Autoblog

Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Citroën, Design/Style

Citroën and Peugeot have released the first volley of information and images on their refreshed C1 and 107 runabouts. The Citroen C1 will bow with a new face, complete with a shorter hood, redesigned foglamp housings and new LED daytime running lights. The vehicle's rear valance has also received a few design touches to differentiate it from the previous year model. Buyers can expect to find the same 68-horsepower three-cylinder gasoline engine bolted to a manual transmission under the hood.

Not surprisingly, its mechanical twin, the Peugeot 107, has received a similar once over. Designers have graced the three-door with a reworked front fascia that features a new front bumper, foglight housings and LED daytime running lights, just like its Citroën cousin. Peugeot will also offer the 107 in three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

The Citroën C1 will be on display at the Brussels Motor Show starting on January 10, and it's probably fair to assume the Pug will make the scene there as well. Hit the jump for press releases on both of these small hatchbacks.

Continue reading Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed

Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights

Zach Bowman — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

Abiding by traffic signals is perhaps the simplest rule of the road. Any preschooler can tell you what red light means, but that doesn't stop a staggering number of drivers from ignoring the lights altogether. ATS, a company responsible for manufacturing red light cameras, wants us to think a little harder about coming to a complete stop the next time we lose the right of way. The company says that more than 100,000 people are injured in collisions involving a driver who ignored a red light.

The video after the jump compiles a number of incidents in New Jersey involving inattentive or downright stupid drivers. Some of the clips feature near misses, while others involve scary collisions. Hit the jump to see for yourself, and remember to heed the traffic signal the next time you're behind the wheel.

Continue reading A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights

A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot-Citroën chopping 6,000 jobs in Europe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroën

The U.S. auto industry seems to be picking up nicely, but the same can't be said for Europe. Ford just announced that it lost $100 million a month in the market over the third quarter, and PSA Peugeot-Citroën SA didn't fare much better.

Automotive News reports that the French auto conglomerate is looking to cut fixed costs by 800 million euros ($1.1 billion USD) next year, and job cuts will be part of the plan. PSA will reportedly terminate 6,000 European jobs next year, with 1,000 cuts to manufacturing, 2,500 lost contractors and another 2,500 from sales, marketing, research and IT.

The auto market in Europe has suffered from a rise in pricing pressures. PSA felt the pinch with a 1.6 percent drop in automotive revenue during the quarter. Overall revenue actually increased by 3.5 percent due to PSA's majority ownership of parts maker Faurecia SA. PSA has changed its outlook for 2011 from "clearly positive" to something closer to break even.

Peugeot-Citroën chopping 6,000 jobs in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën working on neo Deux Cheveaux?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Budget, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën's next look into the future appears to involve a look into its past: according to Car Magazine, the French firm is planning a 3CV that will make a modern case for the beloved 2CV. It isn't expected until 2013, so only a few brains inside Citroën have any idea what it will look like, but the prognostications suggest "the spirit of the quirky Ami 6," lots of space and a comfortable ride.

Speaking of that ride, the company's CEO said "it's so relaxed that we may even cap top speed." That would be something special for a car to be built on the same PF1 platform that supports the Peugeot 207 and Citroëns DS3 and C3, yet will be smaller than the C3.

Citroën working on neo Deux Cheveaux? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia takes the fear approach to motorcycle safety [w/poll]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Australia, Motorcycle

Safety advocacy is a touchy subject when it comes to the motoring world. After all, everyone has heard the warnings about buckling up, drinking and driving, and more recently, the dangers of distracted driving. And while we applaud the intent of these messages, we can't help but have our doubts about how effective most of these campaigns are. Still, there are many different approaches to the road safety public service announcement genre, and we've seen a few genuinely stirring takes on the matter, including some strikingly beautiful work like the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership seatbelt campaign.

Choosing to veer more toward the scared-straight school of thought is Australia's Transport Accident Commission, and its ad quotes a particularly interesting (if frightening) statistic related to motorcycle riding. Admittedly, the spot is not as shocking as the UK's teenage driver gorefest PSA of a couple years ago, but it's still the type of thing that makes us sit up and take notice, so perhaps these more graphic PSAs have more of an impact.

