New York Auto Show focus on safety and energy efficiency

• Source: Xinhua
• [17:51 April 01 2010]
• Comments

Special attention has been given to safety as well as energy efficiency at the 2010 New York International Auto Show that opened Wednesday.

Emphasis on safety was highlighted after Toyota had recalled millions of cars over safety fears.

SAFETY

Volvo is presenting its all-new Volvo S60 in New York with a groundbreaking safety feature.

The so-called Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system claims to be able to detect pedestrians who walk into the front of the car. The system warns the driver and automatically applies full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged.

If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

Toyota announced a new brake override system, which can prevent the runaway issues from happening.

Dick Kelly, the manager of Toyota sales, told Xinhua that all the Toyota Hybrid has an brake override system, which means that when the driver touch the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal at the same time, the power will be cut to effectively prevent the runaway issues.

Toyota's sales surged 40 percent in March, according to a top company executive, as the automaker offered its deepest discounts ever to cope with the fallout of millions of recalls which began last fall.

CARS GO GREEN

The New York auto show marked the world premier of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. It is expected to deliver at least 41 miles (66 kilometers) per gallon in the city when it goes on sale this fall.

On the same day, Mazda North American Operations also announced its plans to launch its all-new SKY Concept powertrains into the US market, beginning as early as 2011.

SKY-G is expected to boost fuel efficiency by approximately 15 percent while also increasing engine power.

Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota, offered four hybrid vehicles in the New York show.

On Wednesday, it announced its completely new RX hybrid luxury utility vehicle, RX 450h, which uses the Lexus Hybrid Drive, a system that combines the output of a gasoline engine and electric motors.

Another unique interior product is the renewable resource, kenaf, which produces three harvestable crops per season and absorbs significantly more CO2 than timber as it grows.

Moreover, when seat cushions, floor mats and roof liners are made during the manufacturing process, the leftover bits and trimmings are used as sound insulation in the doors, roof, floors and chassis.

Other automakers, including Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota and Hyundai, all presented their environment friendly new models.

In total, over 20 new hybrid vehicles are being shown in New York.