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  • BMW Brings Its Feature Subscription Service to the US

    BMW Brings Its Feature Subscription Service to the US

    BMW is bringing an unpopular service to the US, locking features behind a subscription fee despite vehicles already being equipped with them.

    Automakers have been looking for ways to make even more money off of their customers and subscription services have — unfortunately — been the option of choice. While a subscription is understandable for a service that requires ongoing maintenance and updates, such as mapping software and satellite radio, automakers are beginning to charge subscriptions to unlock hardware features that are already built into the vehicle.

    According to Motor Authority, BMW is bringing the business model to the US after first rolling it out overseas. Remote engine start is one such example of a subscription feature, costing users $10 per month for access. A one-year subscription costs $105, three years $250, and lifetime access costs $300.

    While its nice that BMW is offering a lifetime option, it’s only a good deal if the company doesn’t also charge for the feature upfront. Charging for the feature upfront and then charging a monthly fee smacks of nothing but an unmitigated attempt to nickel-and-dime customers.

    New Jersey lawmakers seem to agree, introducing a bill that would make subscription services illegal for anything that isn’t a true ongoing service. In other words, charging a fee simply to unlock existing features would not be allowed.

    Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and Joe Danielsen outline their goals:

    This bill prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this State from offering to a consumer a subscription service for any motor vehicle feature that utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of the vehicle’s purchase or lease; and would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or third-party service provider. The provisions of this bill do not apply to any third-party service provider that offers features such as satellite radio or in-car Wi-Fi.

    Hopefully more jurisdictions pass similar legislation and prevent automakers from preying on their customers.

  • New Jersey Bill Would Ban Automotive Feature Subscriptions

    New Jersey Bill Would Ban Automotive Feature Subscriptions

    New Jersey lawmakers are taking aim at automakers that charge customers a subscription to unlock features.

    Feature subscriptions have become an increasingly popular tactic among automakers looking to nickel and dime their customers. New Jersey lawmakers are looking to ban the practice with a bill that has been introduced by Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and Joe Danielsen.

    Read more: Want to Use Your BMW’s Heated Seats? That Will Cost $18 Per Month.

    The bill specifically targets subscriptions to activate hardware that is already installed:

    This bill prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this State from offering to a consumer a subscription service for any motor vehicle feature that utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of the vehicle’s purchase or lease; and would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or third-party service provider. The provisions of this bill do not apply to any third-party service provider that offers features such as satellite radio or in-car Wi-Fi.

    BMW is one of the worst offenders, charging users in some countries as much as $18 per month to have heated seats. To be clear, the cars ship with heated seats, but BMW charges customers the subscription for the “privilege” of accessing a feature they have already paid for.

    Hopefully, the bill will pass and inspire similar efforts throughout the US, sending a clear message to automakers to stop trying to rip off their customers.

  • BMW Will Invest in $1.7 Billion US-Based EV Production

    BMW Will Invest in $1.7 Billion US-Based EV Production

    BMW announced a major commitment to US-based electric vehicle (EV) production, with plans for a $1.7 billion investment.

    The automotive industry is working to electrify its lineups amid increasing regulatory and consumer incentives. Despite not being a fan of EV-only strategies, BMW’s executives announced a $1.7 billion investment in US-based EV production.

    The investment will be split between $1 billion to produce EVs at its existing plant in Spartanburg, SC, and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery plant in Woodruff, SC.

    “For decades, Plant Spartanburg has been a cornerstone of the global success of the BMW Group. It is the home of the BMW X models that are so popular all over the world. Going forward, it will also be a major driver for our electrification strategy, and we will produce at least six fully electric BMW X models here by 2030. That means: The ‘Home of the X’ is also becoming the ‘Home of the Battery Electric Vehicle’,” said Oliver Zipse, BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management. “In addition, we can showcase BMW Group’s ‘local for local’ principle: Our newly developed sixth generation battery cells, which were specifically designed for the next generation electric vehicles, will be sourced here in South Carolina – where X goes electric.”

