Since launching in 2009, Beat the Traffic for mobile has become one of the most popular apps in history with over 1.8 million downloads. It is consistently among the top 10 traffic apps in the iPhone App Store and steadily averages 4.5 stars in user reviews. In addition to positive reviews on NBC’s Today Show and in The Wall Street Journal Online, Fox News Tapped-In, O’Reilly’s “Best iPad Apps,” Lifehacker and others, Beat the Traffic has also garnered multiple nominations as the best mobile traffic tool on the market.

“Macworld is always a fun and exciting event – but this year, it’s a special opportunity for us to thank our fans face-to-face for their amazing support,” said Andre Gueziec, CEO of Beat the Traffic. “Our development team is looking forward to meeting current and new Beat the Traffic users, answering all their questions and letting them ‘test drive’ our most powerful Beat the Traffic app yet.”

Available for free for the iPhone and iPad, Beat the Traffic lets travelers instantly view real-time traffic conditions – including accidents, traffic congestion and roadwork delays – and adjust their travel plans if necessary, saving time, fuel and frustration. Recently updated with new interactive maps and additional surface street details, Beat the Traffic also lets motorists retrieve travel times and live camera views. Even more tools, such as personalized traffic reports and saved routes, are available for a small subscription fee.

Also on display at Macworld | iWorld will be Drivee, Beat the Traffic’s new mobile app for the iPhone that provides motorists with real-time feedback on their fuel usage as well as the environment impact of their driving habits, which they can share on Facebook or Twitter. Developed in conjunction with leading academics in the field of sustainable transportation, Drivee is available at no cost on iTunes and on the iPhone App Store.

At Macworld | iWorld, Beat the Traffic’s solutions will be on display at Booth 818

Buying a new car is certainly stressful, but being armed with AAA’s new Auto Buying Tools app can make the process a lot easier.  Available on the Apple iPhone, AAA’s new Auto Buying Tools app gives consumers the ability to modify car details in real-time and refresh pricing data on the show room floor.

“This tool will give consumers the confidence and information they need to make an educated decision when buying a car,” says Marshall L. Doney, AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and e-Business. “AAA wants to insure its members are prepared and knowledgeable about available member benefits when making such an important decision.”

With AAA’s Auto Buying Tools app, prospective buyers can build the car they want, including options and available incentives, while viewing market pricing, crash safety ratings, AAA reviews, images and much more.

Key features of the AAA Auto Buying Tools App:

• Search new cars by make/model, style and list price (MSRP)
• Build your ideal car, down to color and trim
• Features, specs, and crash safety ratings
• AAA vehicle reviews and car buying services*
• VIN number entry for quick, exact specifications
• Save searches and cars to favorites
• Share car details on Facebook, Twitter or email
• Compare two customized vehicles

* AAA Member Pricing and Reviews not available for some models or in certain areas.

AAA’s Auto Buying Tools app is the fifth from AAA and is available for free from the iTunes App Store.  Please visit AAA.com/mobile for further details.  The other AAA apps include:

• AAA Insurance app provides AAA’s recommended steps on what to do immediately after a traffic collision and helps you gather important information about the crash needed to submit an insurance claim.
• AAA TripTik Mobile is a GPS-based app with maps showing gas station locations and pricing along with points of interest, such as AAA-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions, near a user’s location or any user-specified location.
• AAA Discounts app, with more than a million downloads, also uses GPS technology to display nearby AAA Show Your Card & Save locations.
• AAA Roadside enables AAA members who require emergency road service to send their vehicle description, location and breakdown details directly to AAA.

Devices such as smartphones with mobile applications are valuable tools before a vehicle is in motion; however, they greatly increase motorist distractions when used while driving.  Distracted driving can have deadly consequences.  AAA urges motorists to minimize distractions behind the wheel by not using wireless devices, such as cell phones with mobile applications, while driving.

Sirius XM Radio and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. will automatically give a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM data services, featuring fuel prices, traffic data, weather forecasts, sports updates, and stock information to customers purchasing select Model Year 2012 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with Toyota’s new multimedia system with Entune.

