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IIHS: High numbers of drivers treat partially automated cars as fully self-driving

WASHINGTON — Drivers using advanced driver assistance systems like Tesla Autopilot or General Motors Super Cruise often treat their vehicles as fully self-driving despite warnings, a new study has found. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an industry funded group that prods automakers to make safer vehicles, said on Tuesday a survey found regular users of Super Cruise, Nissan/Infiniti ProPILOT Assist and Tesla Autopilot "said they were more likely to perform non-driving-related activities like eating or texting while using their partial automation systems than while driving unassisted." The IIHS study of 600 active users found 53% of Super Cruise, 42% of Autopilot and 12% of ProPILOT Assist owners "said that they were comfortable treating their vehicles as fully self-driving." About 40% of users of Autopilot and Super Cruise — two systems with lockout features for failing to pay attention — reported systems had at some point switched off while they were driving and would not reactivate. "The big-picture message here is that the early adopters of these systems still have a poor understanding of the technologyÂ’s limits," said IIHS President David Harkey. The study comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is scrutinizing Autopilot crashes. Since 2016, the NHTSA has opened 37 special investigations involving 18 deaths in crashes involving Tesla vehicles and where systems like Autopilot were suspected of use. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Tesla says Autopilot does not make vehicles autonomous and is intended for use with a fully attentive driver who is prepared to take over. GM, which in August said owners could use Super Cruise on 400,000 miles (643,740 km) of North American roads and plans to offer Super Cruise on 22 models by the end of 2023, did not immediately comment. IIHS said advertisements for Super Cruise focus on hands-free capabilities while Autopilot evokes the name used in passenger airplanes and "implies TeslaÂ’s system is more capable than it really is." IIHS in contrast noted ProPILOT Assist "suggests that itÂ’s an assistance feature, rather than a replacement for the driver." NHTSA and automakers say none of the systems make vehicles autonomous. Nissan said its name "is clearly communicating ProPILOT Assist as a system to aid the driver, and it requires hands-on operation.

Infiniti prices renamed 2014 QX50 and QX80 crossovers

Earlier this week, Infiniti revealed the pricing for its two midsize crossovers, but now it has announced the pricing for its renamed bookend utility vehicles, the compact QX50 crossover and the fullsize QX80 SUV. Those looking for a smaller luxury crossover will be glad to learn that the 2014 QX50 now starts at $34,400* (a price drop of $2,500 compared to the 2013 EX), while pricing for the 2014 QX80 will remain the same as the 2013 QX56, starting at $61,350* (*prices do not include $995 for destination).
In terms of packaging, the QX50 will carry over unchanged, but the QX80 gets a new Backup Collision Intervention system as a part of its optional Technology Package. All of Infiniti's 2014 QX utility vehicles are on sale now, but for more details about the QX50 and QX80, scroll down for the official press release.

Infiniti QX30 Concept teased ahead of Geneva reveal

Nearly a year and a half after Infiniti unveiled the first Q30 Concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the company is preparing to unveil a high-riding version of the concept, wearing the QX30 moniker, ahead of next month's Geneva Motor Show. While we've yet to receive any details on what to expect of the new QX30 Concept, Infiniti has issued a single teaser image of the car's shapely backside, revealing a pair of trapezoidal exhausts that have been integrated into the rear bumper. That bumper sits particularly high to accommodate what looks to be a small hatch with a prominent space between the slim ribbons of the LED taillights. Similarities to the Q30 hatch, meanwhile, are obvious. The taillights are similarly shaped, as is the tailgate and the integration of the dual exhausts (although they are shaped differently on the QX30). Of course, as soon as Infiniti bothers to release the full and complete details for its upcoming concept, we'll be sure to relay those on to you. Until then, have a peek at both the Q30 and the QX30 and let us know what you think in Comments. Infiniti gears up for premiere of QX30 Concept in Geneva Hong Kong – Infiniti will take the covers off the QX30 Concept at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. The QX30 Concept is the Infiniti design vision which will inspire a new premium compact crossover targeted at a new generation of premium customers. Set to be revealed at Infiniti's press conference, scheduled for 14:30 on 3 March in Geneva, the QX30 Concept aims to reignite the premium compact segment with a distinctive approach to design that looks beyond the practicality and conformity expected of the segment. The potential customers for such a concept are searching for a product to suit their 'urban week and get-away weekend' lifestyle and the QX30's compact footprint matches that. Combining the sleek lines of a coupe with the rugged looks and commanding seating position of a crossover, the QX30 Concept foreshadows an urban explorer which is equally at home in the city as it is on the open road.