Autoblog

NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them?

Chris Tutor — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Work, Earnings/Financials

New York City is looking to add 2,000 more taxis to its streets, which should help transportation-challenged pedestrians hail a cab quicker. Or will it?

NPR asked transport economist Charles Komanoff his opinion of the plan and his take isn't so positive. Sure, he says, 2,000 more cabs should make it easier to get a ride, but more cars means more traffic. And not just more traffic, but more constant traffic. While private cars eventually reach their destinations and park, taxis take up precious road space 24 hours a day. That slows down all traffic including buses, cars, other taxis, etc.

Komanoff estimates the city's traffic would move at least 12-percent slower. You'll be able to catch a cab about 60 seconds faster, but take more time than before to reach your destination. His figures show the slowdown could cost the city about $500 million a year in lost time. Which kinda negates the one-time $1 billion the city expects to make from auctioning the 2,000 new cab licenses.

But the plan to add more cabs is being held up by a lawsuit. Not by residents afraid of getting around town slower, but by the cabbies themselves. More cabs equals more competition.

In the video below, Komanoff gives a brief and interesting history of traffic in New York City.

Continue reading NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them?

NYC about to get 2,000 more taxis... does it need them? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GM considering flagship dealer in Mahattan to bolster IPO cause

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, GM

Citing "three people who know about the discussions," BusinessWeek reports that General Motors is ruminating whether or not to build a high-zoot showroom in Manhattan to gain favor among "high-fashion New Yorkers, tourists and high-rolling investors." The stated aim would be to raise awareness and cachet of the company's four brands as the IPO machine moves to the next gear. And who knows, it might also increase the 9.6% market share that The General commands in the NY metro area.

The possible perception of such a move is said to give GM pause - if one Corvette can get the wolves a-howling, how much much more so a big-money show-off space in a big-money city? With an IPO planned by Q1 of 2011, GM could hardly get any bump from a Manhattan location even if it opened tomorrow. Hence, a more important consideration might be whether GM is ready to spend the long-term time and money to make such a showroom pay off, should it decide to build one. That would most certainly take years of New York minutes and Manhattan rents, and until GM was fully private again it would certainly take a beating on it.

[Source: BusinessWeek via GM Inside News]

Rumormill: GM considering flagship dealer in Mahattan to bolster IPO cause originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut

John Neff — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta live - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen of America descended upon New York City this morning and, much to the chagrin of native New Yorkers, plugged up Times Square with the world premiere of its 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. For being inconvenienced, Manahattanites were treated to a free Katy Perry concert on VW's Urban Oasis stage after the sheets were finally yanked from three sixth generation Jettas. We had a man on the scene who battled the crowd for live shots, which you can view in the high-res image gallery below, as well as video of the car's reveal after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Times Square reveal

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut

2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC seeks Taxi of Tomorrow; is UniCab the answer?

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Work, Specialty, Design/Style

A couple of years have passed now since the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced its search for a vehicle that would replace the taxis of New York City with something that better fits the times. The TLC created a website for creative types to submit ideas for the "Taxi of Tomorrow," and one of the more interesting proposals to come in over the last couple of years is something called the UniCab.

The groundwork for NYC's Taxi of Tomorrow is quite simple:

Meets highest safety standards
Superior passenger experience
Superior driver comfort and amenities
Appropriate purchase price and ongoing maintenance and repair costs
Smaller environmental footprint (lower emissions and improved fuel economy)
Smaller physical footprint (with more usable interior room)
Compliance with appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act requirements
Iconic design that will identify the new taxi with New York City

Born out of those guidelines, the UniCab looks nothing like a traditional taxi, aside from the yellow color. The UniCab features seating for four passengers, an automated ramp for those with disabilities, an infotainment center that displays intended routes and attractions along the way and outward sight lines that allow all of the passengers to get a great view of the glorious city of New York. Though nothing more than a design sketch right now, the UniCab could change our perception of taxis in the future and make hailing a cab the hip, green thing to do. Hat tip to Zelda!

