2011 Hyundai Sonata Gls on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai Sonata is the first application of Android Auto

Hyundai is grabbing an early technological lead as the first automaker to launch Android Auto in one of its production models. The Google-made operating system is now available on the 2015 Sonata with navigation, and current owners of the vehicle can get the software through an update available at dealers. The OS arrives on additional Hyundai products soon. Similar to Apple's CarPlay, Android Auto syncs with a smartphone to mirror some elements of the operating system directly on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The software allows for navigation through Google Maps, text messaging, and phone calls. Plus, it supports some third-party apps, as well. A driver can then control all of these functions through the car's microphone and physical controls. In a nod to safety, Android Auto also locks the phone's screen when in use to keep people from looking at their device while on the road. Beyond the Android Auto software in the Sonata, users need Android 5.0 or later and a companion app on their phone. Several other automakers intend to support the standard in the future. Autoblog recently got the opportunity to try out the OS, and you can look forward to a full report about it. All-New Integration Available on Best-Selling Sonata First car company to launch Android Auto on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation Free Android Auto software update available for current owners of 2015 Sonatas with Navigation Android Auto reduces driver distraction by integrating the driver's smartphone with the vehicle's screen and controls Fountain Valley, Calif., May 26, 2015 – Today, Hyundai becomes the first car company to launch Android Auto™ on production vehicles. Android Auto is premiering on the 2015 Sonata with Navigation at dealerships nationwide, and will later become available on other Hyundai models. "Android Auto aligns with Hyundai's core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity," said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, we provide more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology." Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to Hyundai owners, but also improves safety.

Foreign automakers pay from $38 to $65 per hour to non-union workers

As leaders for the United Auto Workers gather in Detroit for their Special Convention on Collective Bargaining to work out the negotiating stance for this year's new labor agreements with the Detroit 3 automakers, what they most want to do is figure out how to eliminate the two-tier wage scale. However, the lower Tier 2 wage has allowed the domestic automakers to reduce their labor costs, hire more workers, and compete better with their import competition. As it stands, per-hour labor rates including benefits are $58 at General Motors, $57 at Ford, and $48 at Fiat-Chrysler – a reflection of FCA's much greater number of Tier 2 workers. The Center for Automotive Research released a study of labor rates (including benefits) that put numbers to what the imports pay: Mercedes-Benz pays the most, at an average of $65 per hour, Volkswagen pays the least, at $38 per hour, and BMW is just a hair above that at $39 per hour. Among the Detroit competitors, Honda workers earn an average of $49 per hour, at Toyota it's $48 per hour, Nissan is $42 per hour, and Hyundai-Kia pays $41 per hour. The lower import wages are aided by their greater use of temporary workers compared to the domestics. Automotive News says the ten-dollar gap between those foreign camakers and the domestics turns out to about an extra $250 per car in labor, which adds up quickly when you're pumping out many millions of cars. That $250-per-car number is one that, come negotiating time, the Detroit 3 will want to reduce, as the UAW is trying to raise both Tier 1 and Tier 2 wages. Another wrinkle is that the domestic carmakers are considering the wide adoption of a third wage level lower than Tier 2. Some workers who do minor tasks like assembling parts trays kits and battery packs already make less than Tier 2, but the UAW will be quite wary about cementing yet another wage scale at the bottom of the system while it's trying to fight a bigger battle at the top. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req., BloombergImage Credit: AP Photo/Erik Schelzig Earnings/Financials UAW/Unions BMW Chevrolet Fiat Ford GM Honda Hyundai Kia Mercedes-Benz Nissan Toyota Volkswagen labor wages collective bargaining labor costs

Recharge Wrap-up: Tow-charging a Tesla, Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell taxis in Paris

Watch a Tesla charge another Tesla by towing it. Bjorn Nyland has found yet another way to explore what Teslas can do, this time by towing a Model S behind a Model X to recharge the sedan's battery. While it's not the most efficient method of charging, it's definitely one way you could help out a stranded electric motorist in a time of desperation. The single-motor S was couldn't quite hit its regen capacity of 60 kW because of the towing speed. Nyland suggests a dual-motor Tesla in tow might be able to capture more energy. Check out the video above, and read more at Teslarati. Paris-based taxi startup STEP (Societe du Taxi Electrique Parisien) will use 60 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cells in its fleet. These will replace internal combustion taxis on Paris roads. Hyundai says that its Tucson Fuel Cell taxi fleet presence in Paris will increase from five vehicles to up to several hundred in coming years. Read more from Hyundai. Montreal is installing 50 new EV chargers, with a goal of 1,000 by 2020. The new chargers are in addition to 50 built downtown in August. "Our administration has bet on the electrification of transportation, with a view to being the first electric metropolis in North America," says Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. The 50 new stations are spread out throughout seven boroughs of the city. Read more at Green Car Congress, or from the City of Montreal (in French). Denver will add 200 electric vehicles to its city fleet by 2020. The city plans to save $800,000 over the next decade due to the switch, as it starts to replace aging vehicles with electric ones starting in 2018. "Both financially and from the environmental perspective, it puts the city in a leadership position," says Denver Energy and Transportation Administrator Tyler Svitak. The city currently employs three EVs in its fleet. Read more at Hybrid Cars, or from The Denver Post. Related Gallery Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell STEP Taxi Service News Source: Teslarati, YouTube: Bjorn Nyland, Hyundai, Green Car Congress, City of Montreal, Hybrid Cars, Denver Post Government/Legal Green Hyundai Tesla Green Automakers Electric Videos recharge wrapup