The Model Year 2012 Toyota Camry is the first Toyota vehicle with these advanced features from SiriusXM.

“Toyota has included satellite radio in its vehicles since 2004 and we are delighted that they have decided to bundle three years of information services into select Camry vehicles.  These services include fuel prices, traffic data and weather delivered by SiriusXM,” said Steve Cook, Group Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Division, SiriusXM.  ”This is an advanced feature from SiriusXM that drivers will find helpful and use daily, and we are thrilled to work with Toyota to give customers the best in-vehicle experience available on the road.”

“Giving our customers the opportunity to experience satellite radio and data services from SiriusXM, including the option to find the best gas prices from over 100,000 fuel stations nationwide, enhances the experience of driving Toyota vehicles equipped with a state of the art product like Entune,” said Jon Bucci, Vice President, Advanced Technology Department, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.

Toyota drivers and passengers using data services from SiriusXM will have access to key SiriusXM data features, including:

• Fuel Prices:  SiriusXM gives customers pricing drawn from more than 100,000 fuel stations nationwide, and the ability to sort by price, distance or alphabetically.
• Traffic Data:  SiriusXM delivers real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident information to all users to bypass congested areas.
• Weather:  SiriusXM shows coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions, three-day forecasts and warns of inclement weather in your area.
• Sports:  SiriusXM provides scores and game schedules from the MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL.
• Stocks:  Customers can track price and daily changes of actively reported securities traded on the NYSE, NASDAQ and AMEX.

Toyota will continue to give customers purchasing new Toyota vehicles equipped with satellite radio a 3-month SiriusXM subscription, featuring more than 135 channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, live news, talk and entertainment.

2012 tC Release Series 7.0

The 2012 tC Release Series 7.0 comes exclusively in High Voltage yellow exterior paint with contrasting black side view mirrors and black 18-inch alloy wheels.  The tC’s aggressive exterior are further stylized with a TRD body kit that includes front and rear lower valences and side skirts. The front bumper incorporates a honeycomb lower grille that is unique to this Release Series.

High Voltage yellow accents make their way into the tC’s interior with color-tuned black and yellow seat fabric, leather wrapped steering wheel with yellow stitching and an individually numbered badge.  The tC RS 7.0 features Smart Key, a convenient keyless entry system that unlocks the doors with a touch of the door handle.  The system also includes a red TRD push-button start allowing the car to be started with the push of a button.  The use of the Smart Key system is a first for Scion.

Scion will only build 2,200 units of the tC RS 7.0.  The limited edition model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $20,905 and $21,905 when equipped with a manual and automatic transmission respectively.  The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $720.

The launch of the tC RS 7.0 will be launched with a new advertising campaign, starring a very lighthearted Zeus on his Mount Olympus throne, who describes himself as the God of Awesome — and then creates the High Voltage tC using his legendary lightning bolt.  With the help of a lovely Muse, Zeus has a great time driving the tC and highlighting its features.  See the :30 spot at: http://www.scion.com/rstc/ or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1XbhJDN8k.

All-New Standard Pioneer Audio System for 2012

The new tC truly focuses on youth with its all-new standard AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system. New standard features for 2012 include  Bluetooth connectivity that allows both hands-free phone connection and streaming audio capability as well as HD Radio technology  Streaming audio allows compatible phone or personal media devices to pair with the audio system and listen to music through the vehicles sound system. The audio system also features an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen with a personalized welcome screen, iPod/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port that are located on the center console allow users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC’s eight Pioneer speakers.

Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the portable music player, including iPod and iPhone, into the USB or AUX port. The head unit’s screen displays track number, track name and artist information from select USB units. The audio system provides outstanding sound quality through the car’s stereo system and constant power to select iPods. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons for radio, CD and certain USB devices. iPod users can also use an alphabetical speed search to find a specific artist or album.