[Source: The Taxi of Tomorrow]

NYC seeks Taxi of Tomorrow; is UniCab the answer? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecclestone reportedly working on bringing U.S. Grand Prix to New York

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

While the New York Auto Show is under way at the Javitz Center, on the opposite side of the globe the Big Apple came up in an entirely different context. Speaking with Italy's sports journal La Gazzetta dello Sport during this past weekend's Australian Grand Prix, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone revealed that negotiations are underway to bring a grand prix to the New York area.

Rather than running through the streets of Manhattan as had previously been rumored, Ecclestone's plan calls for the race to take place on the opposite side of the Hudson River in New Jersey. The plan, according to Ecclestone, could come to fruition as soon as 2012.

The last time an F1 grand prix was contested in the United States was between 2000 and 2007 when it was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

[Source: Autosport | Image: geoftheref - CC 2.0]

Ecclestone reportedly working on bringing U.S. Grand Prix to New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Kia's 2011 Sportage comes to America

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Kia Sportage was one of the vehicles that led the Korean automaker's initial charge into the American market. Those early SUVs (they were body-on-frame back then) were inexpensive and honest, but that's about the best thing you could say about them. After a near brush with extinction, Kia is a very different kind of automaker today. Like the rest of the company's recent introductions, the Sportage features crisp, aggressive styling that won't leave you embarrassed to be seen in one.

The new Sportage actually had its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show early this month, but the New York Auto Show is considered the crossover's U.S. coming out party, even though it actually showed up at the Atlanta show just recently. Like sister brand Hyundai's new Tucson, the American-spec model gets a new 176 horsepower variable valve timing 2.4-liter inline-four that beats the power and efficiency of the old 2.7-liter V6 with the buyer's choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

Later in the 2011 model year, the Sportage will finally get some real sport when it gets the new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected inline four that's going into the Optima and Hyundai Sonata. A snazzy looking, 274 hp Sportage? What is this world coming to?

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New York 2010: Kia's 2011 Sportage comes to America

New York 2010: Kia's 2011 Sportage comes to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruze Comes To Town: Chevy unveils 40-mpg Eco model and RS package

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet will use the 2010 New York Auto Show to reveal a few more details about the production Cruze sedan going on sale this fall. Specifically, the Big Apple is where Chevy will formally unveil the high-mileage Cruze Eco model and RS trim package (inset). The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is propelled by the new turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec inline four-cylinder. This engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, is not only the most powerful unit available, it's also expected to yield a hybrid-like 40 miles per gallon on the highway. In order to help achieve that lofty number, the Cruze Eco gets drag-reducing shutters that close off the lower grille at higher speeds. Also contributing to the car's elevated fuel efficiency are a deep front air dam and under-body panels. The 1.4 turbo is rated at 138 horsepower and a healthy 148 pound-feet of torque.

Like other Chevy models, the Cruze will also be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. The LS gets a 136-horsepower naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter four, while the two higher trims get the turbo. Drivers wishing for a sportier appearance can opt for the RS package, which adds foglamps, rocker panel extensions and a rear spoiler. The RS pack also brings an upgraded interior featuring chrome trim and backlit instrument cluster bezels.

Pricing and official EPA fuel economy numbers won't be available until later this year when the Cruze actually goes on sale. Check out the Cruze Eco and Cruze RS in the high-res image galleries below. We'll have lots more on these cars next week once we look them over in person at the Javits Center.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Cruze Comes To Town: Chevy unveils 40-mpg Eco model and RS package

Cruze Comes To Town: Chevy unveils 40-mpg Eco model and RS package originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai releases first teaser shot of the Sonata hybrid ahead of NY debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive- Click above to enlarge