    South Carolina Governor McMaster praised the company’s investment:

    “BMW’s sustained and impactful presence in South Carolina demonstrates the power of partnership and shared commitment to our state’s automotive industry success. With today’s announcement of a $1 billion expansion to Plant Spartanburg for manufacturing electric vehicles as well as $700 million for a new plant in Woodruff to assemble battery units, the road to the future is here. And I applaud BMW on helping lead the way.”

    Zipse has previously expressed his doubts about the industry’s move toward an EV-only future:

    “When you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries,” Zipse said.

    “If someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines anymore, someone else will,” he added.

    Whatever misgivings Zipse has, it’s clearly not stopping BMW from moving full speed ahead.

  • Want to Use Your BMW’s Heated Seats? That Will Cost $18 Per Month.

    Want to Use Your BMW’s Heated Seats? That Will Cost $18 Per Month.

    If you thought software subscriptions were a bad thing, wait until you buy your next BMW and have to pay $18 per month to use your heated seats.

    The software development industry helped popularize the subscription model. In theory, users are far more willing to pay a few dollars a month than a single large purchase. Evidently, not content with charging users tens of thousands of dollars for buying a car, many auto manufacturers are adopting the subscription approach, with BWM already proving to be the worst offender.

    According to The Verge, the automaker is charging a subscription for heated seats in the UK, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa, although it remains to be seen when the change will make its way to the US and other countries. This isn’t the first such subscription feature, with the company transitioning several high-end features to a subscription model since 2020.

    As The Verge points out, the company is not exactly touting the change, given how much its customers have been condemning the practice. It’s one thing to charge a subscription for a feature that legitimately does require ongoing upkeep, such as navigation system updates, but it’s an entirely different thing to charge an ongoing fee to unlock hardware that is already built into the vehicle.

    With the cheapest BMW starting at nearly $40,000, and the most expensive model topping $135,000, it’s hard to see BMW’s plans as anything other than unmitigated greed and a desire to nickel and dime its customers for everything it can.

  • BMW CEO Not a Fan of EV-Only Strategies

    BMW CEO Not a Fan of EV-Only Strategies

    Automakers may be racing to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), but BMW CEO Oliver Zipse isn’t a fan of that approach.

    Many automakers, from Subaru to Bentley, have committed to EV-only lineups within the next decade or so, but Zipse believes an EV-only strategy may leave automakers vulnerable. In particular, he has concerns the various components required for EV production are under the control of just a few countries, most notably China.

    “When you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries,” Zipse said, according to Reuters.

    “If someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines anymore, someone else will,” said Zipse.

    Instead of EV-only, Zipse is a fan of highly efficient combustion engines, which he believes are both environmentally responsible and more viable financially.

  • T-Mobile and BMW Partner to Deliver First 5G-Connect Car

    T-Mobile and BMW Partner to Deliver First 5G-Connect Car

    T-Mobile and BMW are partnering to deliver the first 5G-connected car in the US, powered by T-Mobile Magenta Drive.

    Available to postpaid customers for $20 a month, T-Mobile Magenta Drive for BMW gives eligible vehicles full 5G connectivity, providing hotspot access to up to 10 devices simultaneously. The feature also integrates a user’s phone number, allowing them to leave their phone behind and still make calls from their car.

    T-Mobile and BMW tout the advanced antenna system in the BMW iX and i4, a system that compliments T-Mobile’s industry-leading 5G coverage and access.

    “In 2019 we lit up the first nationwide 5G network, and today we mark another milestone that builds on our 5G leadership,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “In another 5G first, we’ve delivered America’s first 5G connected cars, and we’re honored to do it together with BMW, who entrust their vehicles’ connectivity to T-Mobile.”

  • Subaru Shutting Japanese Plants in July Due to Semiconductor Shortage

    Subaru Shutting Japanese Plants in July Due to Semiconductor Shortage

    The semiconductor shortage continues to take a toll, with Subaru announcing it is temporarily shutting down plants in Japan in July.