What do you think, are road safety PSAs like this effective? Watch the video PSA after the jump - the whole thing - then have your say in our poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Australia takes the fear approach to motorcycle safety [w/poll]

Australia takes the fear approach to motorcycle safety [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CHiPs veteran Erik Estrada warns Californians to avoid Carmageddon

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Videos, Police/Emergency

Erik Estrada Carmageddon PSA - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Residents of the metropolitan Los Angeles area have been bracing for what's been dubbed Carmageddon. No, not the video game from the late '90s, but the scheduled closure of Interstate 405 over the course of this weekend.

The temporary shutdown of the hugely busy 10-mile stretch of highway is being effected so that it can be widened to ease traffic congestion, including the demolition and reconstruction of the Mulholland Bridge and the addition of a carpool lane.

Such a big move obviously needs to be brought to public attention, and to that end, Caltrans - the California Department of Transportation - brought in no less suitable a celebrity than Erik Estrada, best known for his role as California Highway Patrol officer Frank Poncharello on the TV show CHiPs. Estrada reportedly did the Public Service Announcements for free in English and Spanish, both of which you can view after the jump (we snuck in a video of the CHiPs intro sequence for you nostalgic types, too).

Continue reading CHiPs veteran Erik Estrada warns Californians to avoid Carmageddon

CHiPs veteran Erik Estrada warns Californians to avoid Carmageddon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Australian safety council urges you to slow down... naturally

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos

"Enjoy The Ride" PSA - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Remember the Embrace Life PSA that urged auto occupants to use their safety belts? It's a beautiful safety ad with a very powerful message. The Road Safety Council of Western Australia must have been watching, because they've taken their safety message to the next level of serenity.

Beyond the jump is a three-minute ad titled "Enjoy The Ride." The first two minutes of the video explain how important it is to slow down in every day life. If you don't, the PSA explains, you're on the fast track to early aging, heart disease and even erectile dysfunction. You wouldn't know this is an auto safety spot until the last minute of the PSA, when the real message reveals itself. Slow down and enjoy the ride. Hit the jump to view the video - just be prepared to breath a little deeper... you may want to join yoga after this. Hat tip to Chris!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Australian safety council urges you to slow down... naturally

Video: Australian safety council urges you to slow down... naturally originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Mini, Peugeot, Citroën, Electric

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have officially hopped into bed together to collaborate on all of the systems and hardware that goes into crafting a hybrid drivetrain, and the two have been so kind as to let us all in on what they're planning. It's no shock that the two companies will partner up on everything from battery packs and generators to software and chargers, but BMW has revealed that the main goal of the corporate tie up is to build an open European hybrid platform to help give all Euro automakers a little bit of structure and an edge in the looming electrified fray.

The joint venture is expected to get under way in the second quarter of 2011 barring no hiccups from legislators, and BMW says that the first products to make use of the technology developed by the partnership are likely to hit the road in 2014 at the earliest. According to Motoring File, the very first vehicles to carry the new-age hybrid gear under its hood will likely be the Mini Countryman or a Countryman-based model. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Sources: BMW, Motoring File]

Continue reading BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official

BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

AT&T anti-texting documentary "The Last Text" - Click above to watch video after the jump

AT&T launched the "It Can Wait" campaign earlier in the spring of 2010. The idea behind the movement is to create more awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. In order to create more visual impact, AT&T has commissioned a documentary called The Last Text, and it focuses on a few young lives that have been impacted or even cut short due to distracted driving caused by a text message.

The video may play a bit heavily with the emotional subject matter, but it also helps drive home a very important message - Many lives can be ruined in the blink of an eye - all because you had to read or send that text message. Put your phone down for a minute then hop the jump to watch The Last Text.

[Source: AT&T via Engadget]

Continue reading Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary

Video: AT&T tugs at heart strings with distracted driving documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Peugeot, Racing

Peugeot 90X - Click above for high-res image gallery

French automaker PSA's assault on Audi is never-ending. As if the likes of the Peugeot RCZ and Citroën C5 weren't enough to challenge their German rival in the showroom, Citroën is striving to eclipse Audi's achievements on the rally stages. But arguably the most exciting battle has been the challenge which Peugeot has mounted against Audi on the endurance racing circuit.