Next Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai will unveil its first U.S. market hybrid model based on the just released Sonata sedan, which thoroughly impressed us during our recent review. Unlike the Fusion and Camry hybrids which are barely distinguishable from their conventional counterparts, the Sonata Hybrid gets a completely new front fascia. The new look adds a massive lower grille inspired by the Blue-Will Concept that shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

We believe the Sonata hybrid will retain the same 2.4-liter direct injected inline-four found in the sedans that are on sale now. However, it may be re-tuned to operate on the more efficient Atkinson cycle like other hybrids. Unlike the gas-electrics from Ford and Toyota, Hyundai's system is expected to use a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox in conjunction with a 30 kilowatt electric motor.

The Sonata hybrid and a range-topping gasoline 2.0-liter turbo model will both be revealed during a live video webcast on HyundaiMediaLive.com at 1:35pm on Wednesday, March 31. Following the presentation, CEO John Krafcik and sales VP Dave Zuchowski will be online to answer questions from the audience. You can submit your questions now at the site and tune in Wednesday for answers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai releases first teaser shot of the Sonata hybrid ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: NY cracking down on cabbies using cell phones - only took 10 years

Michael Harley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, UAW/Unions

It's hard to believe, but cab drivers in New York City are prohibited by law from talking on cell phones, with or without headsets. That doesn't seem to stop them, says the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission. Citing phone-related accident statistics, the commission is now proposing more stringent rules that would raise fines and even keep cabbies from using hands-free devices to chat. "We've tried everything else; there's no other way we can make this work," says Matthew W. Daus, the taxi commissioner.

In the first six months of 2009, only one ticket was issued for every 500,000 cab rides. Cabbies escape prosecution because they claim they were only wearing the hands-free devices, not using them. "Judges have been dismissing summonses because there's no proof of conversation," says Daus. Under the proposed rules, the wearing of a headset merits an infraction. Under the current rules, cab drivers are allowed to talk on cell phones while stopped at a red light. The new rules would require drivers to pull over to answer the phone.

Without a doubt, the cabbies are riled. Calling the proposed rules inhumane, they claim mobile phones are crucial in emergencies and the only way they are able to keep in touch with relatives during their 12-hour shifts. While the drafted rules are subject to public hearings next month, the drivers point out the absurdity of some of the proposals. When one organizer at the New York Taxi Workers Alliance was told that he'd have to pull over to answer a ringing phone, his amusing answer was rather succinct: "Where do you get space to put your car?"

[Source: NY Times | Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: NY cracking down on cabbies using cell phones - only took 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fail: Defect reportedly causing NYC car registration stickers to unstick

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Apparently, there have been some two million vehicle registration stickers and another 2.5 million inspection stickers issued this year in New York. No great shakes there - except for the fact that the stickers aren't living up to their names, as they are refusing to securely affix themselves to car windshields. This, as you might imagine, is a bit of a problem since citations for a missing or improperly stuck sticker can cost up to $100.

According to The New York Times, two separate vendors are responsible for the not-so-sticky stickers, and the affected units are being replaced free of charge. It seems, though, that most drivers are taking matters into their own hands by simply using adhesive tape to get the stickers to stay in place in lieu of filing the paperwork for a new one.

Police in New York are reportedly being instructed to be lenient on offenders as long as sufficient evidence is found that the vehicle's owner was affected by the bad batch of stickers. Happen to be one of the owners in question? Click here for instructions on how to get a new inspection sticker and hit the jump for a press release from the New York DMV explaining the issue.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: woody1778a via C.C. 2.0]

Continue reading Fail: Defect reportedly causing NYC car registration stickers to unstick

Fail: Defect reportedly causing NYC car registration stickers to unstick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Montreal, Niagara Falls, New York City: F1 looks to return to North America

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Since the Canadian Grand Prix was canceled for this season, Formula One has been entirely absent from North America. But participating automakers, investors and organizers alike know that the North American market is vital and can't be overlooked, and to that end several new developments are said to be underway to bring F1 back over to the western shores of the Atlantic.

