yourself. All we want to know is, how long before Jeep does the same here in the US?

Continue reading Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road

Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle street viewisuzuisuzu kbisuzu kb pickupisuzu pickupisuzu trail viewoff roadoff roadingstreet viewstreetviewtrail viewFri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/20566938/article-detail.xml 20566938 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628.jpg <![CDATA[Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Engadget gives Google Glass a try on a Ducati 848 Streetfighter

Our friends at sister site Engadget recently got a chance to give an early version of Google Glass. Tim Stevens went so far as to hop on the back of a Ducati 848 Streetfighter with Glass tucked under his helmet in an attempt to host a Google+ hangout while on a ride. Unfortunately, the system doesn't easily fit under a helmet thanks in part to the fact that it requires a sizable battery pack behind the user's ear. That kind of nips any fun on track recording options in the bud, either on a bike or on a car.

Still, with some finagling, Stevens was able to wedge the system in place well enough to take decent video, but cell reception woes soon put his online broadcasting hopes to an end. The good news is that Glass doesn't require a connection to continue recording, which is nice. You can watch video from the ride below for yourself.

While Google still has some work to do to make Glass appealing to the motorsports set, Stevens also uncovered a few other issues. Namely, the device isn't as intuitive as he'd hoped, and those with vision impairments had a hard time getting the system to function at all.

Continue reading Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed

Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ducatiducati 848 streetfighterengadgetgooglegoogle glassvideoFri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553556/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/20553556/article-detail.xml 20553556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628.jpg <![CDATA[Google Street View Hyperlapse makes virtual travel magical]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/google-street-view-hyperlapse-makes-virtual-travel-magical/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/google-street-view-hyperlapse-makes-virtual-travel-magical/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/google-street-view-hyperlapse-makes-virtual-travel-magical/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google Street View Hyperlapse

We love Google Street View, both for its use as a real tool when mapping directions and for its amazing ability to function as an internet time waster. Turns out, though, that there is yet another awesome use for Google Street View that we had never considered ourselves.

Toronto-based design firm Teehan+Lax has created a process that allows users to build time-lapse animations using Google Street View imagery, and it's calling the resulting videos Hyperlapses. If you don't fancy the predetermined routes made by the firm - though we're sure you will - you can create your own using their web interface.

Scroll down below to see what Street View animations look like in video form, and let us know if you create any of your own that you want to share.

Continue reading Google Street View Hyperlapse makes virtual travel magical

Google Street View Hyperlapse makes virtual travel magical originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle street viewhyperlapsestreet viewTeehan+LaxTue, 09 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535632/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/google-street-view-hyperlapse-makes-virtual-travel-magical/20535632/article-detail.xml 20535632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/street-view-hyperlapse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/street-view-hyperlapse.jpg <![CDATA[Country band shoots guerrilla music video via Google Street View]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/country-band-shoots-guerrilla-music-video-via-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/country-band-shoots-guerrilla-music-video-via-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/country-band-shoots-guerrilla-music-video-via-google-street-view/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google Street View Country Music Video

Or at least that's the claim. Grunnar and The Grizzly Boys have released a new video for their song Could Be Me, and the clip claims to have been made possible with the help of a Google Street View car. Instead of using seamlessly edited video, the band opted for what looks to be a rolling concert performed from the back of three pickups in front of a Street View car. There are a couple of issues with that notion, though. First off, the Street View software automatically blurs faces, and everyone's mug is clearly visible in the music video.

Second, we imagine that if Google was involved in this project from any angle, the tech company would promote it with a vengeance. More likely, the video was created using a GoPro to snap photos every three seconds. Still, that doesn't make it any less hilarious. You can check it out below for yourself, or head over to iTunes to snap up the album. We won't judge you.

Continue reading Country band shoots guerrilla music video via Google Street View

Country band shoots guerrilla music video via Google Street View originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle street view country music videogrunnar and the grizzly boysmusic videostreet viewstreet view music videovideoMon, 01 Apr 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524790/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/country-band-shoots-guerrilla-music-video-via-google-street-view/20524790/article-detail.xml 20524790 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/street-view-country-music-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/street-view-country-music-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Google sees self-driving cars in 3-5 years; Washington, insurers not so sure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/google-sees-self-driving-cars-in-3-5-years-washington-insurers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/google-sees-self-driving-cars-in-3-5-years-washington-insurers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/google-sees-self-driving-cars-in-3-5-years-washington-insurers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Self-driving Google Prius test car

In just a handful of years, autonomous car technology has taken amazing strides forward. In particular, the highly visible Google self-driving car effort has garnered loads of media attention for its impressive and fast-evolving technology. In fact, Google is reasonably confident that its autonomous technology can be brought to the marketplace in the next three to five years.

