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Car buyers are paying big money for technology they don't use

J.D. Power released the results of its Tech Experience Index study that measures "how much owners like [in-car] technologies and how many problems they experience with them." Among the study's findings, automakers are loading vehicles with more software and digital experiences that owners claim they never learn how to use or decide they don't need. For example, owners report to J.D. Power that gesture controls, like those used by BMW (spinning a finger, for instance, can raise or lower the audio volume), don't improve the overall ownership experience. In fact, gesture controls received the lowest overall satisfaction score in the study for a second consecutive year. In another example, the study found that 61% of owners claim never having used "in-vehicle digital market technology," while 51% of respondents said they didn't need it. Driver/passenger communication technology was another sore point with users, with 52% saying they have never used the technology, and 40% of those saying they have no need for it. (10 Features owners say they want, and 7 they really don't). Conversely, some technologies are well received by owners. For American owners, rear-view cameras and so-called "ground view" cameras were among the top three desired technologies. We assume that "ground view" is a surround-view or 360-degree camera system. The one-pedal driving possible in a number of EV's with adjustable regen braking also scored very high marks and few claimed issues.  While it could be argued that owners who don't want to use a specific piece of technology should just avoid using it, the reality is that all of these unused features add cost to the final price of any vehicle. Considering that the average transaction price of a new vehicle hit a record $45,031 in September of 2021, controlling spiraling costs is a big deal. J.D. Power's survey results found that dealerships can play a big role in explaining new technology to buyers. Scores for some technologies like trailer assistance received higher scores from owners who received training from their dealers. Unfortunately, 71% of owners say they were taught how to use tech from outside sources whereas only 30% learned from a dealer. The results of this study are the product of responses from 110,827 owners of current model-year vehicles that J.D. Power surveyed after 90 days of ownership from February through July 2021.

Hyundai teases new Tucson ahead of Geneva [w/video]

Hyundai is giving us a pretty thorough tease of the design for the next-gen Tucson in sketch form ahead of the model's debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show on March 3, thanks to a newly released video and image. Up front, there's the latest version of Hyundai's chrome-framed hexagonal grille, and the squared-off wheel wells lend a more rugged appearance. According to the Korean brand's design boss Peter Schreyer in the CUV's announcement, the shape is meant to be a combination of flowing surfaces and sharp lines. The styling definitively takes some cues from the Hyundai Intrado concept from last year's Swiss show. While the grille is larger now, the two of them share similar shapes for the squinting headlights and more pronounced, bulging proportions overall, compared to the current Tucson. Also, judging by the additional shots in Hyundai's teaser video, the rear drops the show car's boomerang-shaped taillights and tiny hatch opening for more conventional features. While no interior looks are included, the clip suggests a more muted hue than the Intrado's eye-searing orange. Show full PR text HYUNDAI MOTOR SHOWS FIRST DESIGN IMPRESSION OF ALL-NEW TUCSON 03/02/15 Design sketch created in new teaser video Hints at bold and athletic SUV presence Global name underlines significance of new model Teaser video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/PzAJaWYRmdw High Wycombe, 3 February 2015 - Hyundai Motor has today unveiled its first hints about the design of the upcoming All-New Tucson, compact SUV, which will premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, on 3rd March. Commenting on the All-New Tucson, Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said: "Our new compact SUV will be a big step forward for the Hyundai brand globally. The All-New Tucson has a bold and athletic presence and a proud stance. Its design is characterised by flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and – most important – our brand signature hexagonal grille." The strong, sporty SUV appearance is enhanced by the upright silhouette and sleek character line. At the front, Hyundai Motor's distinctive chrome-framed hexagonal grille is connected to the headlamp clusters creating a powerful impression. With more than one million SUV sales in Europe since the introduction of the first Santa Fe in the early 2000s, Hyundai Motor has established its credibility in the SUV segment.

Rally Argentina crash hospitalizes six spectators

This weekend's Rally Argentina ground to a halt when one of the competing vehicles struck a group of spectators. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, when the Hyundai i20 WRC piloted by Hayden Paddon and John Kennard lifted over a crest, landed sideways, snapped to the left and hit several spectators who were gathered by the side of the rally stage to catch the action. Paddon and Kennard were left unharmed and their i20 made it back to the garage on it own, but six of the injured spectators were evacuated to nearby hospitals in Cordoba. Two were airlifted by helicopter and four were taken over road by ambulance. According to reports, one of the injured spectators has already been released, but another 25-year-old man remains in intensive care. The 14-mile state from Capilla del Monte to San Marcos was canceled in the wake of the incident. We wish all involved a speedy recovery.