The ASR function restores a wide, deep and rich quality to MP3/WMA/AAC sound. Through the subwoofer RCA output, tC owners can add an external amp to drive one or more subwoofers. For easy operation, the system’s multi selector allows for easy control of the head unit. Unique to the standard Pioneer audio system is the customizable welcome screen that also lets users to create a personal message of up to 16 characters.

Available Pioneer Premium Audio System

The optional 340-watt maximum output Pioneer Premium audio system has the same features as the standard Pioneer audio, but is enhanced with a 5.8-inch LCD touch-screen display, features iTunes tagging and Pandora® internet radio connected through iPhone and six RCA outputs to add external amplifiers.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing® (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3 and WMA capability. In addition both units adjust the volume control based on driving speed.

The base MSRP for the 2012 tC equipped with a six-speed manual transmission is $18,575, and $19,575 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $720 and is not included in the MSRP.  DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

The tC will also come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Consumers who seek a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, plus the unmatched safety and security of OnStar need look no further than the 2012 Chevy Volt and Equinox.

When these vehicles go on sale later this year, they will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink – an in-car infotainment package that builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth device connectivity.

“There is a new generation of car buyers who don’t want to settle for mass market radio,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.  ”They want to create their own individual stations and have access to them wherever they are. Chevrolet vehicles have offered customers the ability to use portable media devices since 2006 and the introduction of MyLink takes media personalization to a new level.”

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. MyLink also includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.

“Chevrolet MyLink is the next logical step for in-vehicle connectivity,” said Karl Stracke, vice president for Global Product Engineering.  ”MyLink leverages the mobile broadband capability and the sophisticated, online services made possible by today’s smartphones.”

MyLink retains all the capabilities of today’s entertainment units, including AM/FM/XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs. But, Stracke says, “These are the essentials and we’re building from there.”

Among the new benefits provided by MyLink:

• Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones.  A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of smartphone applications like “play (artist name)” or “call (name of contact)” to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

• Pandora internet radio allows users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and Stitcher SmartRadio® enables access to thousands of audio programming choices allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. MyLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver directed listening experience.

• Gracenote: identifies the music collection on the driver’s smartphone or MP3 player and presents information such artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of MyLink’s voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as “The Boss,” “G.N.R,” or “The Fab Four” simply by using MyLink’s touch-screen or steering wheel buttons and voice control interfaces.

• Upgraded USB connectivity: While Chevrolet has offered auxiliary device connectivity since 2006, MyLink adds flash memory capability to its USB device connections.  This provides users with the ability to access approved applications that will make their MyLink system even more functional, while assuring that driver’s maintain eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The debut of Chevy MyLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.

When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry’s first embedded telematics system. It has grown from primarily offering automatic crash notification and security features to include remote vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to slow down stolen vehicles.

In November 2010, OnStar released a smartphone application for all 2011 Chevy vehicles that incorporated remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks as well as battery management functions for Volt owners. Volt owners also have the MyVolt.com website to provide those remote management features and other Chevy owners soon will have access to similar web-based OnStar services.

The combination of MyLink and OnStar will soon be joined by the integration of the Powermat charging system – eliminating the need for charging cords. Chevrolet MyLink will be available beginning with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall before expanding to other vehicles in the Chevy lineup over the next 18 months.

“We developed the AVDBR1 in response to the consumer preference for Blu-ray Discs in their home entertainment systems.  This mobile solution will allow them to maintain a single video collection that works both in the vehicle and at home,” said Tom Malone, President of Audiovox Electronics Corporation.

The AVDBR1 is installed under the seat or in a storage compartment in the vehicle and connects to any monitor by using either the HDMI, composite or component output.

The unit has been road tested to tolerate the vehicle’s environment and its small size allows for multiple horizontal and vertical mounting options in the vehicle. A blue accent light is used to illuminate the slot load disc area and button array. The unit is powered from a 2-pin, 12-volt connector to the vehicle’s accessory power source and comes with a full function wireless IR remote control. An 18 foot long IR extension is also included to allow for operation of the system via remote control, while the unit is concealed, under a seat, storage compartment, trunk, or cargo area. The infrared sensor will accept the IR commands from a remote and relay it back to the unit. Note: WiFi capable – for wireless media streaming (firmware upgrade available 2011). Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $349.99.  This unit will be available in the spring of 2011.