    The COVID-19 pandemic helped spark a worldwide shortage in the semiconductor industry. While production was initially impacted as a result of lockdowns, the demand has been uncharacteristically high as people have bought laptops, tablets and gaming devices in record numbers.

    The auto industry has been hit particularly hard, with Ford, GM, BMW and Honda all being impacted. Subaru is now planning on closing plants its Japan Gunma plants in July, according to Reuters.

    “It is part of the production adjustment due to shortage of semiconductors,” Subaru spokesperson said.

    The plants will be shut down on July 16, although the company is also considering shutting down its Kosai and Sagara plants in Shizuoka, Japan. Should it go that route, those plants will be closed two and seven days respectively.

  • Nissan, Suzuki and Mitsubishi the Latest Automakers Impacted by Semiconductor Shortage

    Nissan, Suzuki and Mitsubishi the Latest Automakers Impacted by Semiconductor Shortage

    Nissan, Suzuki and Mitsubishi are joining the ranks of automakers impacted by the semiconductor shortage, announcing halted or reduced production.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a severe shortage of semiconductors. Originally the issue stemmed from factories being close due to lockdowns and quarantine. The problem has been exacerbated by a huge uptick in demand for computers, tablets and gaming consoles as people have been working and gaming from home.

    Ford, Honda and BMW have already felt the impact. GM has even gone so far as to ship trucks without their full complement of fuel economy chips, leading them to have worse fuel mileage than previous models.

    According to Reuters, Nissan is now planning on halting production for some models in its Mexico plant, while Suzuki will idle three of its factories in the Shizuoka prefecture from three to nine days.

    “A global shortage of semiconductors has affected parts procurement in the auto sector. Due to the shortage, Nissan is adjusting production and taking necessary actions to ensure recovery,” a Nissan spokeswoman told Reuters.

    Intel is trying to step up to help with the auto semiconductor shortage, but its plans won’t bear fruit for another six to nine months.

  • Ford, BMW and Honda’s Production Impacted by Semiconductor Crisis

    Ford, BMW and Honda’s Production Impacted by Semiconductor Crisis

    Ford, BMW and Honda are all experiencing major production issues as a result of the global semiconductor shortage.

    The global pandemic sparked a semiconductor shortage as a result of production issues resulting from lockdowns. In addition, the move toward remote work has caused tablets and computers to see their highest demand in some time.

    The auto industry has been one of the hardest hit, with automakers across the spectrum experiencing production delays as a result of the chip shortage. According to Bloomberg, multiple automakers have signaled trouble, all within a 12-hour timeframe.

    Honda plans to halt production at three of its factories in Japan. BMW will cut back production in plants in both Germany and England. Meanwhile, Ford has warned its earnings for the year will suffer as a result of the chip shortage.

    Chipmakers the world over are working to address the crisis. Intel is even working with automotive chipmakers to bring its manufacturing abilities to bear. In spite of that, expects believe the semiconductor challenge will last at least a couple of years.

  • Consumer Reports: Tesla’s In-Vehicle Cameras a Privacy Concern

    Consumer Reports: Tesla’s In-Vehicle Cameras a Privacy Concern

    Consumer Reports has raised concerns about Tesla’s in-vehicle cameras, saying they represent a privacy concern.

    Vehicles are increasingly moving toward automation, and a big part of that is cameras that monitor the driver. In many cases, these are to measure the driver’s response and ensure they are paying attention to the road.

    While several automakers include monitoring cameras, Tesla’s approach is much different than its competitors. According to Consumer Reports, BMW, Ford, GM and Subaru’s cameras are all close-circuit systems. The cameras are used exclusively in-vehicle, and do not record or transmit their footage.

    In contrast, Tesla has admitted that its cameras both record and transmit video to the company, which it then studies and analyzes to improve its self-driving technology.

    If drivers enable the cabin camera, Tesla says it will capture and share a video clip of the moments before a crash or automatic emergency braking (AEB) activation to help the automaker “develop future safety features and software enhancements,” according to Tesla’s website. Tesla did not respond to CR’s emailed request for additional information about its in-car monitoring systems.