Whether or not the marketplace is in any shape to accept a self-driving car in that timespan is a much trickier question.

A new report by Bloomberg examines the relationship between autonomous tech and the regulations that must certainly come along with it before these kinds of auto-piloted cars show up in a dealership near you. Google maintains that self-driving cars can be made to "drive safer than people do," saving lives in the process. Meanwhile, regulating bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have to figure out how the cars will be road-tested for safety and where new standards will be set. How a vehicle's software is able to react to fluid and random driving scenarios, for example, will need to be somehow be tested to meet a high standard of performance.

Reaction from the insurance industry is likely to slow down the arrival of autonomous cars, as well, says Bloomberg. While, as a whole, the insurance companies have claimed to be in favor of self-driving's accident-prevention possibilities, the reality of liability claims muddy the waters. Some insurance experts predict that these issues could cause it to be as long as 15 or 20 years before the way is clear for self-driving cars in the US - decades, in other words, behind the pace of the technology itself.

Check out the full Bloomberg story, with a lot more detail around this complex issue, here.

Google sees self-driving cars in 3-5 years; Washington, insurers not so sure originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesgooglegoogle carinsurance information institutenational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsaself-drivingself-driving carFri, 08 Feb 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20452459/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/google-sees-self-driving-cars-in-3-5-years-washington-insurers/20452459/article-detail.xml 20452459 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/google-self-driving-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/google-self-driving-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why Google's autonomous car tech could be worth more than its web business]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/why-googles-autonomous-car-tech-could-be-worth-more-than-its-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/why-googles-autonomous-car-tech-could-be-worth-more-than-its-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/why-googles-autonomous-car-tech-could-be-worth-more-than-its-we/#commentsFiled under:



According to Forbes, Google may be into driverless cars for more than the party tricks. As part of a three-part series on the tech giant's foray into the automotive sphere, writer Chunka Miu says Google's efforts could have a widespread impact on the nature of transportation worldwide. The company believes it can theoretically reduce traffic accidents, energy consumption and the number of personal vehicles on the road by 90 percent should autonomous models take hold, and those savings could equate to a massive revenue stream as automakers work to adapt the technology to their products.

What's more, the technology could revolutionize the way developing countries design their infrastructure, and Google could theoretically be there to lend a helping hand. Forbes says the autonomous vehicle business could be worth trillions of dollars in the long term, far surpassing the company's current search, advertising and mobile platform operations.

Why Google's autonomous car tech could be worth more than its web business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesdriverlessdriverless cardriverless carsgoogletechnologyThu, 31 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/why-googles-autonomous-car-tech-could-be-worth-more-than-its-we/20439887/article-detail.xml 20439887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/152766337-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/152766337-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/hyundai-and-kia-adding-google-maps-api-to-nav-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/hyundai-and-kia-adding-google-maps-api-to-nav-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/hyundai-and-kia-adding-google-maps-api-to-nav-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.

Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.

Continue reading Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue linkfortegooglegoogle placeshyundaiinfotainmentkiasend2carsorentouvoSat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415670/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/hyundai-and-kia-adding-google-maps-api-to-nav-systems/20415670/article-detail.xml 20415670 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/kiauvoscreen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/kiauvoscreen.jpg <![CDATA[Why upset car dealers are trying to find a way around Google]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/why-upset-car-dealers-are-trying-to-find-a-way-around-google/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/why-upset-car-dealers-are-trying-to-find-a-way-around-google/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/why-upset-car-dealers-are-trying-to-find-a-way-around-google/#commentsFiled under: ,



Google is always trying new things, and everyone knows that new things don't always work out. But the search engine company's location on the Internet roadmap is a natural lure to its hundreds of millions visitors, so even when not-so-popular Google projects don't work out - like Wave and Buzz, for instance - or get entirely reworked, like Google Sync, it can affect a lot of people and businesses.