After years of dominating Le Mans with the R8 (the racing prototype, not the street-legal supercar), Audi took on a new challenge with the diesel-powered R10 TDI. Peugeot joined the race both literally and figuratively with the 908 HDi FAP, so Audi fired back with the R15 TDI. This season, Audi is upping its game yet again with the R15 TDI Plus, but while the 908 soldiers on, don't think for one minute that the French team doesn't have a trick up its sleeve.

That trick comes in the form of the 90X, the next-generation Le Mans Prototype from Peugeot Sport. Designed to meet the 2011 regulations being set out by race organizers ACO, the 90X has been undergoing testing at undisclosed tracks in Europe. Peugeot's only released limited information on the car's development, saying little more than that it incorporates a new "shark fin" over the engine cover designed to keep it on the ground in case of a crash.

Word has it that the 90X will incorporate a ~~more comprehensive~~ hybrid drivetrain ~~than the KERS-style regenerative braking system in the current 908~~, but for now we'll just have to get by on Peugeot's statement (after the jump) and the trio of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Peugeot 90X Le Mans Prototype

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype

Peugeot announces next-generation 90X Le Mans Prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Citroën to build Metropolis concept flagship

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Citroën, Luxury

Citroën Metropolis concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The beauty of an automaker entering a completely new market like China is the ability to completely redefine what the brand stands for to local buyers. In the case of France's Citroën, they're going decidedly upmarket, but instead of taking baby steps like turning its C3 econo-hatch into the DS3 premium hatch, the French automaker can start completely from scratch.

According to reports from Europe and China, parent company PSA/Peugeot-Citroën is planning on jump-starting its Asian operations by building a production version of its Metropolis concept, the first design carried out at the company's Shanghai-based design team. Unveiled there in May, the Metropolis stands for the Double Chevron's vision of what the marque could be to upscale Chinese buyers.

In production form, the Metropolis is anticipated to carry the DS9 nameplate, topping the DS range with an executive limousine that looks like the size of China itself. While the concept featured a compact V6 mated to an electric motor and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the production version could carry any powertrain, likely nestled into a modified platform borrowed from the outgoing Citroën C6 and Peugeot 407. The DS9 looks poised to be built at the joint-venture facility announced last July with Changan Automobile Group. Whether it will ever make it outside of China, of course, remains to be seen.

Gallery: Citroen Metropolis Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Citroën to build Metropolis concept flagship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: PSA may withold hybrid vehicles in China over intellectual property concerns

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, Government/Legal, Technology, Peugeot, Citroën, Diesel

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cracking the burgeoning Chinese automobile market is a challenge that nearly every automaker in the world is currently grappling with. Among the myriad reasons why the Chinese nut is a tough one to crack is that the government has set strict regulations and laws that must be met before it will approve of any automaker doing business within its borders.

For instance, no foreign automaker is allowed access into the country without first partnering up with a local manufacturer from China. Naturally, that means sharing a great deal of resources and technology - and that presents a big problem with you're dealing with cutting-edge products that you've spent a ton of time and money developing.

PSA Peugeot Citroën is the latest automaker to express concerns with the notion that its intellectual property must be handed over to its Chinese partners, Dongfeng Motor Group and Changan Automotive. Problem is, to sell in China, Hybrid4 technology must also be in the hands of Dongfeng and Changan, which is something PSA isn't keen on. "The Chinese government will have to reconsider its position," according to PSA Chief Financial Officer Frederic Saint Geours. Sounds unlikely, but we'll see.

Gallery: Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4

[Source: Automotive News China - sub. req'd.]

Report: PSA may withold hybrid vehicles in China over intellectual property concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos

Michelin uses puppets to explain tire pressure - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're all about supporting PSAs that spread the good word about proper automobile maintenance, but this is just creepy. Michelin UK has tapped the Puppet Broadcasting Company to create a video that addresses many of the important know-hows of tire pressure, including how often you should check your rubber and the negative effects of having tires that are too low.