    Tesla’s actions raise concerns about who benefits most from its monitoring systems, especially since the company has a habit of quickly blaming the driver when an accident occurs while the vehicle’s Autopilot is engaged.

    “We have already seen Tesla blaming the driver for not paying attention immediately after news reports of a crash while a driver is using Autopilot,” said Kelly Funkhouser, CR’s program manager for vehicle interface testing. “Now, Tesla can use video footage to prove that a driver is distracted rather than addressing the reasons why the driver wasn’t paying attention in the first place.”

    There’s also concern that Tesla’s system could be used in the future for some yet-to-be-disclosed purpose.

    Ultimately, the questions about Tesla’s in-vehicle monitoring system make a case for greater consumer protection — and buying a competitor’s offering.

    “Advanced features in cars can bring consumers enormous benefits, but it’s important for our laws to make sure that automakers put people ahead of their bottom line. Automotive innovation must come hand-in-hand with strong and sensible consumer protections,” says William Wallace, manager of safety policy at CR.

  • GM Went to Far With Three-Cylinder Cars In China

    GM Went to Far With Three-Cylinder Cars In China

    Reuters is reporting that GM is backing off its attempt to only offer three-cylinder versions of some vehicles in China after facing backlash.

    China is known for having some of the strictest emissions and fuel efficiency regulations in the world. As a result, manufacturers have begun offering three-cylinder cars in that market, which are both cleaner and more fuel efficient. GM, rather than giving customers the option as BMW and Honda did, discontinued four-cylinder versions in favor of three on many of the models it sells in China.

    The move did not go over well, and was a likely contributor to the company’s sliding sales. According to Reuters, “many Chinese consumers, however, perceive cars with three-cylinder engines as noisier and prone to vibrating.” As a result, GM has started offering four-cylinder options once again.

    GM’s troubles illustrate the balancing act many corporations must perform to meet regulatory goals while, at the same time, maintaining the level of performance customers have come to expect.

  • BMW M2 Inspired By Models From Motor Racing History

    BMW Group unveiled the new BMW M2 Coupe. The car features a high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive, and lightweight aluminum M Sport suspension.

    “A single glance is all it takes to pick the new BMW M2 Coupe out as a member of the BMW M family, with its styling also keen to advertise its dynamic attributes,” the carmaker said. “Inspired by models from the history of BMW in motor racing, the new M2 Coupe makes no secret of its extraordinary performance potential. The low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with characteristic M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system all play impressive roles here. The time-honoured character of BMW M cars is also present and correct in the design of the interior. The Alcantara of the door cards and centre console together with porous carbon fibre creates an ambience of rare quality and heady sporting ambition further underlined by blue contrast stitching and M embossing on selected details. Sports seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure BMW M2 drivers are in perfect command of their car it at all times.”

    “The newly developed, three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M2 deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW/370 hp at 6,500 rpm (fuel consumption combined: 8.5 l/100 km [33.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 199 g/km) and, in so doing, lays down a marker in the high-performance compact sports car segment,” BMW says. “The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost. All of which enables the new BMW M2 Coupe with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Yet, with its M DCT transmission, fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres* per 100 km (35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of just 185 g/km*, the car is also keen to emphasise its outstanding efficiency.”

    The car also comes with a variety of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive including a GoPro app to let the driver record fast laps and a dashboard-mounted action camera.

    The BMW M2 is expected to make its show debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

  • Alphabet Doesn’t Own Its Obvious Social Media Pages, Domains

    Alphabet Doesn’t Own Its Obvious Social Media Pages, Domains

    Late Monday afternoon, Google announced a major reorganization, and the establishment of a new parent company called Alphabet.

    For a more in-depth look at that, check here. Long story short, Larry Page is now the CEO of Alphabet, which now controls Google, Nest, Calico, Fiber, and all the other companies that used to be under “Google”. Sundar Pichai has been named the new CEO of Google, which still operates the core businesses like Android, YouTube, Maps, search, and ads.

    It was an interesting day for sure.