In August 2012, Google's social media portal Google+ (think of it as Google's version of Facebook) purged thousands of reviews left on the Google+ pages of car dealerships and changed the algorithm for how reviews are rated. According to Automotive News, one dealer saw 300 published reviews drop to just 11, another lost 145 reviews, yet another dealer had 400 reviews go "poof" over the course of two days. Google never truly explained its actions, noting that its efforts to remove all "spammy" reviews, like those solicited from customers and written at the dealership, for instance, would mean perfectly legitimate reviews might also be eliminated. That sent hundreds of dealers - especially those who had gone from positive to negative overall ratings - immediately on the hunt for another way to get reviews.

Five months later, dealers are still searching, with sites like DealerRater.com, Cars.com, DriverSide.com among the top destinations. The key to finding a supplement to Google+ is ensuring that third-party-site reviews get the prominence they need. A dealership's Google+ page will show reviews from other sites and it's possible to get them to show up in Google search results, but it's more complex than when everything was in one place, and right now, there's still the need to rebuild the goodwill that the purged positive reviews were creating. The power of positive reviews is continually evident in the amount of increased traffic online and in the store, so it's something dealers can't walk away from. Which takes us back to Google's location on the Internet road map: It means dealers could have a long walk ahead.

Why upset car dealers are trying to find a way around Google originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salescar dealerscar salesdealer ratingsdealerrater.comdealershipgooglegoogle plusgoogle+review sitesWed, 02 Jan 2013 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414473/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/why-upset-car-dealers-are-trying-to-find-a-way-around-google/20414473/article-detail.xml 20414473 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/luxury-car-dealer-lot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/luxury-car-dealer-lot.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA's No. 2 exec joins Google as director of safety for self-driving cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/nhtsas-no-2-exec-joins-google-as-director-of-safety-for-self-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/nhtsas-no-2-exec-joins-google-as-director-of-safety-for-self-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/nhtsas-no-2-exec-joins-google-as-director-of-safety-for-self-d/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ron Medford, the former deputy director of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has left the federal government to join Google. Medford will take on a new role as the tech giant's director of safety for self-driving cars. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised Medford's work with NHTSA, saying, "no one individual has worked harder to protect the safety of the traveling public."

The former deputy directory had a hand in all of the safety issues NHTSA investigated in recent years and helped set new safety rules and regulations. He also played a large role in finalizing 2017-2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements.

NHTSA is currently in the midst of crafting regulations and performance standards for driverless cars, with administrator David Strickland saying the government agency is working on a three-year research project designed to gather data for the task. Google, meanwhile, has already logged some 300,000 miles with its fleet of autonomous vehicles.

NHTSA's No. 2 exec joins Google as director of safety for self-driving cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesgooglenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaron medfordMon, 19 Nov 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/nhtsas-no-2-exec-joins-google-as-director-of-safety-for-self-d/20382843/article-detail.xml 20382843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gyi0064134158_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gyi0064134158.jpg <![CDATA[Feds ironing out rules for autonomous cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/feds-ironing-out-rules-for-autonomous-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/feds-ironing-out-rules-for-autonomous-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/feds-ironing-out-rules-for-autonomous-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the increasing development of autonomous vehicles, and even some states issuing licenses for self-driving cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided it was high time to lay out a set of rules for these advanced vehicles. According to a Detroit News report, NHTSA is embarking on a research project that could take two to three years, at the conclusion of which, the administration will write rules to govern driverless cars.

According to the report NHSTA administrator David Sctrickland says the technology could possibly save "thousands of lives." It was also reported that NHTSA has been in talks with a number of companies, including Google, regarding the implementation and development of this technology. Google has been testing its own fleet of driverless cars, logging over 300,000 miles on American roads. The tech company says autonomous vehicles could be made available to the public in the next ten years.

The technology has profound implications on the automotive industry and car culture. Strickland calls it a "game changer" and could make it possible for blind drivers or senior citizens who would otherwise have their licenses revoked, the ability to get around town. The savings from cutting down on congestion could result in as much as $100 billion in fuel savings.

But before that, NHTSA says it needs to determine the effectiveness and reliability of these driverless cars. In addition, new crash test standards may need to be developed for these autonomous vehicles. According to Strickland, "We don't want this technology to be commercially available and then there be a vacuum of no federal motor vehicle safer standards." To that end, NHTSA says there is a huge amount of work to be done before autonomous vehicles hit the roads.