“There are more than 1,600 Blu-ray titles and over 190 BD-Live content titles available in the United States today and Blu-ray content will continue to grow every year. Once again we believe we will lead the way in mobile entertainment by providing consumers with a product that connects their home lifestyle to their mobile environment,” Malone concluded

“Cars have become more like brains on wheels,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends manager. “Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.”

Technology evolution

Many of the changes in automobiles were driven by the ever-evolving ways people use mobile devices and the Internet to consume information, communicate with others and even engage in commerce. According to the UN agency, about five billion people use cell phones while weekly Internet usage is up 560 percent.

This trend has exploded in the past decade, redefining the way we use our cars. As the calendar flips to 2011, and automakers kick off a new chapter of innovation at the North American International Auto Show, here are our Top 10 ways the industry has changed since 2000:

Top 10 in 2010

Infotainment: Vehicle options 10 years ago, such as in-dash compact disc players and speed control systems, are now standard features. Consumers’ desire to have constant access to information helped spawn technologies such as voice-activated controls, real-time traffic and Wi-Fi mobile hot spots now found on many 2011 Ford products.

Entertainment: The days of packing a clumsy library of CDs or VHS movie tapes are gone. Today consumers have a wide variety of compact ways to be entertained while behind the wheel. A decade ago, for instance, satellite radio was not available in cars. Today, more than half of new passenger cars are equipped with the service, according to Ward’s Auto. Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC® can stream Internet radio like Pandora or can play music from USB plugged-in digital music players or memory sticks.

Taking out the guesswork: Today’s vehicles are equipped with new technologies that make driving easier, including self-parallel parking, rear back-up cameras and  rain-sensing wipers. Terrain management, a new Ford feature available on the 2011 Explorer, lets the driver select the type of terrain the vehicle is driving through, such as sand, snow or pavement, and the vehicle then adjusts wheel spin, throttle inputs and other inputs accordingly.

Accident avoidance: Automotive safety has also advanced dramatically. In 2000, the average car had at least two airbags. Today, most vehicles have at least four, with some models equipped with up to 10 airbags. The airbags themselves also have improved. Ford is the first automaker to introduce inflatable second row safety belts.

The biggest change, however, is in the area of accident avoidance. For example, Ford’s new Curve Control, available on the 2011 Explorer, monitors a driver’s speed entering fast, sharp corners then corrects the vehicle. Other examples from Ford include a collision warning system that detects moving vehicles ahead; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) that alerts the driver when approaching vehicles enter the system’s defined blind spot zone; and cross-traffic alert to sense oncoming traffic when the driver is backing out of a parking spot.

Fuel economy: In the early 2000s, bigger was better. Vehicles were large and powerful and boasted off-road capability rarely used by the average consumer who purchased them. Consumers wanted cars that could transport large amounts of cargo and lots of passengers.

Cars and the engines that power them are shrinking and have become more fuel efficient. According to Edmunds Best-Selling Vehicles, the most popular models in 2000 were trucks. That same report from 2009 shows small passenger cars topping the list.

According to the EPA, fuel economy between 2000 and 2010 improved for the industry from 19.8 mpg to 22.5 mpg – a 14 percent improvement. Increasing numbers of consumers are also choosing smaller, fuel-sipping four-cylinders. The percentage of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines increased from 31.7 percent to 48.4 percent  between 2000 and 2010. For example, the four-cylinder version of the Ford Fusion, which attracted 55 percent of buyers in 2007, now accounts for more than 70 percent of sales.

Built-in navigation: TripTik gave way to MapQuest, which soon led to the first commercially available automotive navigation system in the late 1990s. According to Berg Insight Research, there are an estimated 150 million in-dash, aftermarket, compact personal and navigation-enabled mobile guidance devices used globally. Today, navigation systems are integrated into vehicles and are much more comprehensive.