These are important facts that every driver should know, but when it comes to this video, we just can't get past the puppets. They're just... creepy. See what we mean by watching the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Michelin]

Continue reading Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure

Video: Michelin uses truly disturbing puppets to talk about importance of tire pressure originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot to resurrect Talbot brand as channel for cheap cars?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Peugeot, Citroën, Rumormill

It's certainly possible. According to La Voz de Galicia, the French automaker is currently mulling the creation of a new sub-brand to break into the lower rungs of the inexpensive car market. Rather than go through the hassle of rustling up a whole new name, the company has looked to the past for inspiration. It came up with Talbot - a company that got its start early in the 20th century and puttered to a stop in 1986.

The name has a history of rising from the dead. In 1978, Peugeot pulled a similar stunt by bringing the Talbot name back from obscurity after Chrysler axed it a decade prior. During the revival, the brand mostly served as a dumping ground for former Chrysler Europe models. Needless to say, the resurrection didn't last long.

But if our Google Translator is to be believed, the most recent zombification of the Talbot moniker will have more to do with funky little entry-level machines than any sort of rebadging exercise. La Voz de Galicia claims that the brand will likely start off with just two models based loosely on existing Peugeot models, which would be manufactured at the Citroën factory in Vigo.

Is it possible? Sure. But the rumors could just as easily be smoke and mirrors. Thanks for the tip, Lucian!

[Source: La Voz de Galicia (translated)]

Peugeot to resurrect Talbot brand as channel for cheap cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

On Sunday, the United States of America will celebrate its 234th birthday, and rightfully so, 4th of July festivities will be taking place all around the country - cookouts, camping trips and pool-side relaxation are not out of the question.

But for those of us who will be out on the road, a report from State Farm Insurance brings some interesting information to light: 4th of July averages more collision claims than any other holiday. On average, State Farm policyholders have filed 6,031 claims on July 4th over the past five years. Yikes. We should point out, though, that this is still below the non-holiday average of 7,435 claims made during the same five-year period. It's something to consider nonetheless. These facts and more can be found in State Farm's press release, after the jump.

Drive safely, folks, and from all of us at Autoblog, Happy 4th.

[Source: State Farm Insurance | Image: Corvette Fever]

Continue reading PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there

PSA: 4th of July named most dangerous driving holiday, so be safe out there originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot takes on VW yet again with the new 308 GTi

Noah Joseph — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Peugeot

2011 Peugeot 308 GTi - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Europe's second largest automaker, it's no great secret that France's PSA has got the Volkswagen Group squarely in its sights. As if the on-track rivalry between Peugeot and Audi in Le Mans racing weren't enough, the Lion brand recently launched its offensive against the likes of the Vokswagen Scirocco and Audi TT in the form of the RCZ coupe. Now the French are taking another shot, this time against the Volkswagen GTI with... their own GTi.

Not only is the name the same (save the discrepancy of the lower-case I), but the specs follow a similar formula as well: The VW packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 200 horsepower. The Peugeot? A 1.6-liter turbocharged (and direct-injected) four with - you guessed it - 200 horsepower. Even torque is also on a (relatively) level playing field, with the Volks offering 207 lb-ft and the Pug 202. The heavier Peugeot, however, takes 7.7 seconds to get up to highway speed, compared to the seven seconds flat it takes the Volkswagen.

The engine in the 308 GTi - co-developed with BMW - is the same that debuted on the RCZ, this time powering a five-door hatch and mated to a six-speed manual. There are other suspension, aerodynamic and trim upgrades to differentiate the 308 GTi from its bread-and-butter stablemates, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump and view in the gallery below. The ultimate question is, after listening to its customers and doing an about-face on its plans to get out of the hot hatch game altogether, does the Peugeot deserve the GTi badge? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: Peugeot 308 GTi

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot takes on VW yet again with the new 308 GTi

Peugeot takes on VW yet again with the new 308 GTi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi giving Peugeot/Citroën version of ASX

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Citroën, Diesel

Mitsubishi ASX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot have announced a partnership that should have a new small SUV in French show rooms by early 2012. The Japanese automaker has agreed to share its ASX platform with PSA Peugeot Citroen in an effort to move more models for everyone involved. Mitsubishi says that while it is providing the bare bones for the project, respective models from the two European automakers will incorporate unique bodywork as well as their own engine.

While the French-Japanese creation will use a 1.6-liter diesel four-cylinder culled from the PSA Citroen Peugeot parts bin, buyers will be able to choose between front-wheel and four-wheel drive models.