Feds ironing out rules for autonomous cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomous carsautonomous vehiclesdavid stricklandgooglenational highway transportation safety administrationnhtsaThu, 25 Oct 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/feds-ironing-out-rules-for-autonomous-cars/20359213/article-detail.xml 20359213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/google-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/google-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari auctioned off for charity

Google executive Benjamin Sloss recently took delivery of a very special Ferrari in a unique way. Sloss was the winning bidder in an charity auction of an ultra-rare Ferrari 599XX Evo hypercar. The proceeds of this auction went to benefit the victims of an earthquake that struck the Emiglia Romaga region of Italy in May of this year. The region is home to Modena, Maranello and Fiorano - all towns and cities that are significant to the Italian automaker. The winning bid of €1.4 million ($1.78 million) will go to victims in these cities, among others, in the region.

Sloss, who accepted the car in an event at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, had the car painted bright yellow. The high-performance machine was presented by Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, accompanied by Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

The 599XX Evo won by the Google exec is a special machine, powered by a 740-horsepower V12, and equipped with active aerodynamics. It lapped the Nürburgring in a mere 6:58.16.

Sloss was quoted as saying that he was extremely happy to have contributed to the cause. The 599XX Evo was part of a series of auctions to raise money for victims. Other items included front bodywork and a V8 engine from a retired Formula One racecar. Also auctioned was a racing suit worn by former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella. All told, the auction raised close to $2.3 million.

Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>599599xx evobengamin slossfelipe massafernando alonsoferrariferrari 599xx evogoogleLuca di MontezemoloTue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/11/ferrari-599xx-evo-auctioned-to-google-exec-for-charity/20319821/article-detail.xml 20319821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-auction-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-auction-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why Google is frustrating your local car dealer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Google logoCar salesmen have long ranked among the most universally reviled members of society, just south of real estate agents and lawyers. But the past decade has seen the plaid sports jacket and gold chain crowd doing much to bolster their image, with many auto dealers building impressive online reputations by cultivating positive customer feedback.

That's where this latest tale of woe begins: Automotive News is reporting that Google has been deleting hundreds of reviews of dealerships from its Google+ Local pages, but doing so in a capricious and arbitrary fashion. The dealerships, as you might expect, are angry.

One Suzuki dealer who reportedly had 400 reviews zapped in two days time told AN, "Google believes it can do whatever it wants and has no accountability." His store saw its positive ranking disappear as a result of the deleted reviews. Google's response was that it has merely been trying to make sure that reviews are "authentic, relevant, and useful," according to the report. The Suzuki store owner and two other dealers have subsequently filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission.

Google has no formal way for dealers to appeal the deletions, or even understand why they were made, leaving them with little recourse but to go through the process of rebuilding their cache of positive reviews one customer at a time.

Why Google is frustrating your local car dealer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto dealerscar dealersdealer reviewsdealersdealershipsgooglegoogle reviewsgoogle+google+ localTue, 28 Aug 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/28/why-google-is-frustrating-your-local-car-dealer/20309867/article-detail.xml 20309867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/google-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/google-250.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts use Google Maps to count China's car inventory from space]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/analysts-use-google-maps-to-count-chinas-car-inventory-from-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/analysts-use-google-maps-to-count-chinas-car-inventory-from-spa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/analysts-use-google-maps-to-count-chinas-car-inventory-from-spa/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chinese cars at port

Yankun Hou is an auto industry analyst at UBS AG who has won awards for his ability to predict the market. How is he so good at seeing the future of the industry? Satellite imaging.

That's right. According to a Bloomberg report, Hou in part uses Google Maps imagery of manufacturers' holding lots in China to determine inventory buildup. Its just one of the ways that industry analysts get their edge.

Jeremy Yeo of Mizuho Financial Group checks order trends at parts suppliers. Over at CLSA, Scott Laprise fakes being a customer to snap a few shots of the inside of a dealership to get a feel for demand.

And why do these analysts go to these measures to gauge the market? And why in China? Simple. China does not reveal sales numbers, thus the industry, which needs those numbers to determine future moves for their companies, are left in the dark.

Conversely, in the U.S. auto industry, sales numbers are released on a monthly basis, by research corporation Autodata.

Hou and others have found the same thing in their near-covert research: Tales of China's auto sales may be exaggerated.

The data provided to the press is from a state-backed group, which determine vehicle deliveries to dealerships, as opposed to actual sales. When Hou sees a dealer lot that is overflowing, it raises a red flag (pardon the pun).

Though many groups have petitioned the Chinese government for the real sales data to be released, it looks like clandestine fact-finding missions are the best that Chinese auto analysts have to work with.

