While some automakers have been confused about how to incorporate mobile technology into their new cars, Hyundai has taken a giant step forward by offering their Assurance Connected Care service free of charge for three years.

All models equipped with their Blue Link navigation system will come with Assurance Connected Care, which gives the user immediate service and connectivity in the event of emergencies. Last week, we noted that Hyundai may respond to the announcement that the Kia Cadenza will come with three years of free maintenance. They did one better, by not only offering a free service but introducing a brand new one for the non-luxury market. More...

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood  has made it clear that one of his top priorities is to combat distracted driving. On Tuesday, his office issued new guidelines for automakers installing new media technologies in their cars that could help reduce potential accidents on the road. More...

Ford Motor Company joins top-ranked Nike and Amazon along with technology companies such as Apple and Google as the only full-line automaker recognized in Fast Company’s 2013 Most Innovative Companies annual rankings. Why? Quite simply, Ford has been on a roll for a while. More...

Whether you’re ready for it or not, BMW is bringing in-car technology into a new era with 3-dimensional mapping, voice recognition and dictation and much more in some of its 2013 models; the latest and most aggressive attempt yet in the industry-wide race to provide the driver with full interactivity. In the age of cars equipped with Siri, BMW is going all in. But how much is too much?

Have you ever had a spot of genius behind the wheel of your M5, without someone to tell? We all have.

Have you and your new 750Li ever found yourself stranded in traffic without access to wireless internet of any kind? I know, it’s the worst.

BMW, the first automaker to equip their cars with navigation in 1994, presents several industry firsts in the new ConnectedDrive system that will solve those common problems and more. In addition to 3-D mapping and voice dictation, ConnectedDrive also offers third-party apps integration and a high-speed LTE Hotspot. A multi-touch keypad will be equipped on new models sold in 2013.

Is there such a thing as too much technology in the car? More...

The development of start-stop technology is one of the most exciting automotive storylines in the last decade, which is why it’s great news that it will be a $295 option on the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. Recent studies (like this one) have also shown that American buyers are more willing than ever to experiment with the new technology.

With its ability to shut off the engine when the car stops, and then instantly restart when the driver’s foot releases the brake, start-stop technology is an easy way to quickly reduce emissions and improve MPG. Its simplicity makes you wonder why no one thought of it years earlier.

Start-stop is available in many different new models these days, but Ford has taken start-stop to another level in the Fusion. For starters, start-stop is mostly offered in hybrids. When it comes to non-hybrids, start-stop is almost exclusively available with a manual transmission. Since American buyers overwhelmingly opt for automatic transmissions, Ford developed new technology to implement start-stop. More...

There’s no longer any need to wonder whether automakers are ready for the age of the electric car. New models on the heels of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt have laid that to rest.

The question is, are you?

A much quicker and more efficient EV charging system will be demonstrated at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EVS26) this weekend. The charging infrastructure will full charge an electric vehicle in 15-20 minutes and will be ready for public use later this year. Eight major manufacturers are participating in the project and each one will release new models equipped for the charging systems in 2013.

The new system is called DC-fast charging with a Combined Charging System, intended for both U.S. and European customers. It’s a single-port fast charging design and is capable of up to 100kW. The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and European manufacturing association (ACEA) are joining forces to develop the system in conjunction. More...