    The URL for Alphabet is abc.xyz. Yes, it’s a strange URL and yes, it’s a little godlike. It’s the alpha and the omega. Google (er…Alphabet) is your overlord.

    But Alphabet doesn’t really have control over any of the other domains and social media accounts that it would probably like to have. Not yet, at least.

    Of course, Alphabet doesn’t have abc.com. It also doesn’t have alphabet.com. That domain is owned by car company BMW. The site is down right now.

    Also owned by BMW – the verified Alphabet Facebook page:

    Screen Shot 2015-08-11 at 9.21.25 AM

    According to the page, Alphabet “is a leading provider of Business Mobility in Europe and has gathered extensive knowledge of international fleet management and leasing.”

    Over on Twitter, the situation is much the same.

    @Alphabet is manned by a guy named Chris Andrikanich from Cleveland, who describes himself as “Dad, Husband, Self-proclaimed geek who fires off regular gibberish, gobblety-gook about sports, tech, CLE, and whatever…”

    Mr. Andrikanich might find himself the recipient of a few calls pretty soon – and maybe a few hundred thousand dollars. It’s technically against Twitter rules to buy and sell handles – but it happens.

    Alphabet doesn’t own @AlphabetINC either.

    And just for good measure, someone’s already trolling Page and company with abc.wtf – which redirects to Bing.

  • BMW Cars: The X5 M and X6 M Are Back

    BMW Cars: The X5 M and X6 M Are Back

    BMW Motorsport (M) this week revealed all of the details about its latest M series vehicles. The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M are back and sporting more power than ever.

    BMW is referring to the latest revisions of the X5 and X6 as a generational shift. Both vehicles combine aspects of BMW X vehicles with performance enhancements from BMW Motorsport. The manufacturer claims that both vehicles are capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in just four seconds thanks to their eight-speed “M Steptronic” transmissions.

    BMW teased the reveal earlier this week with a YouTube video posted to its BMW M YouTube channel:

    This was followed up with the official reveal trailer, casting the vehicles as technology worthy of Area 51:

    The X5 is being marketed as a sports activity vehicle (SAV) while the X6 is being marketed as a sports activity coupe (SAC). Even so, most of the options available for each are the same.

    The new versions of both the X5 and X6 will have BMW M’s TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. BMW claims this is the most powerful engine it has ever developed for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The 4.4-liter engine tops out at 567 horsepower at between 6,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm.

    Both vehicles also have several features taken from more powerful BMW M vehicles. The X5 and the X6 have front tires chosen for steering precision while the rear tires were chosen for traction. The vehicles’ “M Servotronic” steering allows drivers to choose from three different steering options: “comfort,” “sport,” and “sport+.” The surface of the brake pads seen in the new X5 and X6 are 50 percent larger than those found in previous versions of the vehicles.

    The new vehicles also have what BMW is calling “dynamic stability control” (DSC). This system is used to prevent oversteer and understeer, but a special “M dynamic mode” allows for some wheel slip, meaning drivers will be able to drift a bit with the reassurance that the DSC will keep things from getting out of control. BMW is heavily touting this drifting feature in its new marketing:

    Both the X5 and the X6 should, according to BMW, go on sale in the U.S. sometime next spring. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the X5 is $99,650 while the X6 has been priced at $103,050.

  • BMW Cars, Motorcycles Hit Sales Records

    BMW Cars, Motorcycles Hit Sales Records

    BMW has been operating for nearly 100 years now. Throughout those years the company has had many popular and classic vehicles. Now it seems the auto manufacturer may be more popular than ever.

    BMW Group last week announced that it sold nearly 200,000 vehicles to customers during the month of September, a 5.3 percent increase over September sales in 2013. September’s sales capped off the company’s most successful first three-quarters of a year. BMW has delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to consumers already this year, a 6.5 percent over sales at this point last year.

    BMW’s i models have continued to be one of the company’s biggest sellers. The company sold more than 10,000 BMW i3 vehicles through the first nine months of this year.