Analysts use Google Maps to count China's car inventory from space originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacovertdealersgooglemapssalesspyMon, 30 Jul 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/analysts-use-google-maps-to-count-chinas-car-inventory-from-spa/20289443/article-detail.xml 20289443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/chinese-car-port_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/chinese-car-port.jpg <![CDATA[In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/#commentsFiled under:

bmw nav

Navigation systems have been coming down in price lately, making in-car directions more accessible to the masses. At the same time massive tech companies like Apple and Microsoft have gotten into the game as well, and as TheDetroitBureau.com reports, a new study shows that these forces are converging to quadruple the systems by 2019.

That's another 13 million nav systems per year around the world, or 56 million units by 2019. The biggest gains will likely take place in China, with sales going from 355,000 to 11.8 million in a decade.

The study unsurprisingly predicts that navigation systems will also change considerably during that time, going from traditional DVD-based technology to inexpensive in-car systems and smart phone-based systems like the upcoming Apple tech that will be found on future vehicles from General Motors, BMW, Toyota, Audi and many other OEMs.

Cheaper tech and increased competition tend to go hand-in-hand, but that recipe could be toxic for traditional navigation providers like TomTom and Garmin. Such companies will need to rely on ingenuity and smaller margins to continue to thrive in the more competitive market.

In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegarmingooglegpsnavinavigationnavigation systemtomtomFri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276383/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/20276383/article-detail.xml 20276383 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-idrive-nav_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-idrive-nav.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/toyota-uses-iq-minicar-to-help-improve-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/toyota-uses-iq-minicar-to-help-improve-google-street-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/toyota-uses-iq-minicar-to-help-improve-google-street-view/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

iq google street view

Google Street View vehicles have logged millions of miles in an effort to display video of every street imaginable, but unfortunately the G-Mobile is too big for a few European roads. But instead of leaving the thin and narrow out of Street View, Team Google has employed the diminutive Toyota iQ onto the smallest streets in Belgium to to go where Google Street View previously could not travel.

Scroll down to watch the little iQ do its thing. Some of the roads only look big enough for a Schwinn, but the smallest Toyota does the trick just fine.

Continue reading Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View

Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota iqgooglegoogle street viewiqscionscion iqstreet viewstreetviewtoyotatoyota iqvideoThu, 31 May 2012 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248165/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/toyota-uses-iq-minicar-to-help-improve-google-street-view/20248165/article-detail.xml 20248165 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-iq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-iq.jpg <![CDATA[Google allowed to test self-driving car on Nevada public streets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/google-allowed-to-test-self-driving-car-on-nevada-public-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/google-allowed-to-test-self-driving-car-on-nevada-public-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/google-allowed-to-test-self-driving-car-on-nevada-public-streets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Google Autonomous Prius

Nevada has officially granted Google a license to test autonomous vehicles on public streets. The tech giant underwent demonstrations in both Las Vegas and Carson City to prove its vehicles are as safe or safer than those piloted by mere humans. The state requires two people to be in the test vehicles at all times, including at one occupant in the driver's seat and another monitoring the vehicle via an onboard computer. If anything goes wrong, the human "driver" can take over by simply applying the brakes or taking hold of the steering wheel.

As of right now, Google has only applied to license three vehicles. Each one will carry a red license plate with an infinity symbol. According to Bruce Breslow, Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles director, vehicles with autonomous capability could be on the road within three to five years. When that happens, the machines will wear green plates.

Google allowed to test self-driving car on Nevada public streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomous vehicle licensegooglelicensenevadapriustoyotatoyota priusWed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/google-allowed-to-test-self-driving-car-on-nevada-public-streets/20233945/article-detail.xml 20233945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/google-execs-autonomous-1336504262_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/google-execs-autonomous-1336504262.jpg <![CDATA[Google approaching automakers to help build self-driving cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/google-approaching-automakers-to-help-build-self-driving-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/google-approaching-automakers-to-help-build-self-driving-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/google-approaching-automakers-to-help-build-self-driving-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Google Inc. wants self driving cars on the road sooner rather than later.

It knows its autonomous vehicles work - engineers have already put its fleet of self-driving vehicles through 250,000 miles of testing. And they're planning to put another 750,000 testing miles on their expanding fleet.

Now, executives are approaching car makers about building the self-driving vehicles, according to The Detroit News.

"From giving the technology away to licensing it to working with Tier 1s, Tier 2s, working with the OEMs, building a car with them, everything is open and we're trying to figure out which paths make the most sense," said Google project manager Anthony Levandowski last week at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit. "We're talking to basically every car company to see what their level of excitement is and how do we work with them."

