Autoblog

The latest gizmo from Japan's Takata will tell you where to go, but not like those verbally abusive digital keychains from the '90s. The Takata CSW steering wheel is designed to interface with sensors in your vehicle and display different messages on an LCD screen in the 12 o'clock position. There are already lights and sirens to let you know if your door is ajar or the washer fluid is low, but the CSW wheel's best trick is that it will talk to the Navigon 7100 navigation system, should you have one. It's an interesting cross-brand lashup that is pushing the envelope of aftermarket integration.

The screen in the wheel works in conjunction with the larger screen in the navigation unit to display instructions, though the improvement over just the Navigon would likely be sufficient. Both the wheel and the Navi can reportedly poll vehicle sensors, though we're not sure exactly how, so the systems would be more aware of what the driver is doing beyond merely position data. Both companies hope the wheel will reduce driver distraction, though we're not convinced that looking down to the wheel rim is any safer or more convenient than the slight gaze diversion to the customary upper center of the dashboard. We don't know of any manufacturer plans to OEM-issue these units, but the effort could portend a future convergence in the gadget galaxy.

[Source: Navigadget via Kicking Tires; Photo: SoundDomain]

Well, here's at least one story about the auto parts industry that doesn't have to do with bankruptcy or labor turmoil, although we're not sure that it represents an improvement in mood. Takata, a privately-owned company that provides inflatable restraints to the auto industry, suffered a series of explosions that ripped through its Mexican propellant storage facility last week. The four blasts were mostly contained by the dirt berms that surround the building, and no injuries or deaths were caused by the blasts-- but Takata's nearby assembly plant was severely damaged.

Takata supplies the six largest auto manufacturers here in the US, but its customers have not yet been affected. At least one unnamed competitor has stepped up to offer its assistance, and for the time being, no disruption of vehicle production is expected.

The incident is the second serious recent problem for the restraint manufacturer. Last month, a worker at the company's San Antonio seatbelt plant was killed due to a malfunction with a piece of metal plating equipment.

*updated @ 3:07pm EST w/new free link

[Source: Automotive News, San Antonio Express-News]