The partnership should move an additional 50,000 platforms out of Mitsubishi's doors and onto the streets of Europe. PSA Peugeot Citroen believes the small SUV segment will explode in the near future, with sales leaping by as much as 60 percent by 2015. Hit the jump to see the full press release.

Gallery: Mitsubishi ASX

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Mitsubishi ASX

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi giving Peugeot/Citroën version of ASX

Mitsubishi giving Peugeot/Citroën version of ASX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: PSA - Ken Jeong and Joel McHale urge you to put a sock on it

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Videos

Wear your thumb socks - Click above to watch video after the jump

In the never-ending battle to get teenage drivers to put down their cell phones while driving, Sprint has assembled an A-Team of comedic force to advocate the use of thumb socks. We're not kidding. The ever-hilarious comedians Ken Jeong and Joel McHale have jumped on board to get teens to wrap up their opposable digits while driving. The theory is that the slick sock fabric makes it nearly impossible manipulate your phone's buttons and cuts out using the iPhone's touchscreen all together.

Sprint will be more than happy to send you three pairs of the socks once you sign up for an account over at the Do Something web site. The company is hoping kids will give the extra pairs to their friends, or keep a pair in the glove box.

Sounds like a good idea, to be sure. Thing is, we have a hard time believing your average teenager is going to embrace wearing something that's four fingers short of a glove and takes effort to put on. Considering the fact that tying shoe laces is too much a stretch for most of the sub-20 population, we don't expect to see thumb socks become all the rage all of a sudden. Hit the jump to see Jeong and McHale do their best to get the word out.

[Source: Do Something]

Continue reading Video: PSA - Ken Jeong and Joel McHale urge you to put a sock on it

Video: PSA - Ken Jeong and Joel McHale urge you to put a sock on it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: The most beautiful seatbelt advocacy commercial ever?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Videos, UK

Embrace Life PSA - click above to watch the video

Over the years, we've seen plenty of public safety announcements that tackle the issue of buckling up behind the wheel. Most rely on fear to convey their message - be it fear of a police citation ("Click it or ticket") or the menace of graphic violence, dismemberment and death.

This slow-motion spot from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, however, takes a different tack without sacrificing its effectiveness or drama, all while adding an unexpected element of artistry and grace to go along with the obligatory heartstring-tugging. (And before you ask, yes, it most certainly reminds us of a certain incredible Radiohead music video). Check it out after the jump and see if you don't agree. Hat tip to Duy!

[Source: Sussex Safer Roads Partnership via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: The most beautiful seatbelt advocacy commercial ever?

Video: The most beautiful seatbelt advocacy commercial ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Peugeot, Citroën get new design chiefs

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Peugeot, Citroën, Design/Style

Hope for France: Left to right, Gilles Vidal, Jean-Pierre Ploué and Thierry Metroz

There was a time when "France" and "design" were nearly synonymous, at least in the automotive sphere. Delahaye, Voisin, Bugatti, Talbot-Lago (including the high-water mark Figoni et Falaschi "Tear Drop" cars), etc. Prewar, no one had anything on the French. Even Peugeot and Citroën were in on the action; the former producing the elegant 402 and the latter building the glorious Traction Avant.

However, after the Great Depression and post-WW2 auto shakeout, the scenery changed. Sure, Citroën still had a few design masterpieces left in the tank - the 2CV, the DS and SM. Peugeot made some excellent cars (205, 404) but they certainly weren't lookers. Then a few years back, Peugeot bought Citroën. Since that time, Peugeots have become wildly bizarre-looking, while Citroën has produced exactly one beauty, the C6. Point being, France's automotive designs are a far cry from their prewar glory days.

PSA Peugeot Citroën wants to change that trajectory. Under PSA design leadership of Jean-Pierre Ploué, Gilles Vidal has taken over design of Peugeot and Thierry Metroz is now in charge of how Citroëns look. Metroz might have an easy time of it, as Ploué has to some degree set Citroën on a halfway righteous path. Again, we're big fans of the big C6 and in truth, the C3 and DS3 are pretty much OK-looking as well. Monsieur Gilles, however, has his work cut out for him. Have you looked at a 3008 or an 807 lately? Not so hot.

[Source: CAR]

Report: Peugeot, Citroën get new design chiefs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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