    “As in the first three quarters overall, we’ve had a record September with growth in Europe, Asia and the Americas,” said Ian Robertson, a member of BMW’s board of management. “This increase in sales comes despite external factors continuing to influence a few individual markets. BMW i can celebrate several milestones this month: more than 10,000 BMW i3s have been delivered to customers this year and 341 BMW i8 customers have received delivery of their cars since sales began in the summer. The other new models we have launched in the last 12 months are also selling well and we are confident that the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which went on sale in September, will further boost sales.”

    While BMW is now best-known for cars, the company first began manufacturing motorcycles in the early 1920s. BMW Motorrad, BMW’s motorcycle division, announced today that the company’s motorcycle sales are also hitting records.

    BMW sold 9,991 motorcycles during the month of September, a 7.8 percent increase over September 2013 sales. These sales capped off a record three-quarter period for BMW Motorrad with 100,217 motorcycles sold through September – a 7.6 percent sales increase over the first three quarters of 2013.

  • Toyota Recalls 650,000 Vehicles for Faulty Airbags

    Today, Toyota announced an expansion to a recall which originally occurred in April 2013. The newly expanded recall affects an additional 650,000 vehicles in Japan, bringing the overall total to 2.27 million vehicles over the past year.

    The recall deals with faulty front passenger airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation, a Japanese-based company which supplies airbags and other safety features to multiple car brands, including Honda, Nissan, and BMW.

    Toyota released a statement in which they explained that the recall was necessary due to the airbags being constructed with faulty propellants: “Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in the event of a crash.” An abnormal deployment of such a propellant wafer could result in a small fire or the passenger being struck by metal shrapnel, leading to multiple injuries.

    The situation was supposedly taken care of when Toyota announced the recall of 1,830,000 vehicles last April. However, after further investigations were conducted, Toyota discovered that Takata Corp. had given them an unfinished list of serial numbers listing the affected parts.

    The new recall affects several Toyota models – the 2003-4 Toyota Corolla, Matrix and Tundra, the 2002-4 Sequoia sport utility vehicle and the 2002-4 Lexus SC 430 luxury coupe.

    In order to ensure that another recall is not needed in the near future, Toyota has decided to take a more holistic approach toward solving the problem: “We have judged that it is more certain to replace everything,” stated Toyota spokesman Naoki Sumino. Toyota is now in the process of instructing its dealers in the United States and other global markets in how to replace the faulty part.

    Toyota is quick to move on this recall considering the scrutiny it and other vehicle manufacturers have come under recently due to the high number of recalled vehicles. Toyota recalled 1.9 million Prius hybrids earlier this year due to a software glitch, and in October of last year, the company recalled 803,000 vehicles for another issue which impacted the performance of the airbags.

    Image via YouTube

  • BMW Fire Hydrant Violation: Should Fine Be Higher?

    There is a reason why citizens are told not to park in front of fire hydrants: The time taken to get around or through those cars can cause the sort of timely delays that can get other people killed.

    Depending on the situation, it can also leave you having to pay for costly repairs to your vehicle.

    Luckily for the inconsiderate BMW owner who blocked a hydrant, he won’t have to foot the bill for his selfish error.

    Firefighters battling an eight alarm blaze in the neighborhood in Boston, Mass. were forced to smash his windows in order to get a line through to the hydrant.

    The fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages and displaced nearly three dozen residents. The source of the fire is thought to be an SUV engine fire.

    The blaze came merely days after the burial of a Boston firefighter who lost his life fighting a similar blaze.

    Because the damage to the BMW is covered and the fine is a meager $100, some residents feel that the owner should have been hit with a stiffer punishment.

    Boston fire spokesman Steve MacDonald is not convinced that a bigger fine would have made much of a difference.

    He said, “I don’t think [the money] is a deterrent to anyone. Sometimes people do stupid things.”

    In other words, if someone is going to do something as idiotic as park next to a fire hydrant and block access for fire fighters trying to do their job, odds are it’s because of a personality quirk.

    That didn’t stop annoyed citizens from taking to social media websites to abuse the hapless car owner.