First up, and probably the most straightforward, would be the reinstatement of the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The event was long a mainstay of the F1 calendar and a prominent event both for locals and for racing fans from across Canada and the United States. Quebec provincial government minister Raymond Bachand confirmed in a recent radio interview that the local governments are motivated to bring the race back to Montreal, and that talks are ongoing with Bernie Ecclestone. A five-year deal at a more reasonable rate than what Ecclestone previously demanded is what local governments are seeking.

Meanwhile, reports are surfacing of several new circuits being built up the St. Lawrence River near Niagara Falls, Ontario. With the backing of Jeff Gordon and others, Kuwaiti investment firm Bayt Al Mal is reportedly building a new $200 million motorsports park in Niagara to include a one-mile oval track for NASCAR races and a 2.5-mile road course that could attract the Canadian Grand Prix to the site. The facility being built boasts seating capacity for 100,000, plus hotels and other accommodations on a 623 acre site. Several other projects are also reportedly under way in the region, close to upstate New York and not far from Detroit, including a 3.5-mile road course for the IRL.

Enough about Canada, what about the United States, you ask? Ecclestone's latest tirade precludes a return to Indy, while in his view none of the hundreds of existing race tracks in the United States would be suitable. Following his previous indications that a new track could be made near Las Vegas, Bernie's now suggesting that only New York would make a viable location for Formula One to return to the U.S. We wonder, meanwhile, what he'll come up with next.

[Sources: F1-Live and GrandPrix.com | Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons]

Montreal, Niagara Falls, New York City: F1 looks to return to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In New York City, garage is spelled with a $

Chris Tutor — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

We're sure there are plenty of reasons some people would want to live in New York, but it's hard to see why a car guy would want to. Forget the traffic, the kamikaze cab drivers and astronomic insurance rates. Even if you can put up with all that, where the heck are you gonna park a car?

The New York Times' story, "The Ultimate Luxury: A Garage," gives us even more reason to shun The Big Apple as a place of residence. Apparently, New York houses, condos and apartments with garages command about 5% more than those that don't. In some neighborhoods, add 25%. So that means if you have a condo worth $1 million, adding a garage could get you at very least $50,000 more than your car-hating neighbors. One real estate broker estimated that a six-bedroom townhouse he's selling will bring an extra $1 million because of its car accommodations. The townhouse is priced at $18.75 million.

So why aren't real estate owners on a garage-building spree? Because convincing the city's Department of Buildings that you need a curb cut is a long, trying process. The government agency approved only 54 new Manhattan curb cuts in 2008; three less than last year.

And then there's the anecdote of one family paying $6,600 a year to put their car in a public lot. That's enough to convince this bunch of car guys that there are better places to call home.

[Source: New York Times]

In New York City, garage is spelled with a $ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC congestion charge gets blocked by state

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, First Drives

Manhattan's latest attempt at disguised taxation has ground to a halt in the most trivial fashion. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed congestion charge for cars and trucks headed into the city below 60th street was summarily ignored by lawmakers. Rather than a contentious fight in the state assembly, the clock was simply run out and the bill died without being put to a vote. The failure of Bloomberg's plan means that New York City will also miss out on 350 million federally earmarked dollars for mass transit, and other ways to improve air quality and decrease gridlock must be sought. Even if it had passed, Manhattan's fee of $8 for cars and $21 for trucks would have been lower than what Red Ken charges for entry to London proper. While the goal of decreasing gridlock and improving air quality is admirable, we can see how the congestion charge would further squeeze those who can least afford it. To be sure, an alternative to Manhattan's current traffic would be welcome, and embracing change isn't always easy, but lets see what they come up with next. Thanks for the tip, RxMadness!

