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Hyundai files patent for smartphone feature disabler in proximity to steering wheel

Combatting driver distraction continues to be a hot topic in automotive safety, especially when it comes to young motorists. While simply not using a smartphone behind the wheel would fix much of the problem, automakers are trying to work out complicated ways to make people safer. For example, GM is experimenting with head and eye tracking to make sure folks are paying attention to the road. Now, Hyundai might have come up with a technology that offers a very simple fix: disable the phones. The Korean automaker explains the idea in explicit detail in a recently published patent. The tech specifically "limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user," according to the abstract. Depending on variables like the vehicle's speed, the system determines what smartphone functions are safe to use, including texting or voice calls. Based on a plethora of permutations in the document, these restrictions could only be for the area around the driver's seat or for the whole vehicle. The key to the patent is placing antennas around the vehicle and monitoring for cellular signals. When the system detects them, it can begin selectively deciding what features to allow on the device. The tech isn't a simple on/off switch either, and can possibly detect the time of day or importance of the caller to let messages though. The major downside to all of this is the phone would need to run a specific program or firmware for all of this to work. With such a recently published patent, it might be years before the tech arrives in Hyundai vehicles, if at all. Still, this is an interesting solution. Of course, it would be far simpler if people just put down their phones. You can read the full description of the automaker's concept, here. News Source: Free Patens Online via US Patent and Trademark Office Auto News Hyundai Technology Emerging Technologies Smartphone distracted driving patent cell phone driver distraction

Hyundai, Kia want to improve fuel economy by 25 percent

Hyundai and sister company Kia are giving themselves a little bit of time to make up a lot of ground in the fight for better fuel economy. We wonder if a recent multi-million fine might have something to do with this public target. The connected South Korean companies are vowing to increase their fleetwide fuel economy by 25 percent by 2020, Reuters reports. This will be done by further advancing their powertrains, looking at other ways to reduce weight, upgrading diesel engines and improving transmissions. That will all take money, but Kia and Hyundai will have $300 million less to invest thanks to a recent fine of more than $300 million from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for incorrect fuel economy numbers on around 1.2 million vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years. The civil penalties – $100 million of the total – are the largest in EPA history. In late 2012, Hyundai and Kia admitted to overstating the fuel economy of a number of models and said they'd change the official MPG figures and compensate owners. Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford confirmed to AutoblogGreen that the company set the dramatic fuel-economy improvement targets. In the US, where Hyundai and Kia are operated as separate entities, Hyundai "remains committed to meeting the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements that have been set out by the US government," Hosford said The EPA recently released a report on fuel-economy and put Hyundai fourth in overall fleetwide fuel economy in the US among vehicle makers for the 2014 model year. The top three were Mazda, Honda and Subaru.

Hyundai concept looks like Le Mans prototype from 2025

Hyundai is ripping the sheet off its N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo for the latest teaser of the digital racecar. The fighter jet-inspired design looks ready to turn on the afterburners at Le Mans a decade from now, but it debuts at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show to promote the company's new N performance sub-brand. The N 2025 is the latest in a long line of imaginative Vision Gran Turismo concepts from a plethora of automakers, but Hyundai is still keeping exact details about its entry a secret. The company admits that the racer highlights sustainable technology under the long, low-slung body, and that suggests something other than just a high-revving internal combustion engine for power. In addition to the PlayStation racer, Hyundai has a few other debuts in store for the German event. The new i20 Active and Sante Fe will get their European unveilings, and the Vision G Coupe will come along, as well. To further push the performance image, the next-gen 2016 i20 World Rally Championship car will also be on display. Hyundai Motor to Enhance IAA Press Conference with Live Streaming and Innovative Digital Assets 09 September, 2015 Hyundai Motor to Enhance IAA Press Conference with Live Streaming and Innovative Digital Assets - Broadcast of pre-show begins at 11:15 CET, Tuesday 15 September 2015 - Online newsroom enriches flow of information - Hyundai Motor showcases new models and visionary concept cars September 9, 2015 - Hyundai Motor will live-stream its press conference at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show, enabling a wider audience to learn about the brand's passion for performance and a host of new Hyundai models, design concepts and technologies. New i20 Active and New Santa Fe will premiere in Europe, enhancing Hyundai Motor's European range of Crossover and SUV models. The company will also showcase its new high-performance N sub-brand, brought to life through the thrilling Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car and the New Generation i20 WRC car being previewed ahead of the 2016 World Rally Championship season. The Vision G coupe concept introduces dynamic design and advanced technology as inspiration for future premium products. The Hyundai Motor press conference will take place in Hall 6 at 11:30 CET on Tuesday 15 September 2015, and the livestream will be available via www.hyundai.news/IAA2015.