A Google spokesperson later added, "We're talking with lots of auto companies about a variety of topics, but we haven't decided how we may make our technology available to consumers. As Anthony said at the SAE conference in Detroit, 'all options are open.'"

Levandowski says Google is racing forward to get self-driving vehicles on the road as soon as possible. It has begun talking to insurance companies to figure out how much it might cost to insure a self-driving car, according to CNET. One of the sticky issues: If a self-driving vehicle causes an accident, is the driver responsible or the company that made the vehicle?

Google officials say they expect to mathematically prove that computer-driven vehicles are safer than those operated by humans, thus insurance prices should be lower. No word yet if that logic will fly, but insurance companies do love math, algorithms and actuary tables...

Google approaching automakers to help build self-driving cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousdriverlessdriverless-cargooglegoogle carTue, 01 May 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/google-approaching-automakers-to-help-build-self-driving-cars/20227455/article-detail.xml 20227455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/google-execs-autonomous_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/google-execs-autonomous.jpg <![CDATA[Google adds hybrid Lexus RX450h to autonomous fleet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Google Autonomous Lexus RX450h

The Google self-driving-vehicle fleet has grown by one. According to Wired, the tech giant has added a black Lexus RX450h to its autonomous stable. The hybrid SUV was spotted out on the road for testing wearing a new roof-mounted sensor array that's significantly more streamlined than the gear found on the company's autonomous Toyota Prius models. Google says it is constantly testing its driving algorithms on a wide range of vehicles in order to refine the technology, and that the RX450h is merely the latest step in that process.

Google first began unleashing its driverless cars onto public streets in 2010 using a fleet comprised of six Prius hybrids and one Audi TT. The company's work has spurred the California legislature to draft a bill requiring the California Highway Patrol to outline safety standards for autonomous vehicles. Wired reports the legislation passed the state's Senate Transportation Committee with an 8-0 vote and is now headed to the Senate Rules Committee. Nevada has already passed a similar law.

Google adds hybrid Lexus RX450h to autonomous fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehicledriverlessgooglegoogle autonomous vehicleslexuslexus rx450hrx450hWed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/google-adds-hybrid-lexus-rx450h-to-autonomous-fleet/20217413/article-detail.xml 20217413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/google-autonomous-lexus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/google-autonomous-lexus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Google Maps regains ability to estimate your trip duration with traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Maps screenshots

Google Maps has reinstated the feature letting you know how long a trip will take in current traffic. According to Autoblog's sister site, Engadget, the previous algorithm didn't pass muster, so the updated calculations uses both historical and current traffic conditions to arrive at an estimated time of arrival. It appears on the journeys for which information is available beneath the no-traffic estimate.

If the map can't find information on your chosen roads, you can assist The Goog and your fellow travelers by turning on My Location if you have a Google Maps for Android. Your phone - and a bunch of others - will update home base as to your velocities and help fill in those traffic blanks.

Google Maps regains ability to estimate your trip duration with traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcartographygooglegoogle mapgoogle mapsgpsmappingmapsmy locationnavigationTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205210/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/20205210/article-detail.xml 20205210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/googlemapstime_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/googlemapstime.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mini April Fools Campers

It's that time of year again. April Fools' came and went over the weekend, and a handful of the world's automakers joined in on a little Spring time fun. From intelligent anti-theft devices and TSA-inspired driver aids to automated NASCAR racers and high-performance hybrids, this year's raft of pranks were as good as any we've seen in past years. With April 1 falling on a Sunday, we saw fewer wise-cracking creations than before, but that didn't spoil the fun, so we thought we'd recap them for your enjoyment.

Mini took the cake this year with the company's Cowley Caravan and Swindon Roof Top Tent. The automaker went through the trouble of working up a full press release, complete with 20 photos and translations into a wide range of languages. We'll admit to being a little disappointed when we discovered the add-ons were a clever rouse. We'll just have to scrap our plans for a Mini safari. For now.

Hit the jump to see more April foolishness.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesapril foolsapril fools daybmw 3 seriescallawaychevrolet voltcooperdarth vadergooglegoogle nascarhondahypervoltmininascarsubaru xv crosstrektomtomtribecavoltMon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/20206434/article-detail.xml 20206434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mini-april-fools-campers-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mini-april-fools-campers-628.jpg -1 2