Creature comforts: Consumers today enjoy a more comfortable ride. Better interior materials, sleeker interior designs, heated and cooled seats that automatically adjust driver position, remote start and more storage capacity all offer more comfort and convenience. Even a hands-free power liftgate that opens with the wave of a foot underneath the rear bumper can be found on Ford’s new C-MAX.

Customization: Ford has responded to the trend of an increased desire for personalization by adding features in its vehicles such as ambient lighting colors that can be changed to fit the driver’s mood, driver’s seats with customizable settings that adjust automatically with the push of a button, even decal kits for the new Fiesta.

Security: Keyless remotes, alarms and warning systems, and anti-theft systems have come a long way toward making life on the go safer for many. For example, Ford and Lincoln vehicles come with technologies such as SYNC’s 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, or MyKey®, which allows parents to restrict vehicle speeds when a teen driver is behind the wheel. Intelligent Access with push-button start allows Ford or Lincoln drivers to start the engine by simply carrying the key fob as they approach and enter the vehicle.

Paint colors: Brighter, more vibrant paint colors are edging their way into consumers’ hearts. Black and silver still top the list, but colors like Lime Squeeze found on the Ford Fiesta or Yellow Blaze found on the new Focus have become more popular. New paints mixed with glass or metal flecks have also changed the way cars look.

Next 10 years

The next decade will bring more revolutionary change for both the auto industry and American consumers. Look for higher gas prices, better lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels, more advanced safety technologies and more connectivity such as vehicle-to-vehicle systems that will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other via wireless communications embedded into the car.

“People are used to living with technology,” said Connelly. “That’s why companies always have to think ahead. Understanding what consumers want and need tomorrow – or even next year – isn’t enough. We have to anticipate needs and desires farther out, 10 years down the road and beyond so we can deliver vehicles that will truly fit our customers’ lives.”

Mopar is giving Dodge Challenger even more of a muscular appearance.

“Our mission at Mopar is to add value to all of our brands,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our ‘Moparized’ Dodge Challenger is a great example of how we can further enhance the value of all of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.”

Mopar’s new exterior appearance package is now available as a factory production option. The exterior includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear “Go-Wing” spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. An interior appearance package is also available and includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover to protect this prized possession.

“We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge’s modern-day muscle machine,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand. “Our additional design cues effectively communicate the vehicle’s world-class handling, performance and cutting-edge technology.”

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the exterior package is $1,995. The MSRP for the interior package is $945 for the automatic transmission and $780 for the manual transmission. Both options are available on SE and R/T models in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC

NAVTEQ provides new ways to lower your stress level, make more time for your family, and even reduce your personal carbon footprint. NAVTEQ Traffic.com(TM) is helping drivers with four traffic-related resolutions for 2010.

Find more time for yourself and your family.

The more time you spend in traffic, the less time you have for the most important people in your life. Let NAVTEQ Traffic.com can help you cut your commute. Sign up for MyTraffic at www.traffic.com and save your favorite routes. Personalized traffic updates are then available from any web-enabled device and on most major carrier portals. Just enter http://mobi.traffic.com/ into your mobile web browser, or through your carrier portals within categories such as: “Maps/Traffic,” “Weather” and “Travel.”

Show up on time, every time.

Perhaps the only driving experience more frustrating than being stuck in traffic is getting lost. Make sure that you are equipped to find your way, no matter where you are going. In addition to NAVTEQ Traffic.com, use a GPS navigation in your vehicle, and always make sure the maps are up to date. If you haven’t updated your navigation maps in the past year, visit NAVTEQ.com to purchase a new map update.

Cope with traffic-related stress.

Do you arrive at work or come home stressed out from fighting through traffic? Give yourself a break. Find the faster moving roads by texting your CITY CODE (NY, CHIC, PHL, LA, etc.) to TRAFC (87232) to get instant traffic updates for the worst city area delays. NAVTEQ Traffic.com city codes can be found at http://bhelp.traffic.com/city-codes-used-for-sms.