    For what it’s worth the guy had allegedly only owned the car a couple of days ahead of the incident. One witness saw him sitting near the curb with his head in his hands.

    Hopefully the harrowing and stupid experience will at the very least encourage him to obey parking laws in the future.

    Do you think fire hydrant parking violations should come with stiffer fines? Comment below!

    Image via YouTube

  • Mini Cooper: New Changes Attempt to Modernize

    The first generation of the new Mini Cooper was released in the United States in 2002, and, since then, the world has not looked back. Sales of Mini Coopers have nearly doubled over the past 12 years, even though the car has not seen much change in terms of aesthetic or performance. In 2014, customers should expect that trend to change.

    The 2014 Mini Cooper will be the third generation of the new Mini. For the first two generations, BMW depended upon the kitschy, retro appearance of the Mini to sell its product. While that strategy has worked quite well, BMW realizes that it must adapt to the changing climate of the automobile scene if it wants to keep up with the competition.

    Hence the new reboot apparent in the 2014 Mini Cooper. The first notable aspect of the 2014 edition is the increase in size. When the Mini was first released in the US in 2002, the size growth was one of the first things Mini aficionados noticed. Despite being bigger than the classic Mini, however, the mini-moniker was still apt and fitting. The 2014 Mini Cooper, though, pushes the boundaries of what it means to be called mini; The 2014 edition is 4.5 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider, and .03 taller, while the wheelbase extended 1.1 inches with the track growing 1.7 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear. Overall, these dimensions have led to a total growth of 8 cubic feet in the interior and 3 cubic feet in the luggage compartment.

    The most noticeable change, however, comes in the Mini’s interior. The classic center-dash speedometer has been relocated to the more traditional location behind the steering wheel, removing part of the “British feel” of the vehicle. In the speedometer’s previous location, BMW has installed an 8.8 inch Mini Controller Dial. This dial’s features include providing feedback for any changes made by the driver in the car, as well as providing the driver with changes in the outside environment. The controller dial also allows the driver to connect to infotainment news by tethering to one’s smartphone.

    Perhaps the neatest component of the Mini Controller Dial, however, is that it works with a navigation system in order to assess the terrain before one traverses it. What this allows the Mini to do is adjust its driving performance to meet the challenges of the road, resulting in better-timed gear shifts and better overall engine performance and gas mileage.

    BMW is confident that the changes the company has made to the 2014 Mini Cooper will be cherished by the Mini community. In fact, the company expects such a drastic increase in product demand (with a sales target of 2 million by 2016) that it has decided to produce Mini’s outside of the UK for the first time in its history. Production of the 2014 Mini Cooper Hatch will take place VDL Nedcar in the Netherlands, a company which has previously produced several version of Mitsubishi vehicles.

    If one is impressed by the new changes exhibited by the 2014 Mini Cooper, the vehicle will roll off of production lines and into dealerships in March for the almost-mini-but-not-quite price of $20, 745 for the base model and $24, 395 for the Cooper S.

    Image via MINI USA

  • 2014 Jeep Cherokee Predicted Truck of the Year

    Going by press and internet buzz, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is likely to come out on top this year at The North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY). This Tuesday, the NACTOY jury comprised of 48 top automotive journalists announced that the Acura MDX, Chevrolet Silverado and the Jeep Cherokee are the three truck finalists for this year. These trucks set themselves apart from strong competitors such as the BMW X5, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the Toyota Tundra.

    In order for a domestic or imported car or truck to be eligible for the NACTOY award, there has to have been significant change in the model from its previous years. According to NACTOY, these cars and trucks are nominated based on “innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.” If it wasn’t for the signature (but updated) grill remaining on the Cherokee, the modernized sleekness of the 2014 edition may make it unfamiliar for some without a second glance. As earlier reported by us, the new Cherokee also possesses the first nine-speed automatic transmission, over 40 inches of legroom and advanced safety equipment usually reserved for luxury cars.

    The Dodge Ram 1500 was the winner of last year’s NACTOY award, and we’ll find out if the favorite truck of many will take home this year’s award on January 13th at the Detroit Auto Show.