[Source: AFP, Photo by Mario Tama/Getty]

NYC congestion charge gets blocked by state originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mayor Mike readies $8 congestion fee for NYC drivers

Alex Nunez — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

New York's mayor, Mike Bloomberg, is ready to steal a page from his London counterpart's handbook and announce plans to hit drivers who bring their cars into Manhattan below 86th street with an $8 congestion charge in a bid to ease gridlock in the city's crowded midtown business district. The fee would include the existing bridge and tunnel tolls drivers currently have to pay. Some people are understandably upset, and opposition groups are said to be forming in the outer boroughs.

Naturally, there will be exceptions. Taxis are unlikely to pay the fee, and there's word that drivers who avoid the business district while heading to other parts of the city could be exempt as well. The report also mentions possible discounts for individuals who live and/or work in the impacted zone. Mayor Bloomberg is expected to detail the specifics of his proposal in a speech he's giving tomorrow, and we'll follow up after we've heard all the particulars.

If the mayor does set the plan into motion, it'll need to be improved by the state legislature, meaning those of us (ahem) in the NYC media market are going to have the opportunity to watch the political fireworks unfold during the local evening newscasts. This is gonna get interesting.

UPDATE 4/22: Ahead of today's speech, WNYC (New York Public Radio) reported that drivers who use the FDR drive and West Side Highway would be exempted from the fee. The mayor stated as much in his weekly radio program on WABC. More on the proposal as we get the info.

[Source: WCBS TV, New York]

Mayor Mike readies $8 congestion fee for NYC drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Holy holograph! Lexus ad stops foot traffic in NYC

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Lexus

Holographs have certainly come a long way and you just have to see this Lexus ad to believe it. The company Vizoo is responsible for its creation and has quite a few other non-automotive holographic projectors out there as well. You'll find them quick enough if you click around YouTube for a bit. This particular one is an interactive display for Lexus that allows users to select models and colors before beaming them into the indoor space for a 360-degree walkaround of the lifesize virtual vehicle. It's so realistic that the shop is drawing too big of a crowd for its own good. Police can be seen in the video asking people to move along. The old, "there's nothing to see here" line just doesn't hold water in this case though.

The full clip showing the crowd and parts of the ad is after the jump. There's also a video showing ViZoo's 3D floating video image technology in action.

[Source: Fresh Creation]

Continue reading VIDEO: Holy holograph! Lexus ad stops foot traffic in NYC

VIDEO: Holy holograph! Lexus ad stops foot traffic in NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC trying its luck with first robotic parking garage

John Neff — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Robotic parking garages haven't caught on in the U.S. like they have in other developed countries. Perhaps that's because we're not as strapped for open space as other nations, or maybe its because the only robotic parking garage in the U.S. has dropped both a Cadillac Deville and a Jeep several stories and trapped its patrons vehicles inside for 26 hours because of a software glitch. We reported on that robotic garage back in August when a legal dispute between the city of Hoboken, NJ and Robotic Parking Systems, Inc. trapped even more cars inside.

In the Big Apple, however, space for parking is at such a premium that they're willing to risk the aforementioned pit falls to give this robotic storage-and-retrieval thing the old college try. A new robotic garage will open in Chinatown in early February that, unlike the Hoboken facility, stores its cars underground beneath an apartment building. Built by Automotion Parking Systems (click link to watch a demo), the Chinatown facility will be able to fit 67 vehicles where a traditional garage could only fit 24. Patrons can pay $25/day to park or $400/month, which the AP report tells us is competitive for NYC parking. Automotion claims there's a virtual impossibility of any snafus occuring similar to the ones that plagued the parking patrons of Hoboken, though time will certainly tell on this one.

As always, we here at Autoblog would like to extend our warmest greetings to our new robotic overlords, and just say that we look forward to becoming their sole source of power after we scorch the sky.

