BALTIMORE - (January 8, 2013) Technology continues to improve the safety and entertainment value of vehicles. Motor Trend International Auto Show - Baltimore attendees will get a first-hand look at these innovations Thursday, February 7 through Sunday, February 10 at the Baltimore Convention Center. These technological advancements are currently available in select new model vehicles:
ο Inflatable Rear Seat Belts - When these new air bag seat belts deploy, they provide added protection for both children and adults in the back seat. (Currently available as an option in the Ford Explorer.)
ο Accident Avoidance Sensors - State-of-the-art sensors monitor other vehicles around the car, as well as the driver's reactions to preemptively prepare for collisions, and in some cases, prevent them. In addition, some cars are now equipped with radar-guided cruise control to minimize rear-end accidents and chime alerts to wake sleepy drivers. (Currently available in select models from Acura, Ford, Jaguar and Toyota.)
ο Pandora Internet Radio - Popular on computers and even mobile devices, this feature plays music similar to the song or artist suggestions entered. Pandora also allows users to create their ideal custom radio station and take it on the road. (Available in vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Toyota and Scion.)
ο Smartphone Applications - With smartphones quickly overtaking the mobile market, auto manufacturers have developed Apps to integrate with their product. Many of the Apps enable owners to lock/unlock doors, check tire pressure and even remotely start the vehicle. Some electric cars, like the Nissan LEAF, enable drivers to check the car's charge through the App as well. (Available in select vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Nissan and more.)
ο Parking Assist - Ideal for drivers who struggle with parallel parking, sensors maneuver the vehicle into a parking spot with the push of a button. (Currently available in several vehicles from Ford, Lexus, Toyota and more.)
ο Built-in WiFi - From inside a car, weather, navigation, show times, email and even gaming are just a click away. Passengers can surf the web from their laptops while the car is moving and drivers can access the web from the navigation screen while the vehicle is parked. (Currently available in several Chevrolet, Chrysler and Ford vehicles.)
ο Streaming Bluetooth Audio - Music enthusiasts can now listen to MP3 players through Bluetooth. Streaming Bluetooth audio offers the ability to play stored MP3s without wires. This capability is available on the iPhone, Droid and any MP3 player equipped for streaming with an adapter. (Currently available in Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and more.)
ο Pause Live Radio - This new technology allows the driver to pause the radio and record up to 20 minutes of live broadcasting, which can be played back later. (Currently available in several new vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.)
ο My Gig -Transferring CDs and MP3s is now a breeze. Once a CD is loaded, or an MP3 player connected, files can be transferred to the head unit's hard drive and the music will remain available, even when the CD or MP3 player is removed. (Currently available in several Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.)
ο Voice Controlled, Hands-Free Music in Ford and Lincoln SYNC - Allows users to search music collections by song, artist, genre, album or playlist with voice commands. Drivers can simply say “play track” and the name of a favorite song to hear the tune. To create a custom playlist, drivers simply tell the SYNC to “play similar” to hear an entire song playlist of the same genre. (Currently available in several Ford vehicles.)
ο Engine Start-Stop Systems - To improve fuel economy, automakers are installing start-stop systems in many hybrid models, and they are catching on for non-hybrid models as well. The system automatically shuts down and then restarts the engine to minimize idling, improving fuel economy by anywhere from 5 to 15% and reducing emissions. (Available on select models from Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota and more.)
ο Active Suspension - Allowing manufacturers to achieve a greater quality of car handling and ride comfort, active suspensions can be found on everything from luxury vehicles to sports cars. On board computers monitor the vehicle and adjust the suspension to give drivers and passengers the ride of their choosing - sporty or designed for comfort. (Available on select models from Acura, Chevrolet and Lexus.)
Many of these technology options can be found in vehicles displayed on the auto show floor, but the vehicles listed may not be on display at this show. For more information on a specific vehicle or technology, please visit a local new car dealer.
The Motor Trend International Auto Show - Baltimore is owned and presented by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC. The auto show will be open to the public Thursday, February 7 through Sunday, February 10, at the Baltimore Convention Center, located at One West Pratt Street, in Baltimore. Show hours are Thursday, from 12 noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors (62 and older) on Saturday and Sunday; $6 for seniors (62 and older) on Thursday and Friday, military (with D.O.D. ID) and $4 for children 7-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Save time and money by purchasing E-tickets at www.AutoShowBaltimore.com and receive a $1 discount off regular adult admission. Attendees will receive a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend Magazine with each admission, a $12 value, courtesy of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association. Additional information can be found on the official auto show Web site, www.AutoShowBaltimore.com.
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