Reduce your carbon footprint.

The less time you spend stuck in traffic, the more you reduce your carbon footprint. A recent NAVTEQ® study* showed that cars equipped with GPS navigation systems with real-time traffic info can reduce the time of their average trip by 18% and reduce their car’s carbon emissions by 21 percent. Don’t have a traffic-enabled system? Check http://mobi.traffic.com/ for real time traffic updates.

Source: NAVTEQ

Motion-capture, a technology that digitally captures movement, is used by Hollywood computer animators and video game designers to make nonhuman characters appear more lifelike. Ford uses the technology to create realistic digital humans that engineers use to test vehicles in the virtual world. Ford is the only automaker to use motion-capture software in this way for vehicle design.

“Just like in the movies, we hook people up with sensors to understand exactly how they move when they are interacting with their vehicles,” said Gary Strumolo, manager, Ford research and engineering. “Once we have all that motion captured, we create virtual humans that we can use to run thousands of tests that help us understand how people of all sizes and shapes interact with all kinds of vehicle designs. It’s an incredibly efficient way of engineering tomorrow’s vehicles.”

Capturing motion in movies and cars

One of the newest ways Ford is using motion-capture technology is through a system called Human Occupant Package Simulator (HOPS), which combines motion-capture software with a special test vehicle to measure and evaluate body motion.

A human test subject is outfitted with up to 50 motion-capture sensors. The test subject performs a series of movements, such as swinging a leg outside of the vehicle or reaching for the seat belt. The markers record trajectories of the test subject’s movements. The recordings are then loaded into a database to create digital human models.

Ford engineers use the digital human models to evaluate movement using different virtual vehicle design proposals from a small car to a full-size pickup truck. The system also can be reconfigured to represent the driver and the front, second or even third-row passenger compartments.

The HOPS motion-capture technology allows engineers to apply a more scientific approach to understanding how people interact with vehicles.

“Comfort or discomfort is inherently a subjective measure,” said Nanxin Wang, Ford technical leader. “For a given vehicle, some people will say it’s comfortable to get in, while others may say just the opposite. The challenge is to find out why people feel that way and how we can change the design to improve the perception.

“Before HOPS, the only way to evaluate a given design was to have people get into a vehicle and tell us how they liked it,” Wang continued. “This took lots of time and guesswork. Now we can couple this subjective appraisal with objective measurements of their arms, legs and head movements, along with muscular efforts to quantify movement mathematically. Our design teams use the data as a guide for developing a variety of vehicle platforms that provide optimal comfort, regardless of a person’s size or shape.”

Creating a holistic experience

Ford also is applying motion-capture animation software to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built. In Ford’s Immersive Virtual Evaluation (iVE) lab, engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views with buildings, intersections and pedestrians.

“This technology enables us to evaluate many vehicle exterior and interior alternatives in a virtual environment from any location – in the driver’s seat or hundreds of feet away from the vehicle – with animated characters and vehicles,” said Elizabeth Baron, a technical specialist in Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization at Ford.

Two specialized tools used in the iVE lab are the Cave Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) and the Programmable Vehicle Model (PVM).

“The CAVE is a room where images are projected in stereo onto three walls and the ceiling to generate real-time, virtual vehicle interiors and exteriors at actual scale,” explained Baron. “When you look around, you can see virtually everything inside and outside of a vehicle that is still only a design in a computer.”

The PVM, an adjustable physical device that can be scaled to the actual dimensions of a car or truck, provides an even greater realistic experience by adding the element of touch.

“We set up key dimensions – steering wheel, gas, brake, center stack, etc. – and then we put the virtual world around that physical model,” said Baron. “Instead of being in a room, you’re actually sitting in a representation of the vehicle. You can touch and feel most everything, but what you’re looking at is digital.”

Both virtual design tools help Ford improve the design aesthetics, engineering and ergonomics of its cars and trucks. They also enable the company to bring products to market faster and more cost effectively.

Source: Ford Motor Company