[Source: Associated Press]

NYC trying its luck with first robotic parking garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue

John Neff — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, Misc. Auto Shows

UPDATE: Photos added from Neal M. and dc, play-by-play account from Ahmed
UPDATE 2: Video of the Auto Union Type D on the street after the jump

This morning New Yorkers on their way to work were greeted with Audi's Park Avenue parade that marked the R8's first official drive on U.S. soil and the opening of the company's new Audi Forum located at 250 Park Avenue. Autoblog reader Ahmed M. was on hand and armed with a camera phone. He sent us these pics of the R8, R10 Le Mans racer and 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow, the latter of which was one of the world's first mid-engined racecars. NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg was reportedly on hand to deliver the R8 to the Forum, which is not a dealership but rather a brand awareness space that will educate New Yorkers on the Audi experience and can also host events up to 150 people.

If any other readers were present and have pictures they'd like to share, specifically of the Forum itself, send them to abresearch at gmail dot com and we'll post them here.

Check out Ahmed's play-by-play account of the parade after the jump near the bottom of the page.

Continue reading Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue

Photos from Audi's parade on Park Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi planning parade on Park Avenue

John Neff — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Performance, Supercars, Audi

We feel lucky having been one of a relatively small group of people to see the Audi R8 in person at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. We won't feel so special after next Wednesday, however, when Audi is planning a parade in the Big Apple that will be lead by the company's new two-seat, mid-engine road rocket. Millions of New Yorkers will be able to catch a glimpse of the R8 leading a pack of Audis that also includes the R10 TDI racecar currently dominating the American Le Mans Series and a 1938 Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow, which represents the line of world's first mid-engined racecars. Why all the hubbub? The celebration commemorates the opening of the newly created Audi Forum New York City, which is not exactly a dealership but what the marketing folk call a "brand awareness venue".

If you're in the area, the procession's going to begin at 10AM EST next Wednesday and start at 52th and Park Avenue. The cars will be flanked by New York City's finest as they drive down to 47th where they'll be parked outside the new Audi Forum NYC for people to inspect. Expect a few celebrities to be present, and supposedly some will be commissioned to drive the vehicles, as well. The occasion will technically mark the first time a production R8 has been seen outside in open air, although we've seen plenty of uncamouflaged mules the last few months. If you're planning to attend, takes pics and send them to abresearch at gmail dot com.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Audi planning parade on Park Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lithium PT Cruiser taxi cabs planned for NYC

John Neff — Tue, 16 May 2006 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Green, Chrysler

It seem like the most suitable laboratory for testing an advanced propulsion system is the engine bay of a New York City taxi cab, just ask Ford. Hybrid Technolgies has announced it is in negotiations with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commision to get its lithium-ion battery-powered PT Cruisers on the streets of NYC ASAP. PTCruizer.com reports the electric cabs will sport a 600-pound, 320V battery pack that can go through 1,500 charges with a range of 150 miles between each plug-in. Cabbies can expect a downtime of six hours between charges. While each EV PT will cost between $50K and $75K, estimated fuel cost savings could amount to $15,000/year. We'll have to wait and see how these EVs hold up to NYC's tough durability test.

[Source: Hybrid Technologies and PTCruizer.com]

Lithium PT Cruiser taxi cabs planned for NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Honda

Honda announced today that it is bringing to market a compressed natural gas (CNG) motivated Civic GX to New York buyers this fall.

According to the automaker, the GX will put out 'near zero emissions,' giving owners access to tax credits and home refuelling via an optional Phill home refueling apparatus.

In CNG guise, the green Civic nets an EPA fuel economy rating of 28/39 (city/highway), while meeting federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and ILEV zero evaporative emission standards. It does so via a 1.8-liter four-banger putting out 115 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs. of twist (a 10 percent increase) and 5-speed automatic.

The home refueling appliance, "Phill" is a product of the FuelMaker Corporation, and is usually garage-resident. The system allows overnight refueling, which nets owners natural gas at a rate about 50 percent cheaper than buying traditional gasoline from a station. GX owners on the road can get fuel at select CNG stations around New York State and still save an estimated 25 percent over petrol buyers. Phill must be professionally installed.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"

New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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