    Click here for more 2014 Jeep Cherokee specs.

    [image: facebook]

  • Audi Q1 Compact SUV Set for 2016 Release

    Audi Q1 Compact SUV Set for 2016 Release

    It hasn’t been long since the Italian invasion of the Fiat has breached American shores and displayed the fact that Americans are truly in love with anything that appears miniature. The success of the revamped Fiat 500, along with the continued high volume sales of the Mini Cooper Countryman and surprising success of the Buick Encore, has inspired Audi to launch its own line of micro-SUVs in order to surpass BMW as the world’s number 1 luxury car brand.

    The Audi Q1 will be built around the Modular Transverse Matrix platform, the same platform which is used to construct the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf (VW being Audi’s parent-company). By using the MTM platform, Audi will be able to produce the Q1 at its largest plant, Ingolstadt, in Germany. Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council, believes that “This is a clear commitment to Ingolstadt as a production site. We will continue to make all efforts to develop the plant even further as the leading technological site of the Audi Group.”

    Being able to continue production at its home site and abroad is a luxury that Audi has been able to afford while other automakers haven’t. The internationalization of Audi, unlike companies such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler, has not led to it having to abandon production in Germany where the costs of supplies and labor are higher.

    As it currently stands, Audi has yet to release information concerning specific details about the Q1’s engine or features. Some are assuming that the engine will reflect the super-compact size of the car, with Audi potentially offering a 1.4 L gasoline engine, following by a 1.6 L diesel TDI engine, while others are postulating that the engine will be more similar to the engine found in the A3 – a 2.0 L turbo-charged engine.

    The decision for Audi was an easy one. The Q-series of vehicles has been one of Audi’s most successful brands, selling 1.5 million vehicles since the line’s induction in 2006. This year alone, SUVs accounted for 28% of Audi’s market-share, a number which is expected to balloon to 35% by the year 2020. Audi hopes that the introduction of the compact Q1 to compete directly with BMW’s Mini Cooper, along with bumping their total number of models offered from 49 to 60, will boost their sales enough to make them the number 1 luxury car brand in the world. We’ll check back in on that progress in 2020. Stay tuned.

    [Image via Audi]

  • Redesigned 2015 Mini Cooper Unveiled

    Since BMW launched the Mini Cooper in the U.S. back in 2002, over 550,000 various models of the car have been sold, spanning two generations. Now Mini Cooper has unveiled its latest, redesigned 3rd-generation vehicle, just ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens on November 22 at the LA Convention Center.

    One of the biggest modifications of the 2015 Mini is the base model’s three-cylinder, direct-injected 1.5-liter engine, which produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Mini Cooper joins the ranks of a select group of automakers that offer 3-cylinder cars in North America – Ford Motor Company has a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine set for its Fiesta sub-compact, and the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage will incorporate a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine in all models.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3wPfheIbX4

    Three-cylinder cars are already popular overseas, and Mini Cooper is curious to how they’ll sell in the U.S. Dave Sullivan, an analyst at AutoPacific, said, “They’re really going to try to test waters here that vehicle. Marketing a fun-to-drive car with a 3-cylinder engine will be a challenge here. A lot will depend a lot on how the engine sounds, as with the Mirage or the Ford Ecoboost.”

    When the Mini Cooper first arrived in North America, gas was roughly $1.30 a gallon, and driving a huge SUV wasn’t so costly. Jim McDowell, Mini’s North American vice president, noted, “A 12-foot car was a really hard sell in the U.S. We didn’t have much in the way of competition, except cars that were vastly larger.”

    The November 8th world debut of the new models is significant, in that it coincides with the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, the creator of the original Mini. The car was commissioned after the 1956 Suez Crisis, and the subsequent fuel shortage experienced in the UK. The front wheel drive Mini had excellent fuel economy, and boosted slumping auto sales at the time of its inception.

    Here’s a clip of some classic, if not tiny, Mini Cooper action:

    In related news, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 was recently named “Automobile of the Year” by Automobile Magazine.

    Image via YouTube.