NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF 4/13/06

Toyota's i-unit
(Photo: Toyota)Yoshiaki Kato, chief engineer of the fully electronic, drive-by-wire concept vehicle described the i-unit as being an extension of the human body. Designed to improve personal mobility, the 3-foot-wide, leaf-shaped i-unit is nearly 6 feet tall when positioned upright but drops its center of gravity and reclines into a laid-back position for traveling at speeds of up to 25 mph.  The concept vehicle provides enhanced personal mobility with a compact size. The variable positioning enables the passenger to move slowly among other people in an upright position in its low-speed mode, that can morph to a reclined, lowered center of gravity that ensures stable handling when the vehicles moves in high-speed mode.  Ease of operation is facilitated via a driver controller that employs drive-by-wire technology and intuitive handling to enable the passenger to maneuver on-the-spot turns and drive at high speeds at will. Sensors allow the vehicle to detect obstacles, even those approaching from behind. The steering unit can be moved to the left or right hand side, or even at one's feet to accommodate those with unique needs. The driver support system features Toyota's Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology, which uses sound, light and vibration to facilitate interactive communication to automate much of the driving experience.  Each i-unit can be personalized to provide the operator with their preferred choice of information and digital music. In addition, the body color can be customized, according to the individual preferences and emotions. The rear-wheel-drive I-Unit is powered by lithium-ion batteries, resulting in no emissions. The body exterior is made of bioplastics and composites that use environmentally friendly, plant-based materials such as kenaf, corn and sugar cane. (Source: Toyota) Hybrid-Electric Training Curriculum DevelopedDETROIT (April 8, 2006) - According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, Macomb County Community College in Michigan recently was awarded a three-year, $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant was to fund the creation of a new automotive technician curriculum to provide hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) repair instruction. Jim Sawyer, dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology, and program instructors Stan Urban, Dan Claus and Kurtis LaHaie said that classes on the subject are scarce nationally. In addition, they noted that a few automakers allowed them to attend in-house dealer technician training classing, but for the most part, automakers are keeping their knowledge close to their vests. Complicating the development of a curriculum is the wide range of hybrid-electric (HE) drive configurations currently in use and on drawing boards: series, parallel, full, partial, two-mode and others. Despite these and other challenges, the college will begin instruction in 2006-2007 with two, 16-week hybrid repair courses for its 950 students. The first class will focus on hybrid fundamentals to provide a knowledge base about different configurations, electrical system management and component analysis. The second class will concentrate on hybrid-electric diagnostics - application of the fundamentals through problem-solving. As more and more automakers develop and introduce HEVs over the next few years, the school says that the need for qualified HEV technicians is reaching a critical point. HEVs on today's streets, with more coming, will require servicing, initially in dealerships, and thereafter, also in aftermarket shops.  Stephen Poulos, chief engineer of hybrid powertrains at General Motors Powertrain, noted, "The industry is developing many different types of hybrid systems, which often include electric motors, power electronics, an advanced battery and highly sophisticated computer controls. This will require service technicians to grow their skills in all of these new areas. As the hybrid trend continues, there will be an increased need for qualified mechanics to work on these vehicles."  And with many hybrid-electric technologies today being integral to the pathway to hydrogen-powered vehicles tomorrow, training today will provide the knowledge, abilities, thinking and experiences that can ride a forward moving wave for years to come. (Source: Detroit Free Press,NSF) New Tool Searches Online Catalogs Using Sketches or Images WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (April 9, 2006) - Imaginestics LLC, a company located in Purdue University's Research Park, has created "3D-Seek": a new kind of search engine that lets users find items in an online catalog without ever needing to know the items' names, part numbers or keywords. Thanks to a major advance in practical pattern recognition, all the user needs is a freehand sketch.

Unlike other part searches, the 3D-Seek software rapidly locates objects using a simple sketch or other image.
(Photo: Imaginestics LLC) The tool is ideal for manufacturers and shoppers who are constantly searching bolts, conveyor belts, motors, parts and a host of other products. With 3D-Seek, users can find in just seconds, saving time while ensuring accuracy.  National Science Foundation (NSF) spokesperson Errol Arkilic said "This search engine can help find the proverbial needle in the haystack." The 3D-Seek software was built on top of technology created by Karthik Ramani and his colleagues at the NSF-supported Purdue Research and Education Center for Information Systems at Purdue University.  Intitial research into search algorithms that used computer-aided design files and other 3-D images resulted in a system that required only critical shape characteristics, not entire image files. This allowed faster search speeds and protected the proprietary information held by parts suppliers who loaded their products to the online database. Important to both suppliers and buyers, the refined search could now enable quicker transactions and communication using quick sketches or pictures to find an exact match. Nainesh Rathod, co-founder and president of Imaginestics LLC stated, "In order to make such a search engine commercially viable we had to overcome the challenge of matching something as rudimentary as a doodle to a 3-D object - in seconds. This is important, as Web users have become accustomed to retrieving information instantaneously. Our shape-search engine processes data that are far more complex then those handled by the leading Internet search engines, and yet still finds results quickly." He added, "It's the difference between describing a part over the phone and seeing it in person. You can look at it visually instead of explaining it in words." Those wishing to try the freehand search online, can do so by clicking on Imaginestics portal < http://www.3d-seek.com/3DSeek/Update.aspx> . (Source: NSF, Imaginestics LLC) Maximizing Your Vehicle's Worth HERNDON, VA (April 4, 2006) - Summer is right around the corner and Americans will begin planning their vacation road trips, dragging out the hoses and breaking out a new can of wax.  The American Society of Appraisers offers the following list of the top 10 steps consumers can take to help enhance the value of their car and keep it in better shape longer.  1. Keep it clean. Have your car professionally detailed before you attempt to sell it. 2. Maintain your car according to the manufacturer's specifications contained in the owner's guide.. 3. Use synthetic oil. While they are more expensive, they also have a longer service life. Synthetic oil is made from regular oil, but it is made so that all the molecules are the same size, increasing flow and decreasing wear. Your engine could last longer and operate better at cooler temperatures. 4. Fix what breaks. Today's cars are much more complicated than cars from 10 years ago. A little problem can become a big problem if ignored.  5. Fix those paint chips. Little paint chips have a way of growing into big paint chips; fix them before they grow.  6. Wax on. Find a high-quality paste wax and pamper your car once a year at a minimum and repeat often. 7. Get an annual vehicle physical. Any service shop would be happy to do a 25,000-mile or more multipoint checkup that would include looking over the tires, belts, hoses, brakes and every other system subject to wear. 8. Park and walk. You get a little more exercise, and your car avoids the chance for a few dings and being a target for the "park-by-touch" crowd. 9. Don't be cheap. Use parts that are approved by the manufacturer or come from an aftermarket source you trust. Aftermarket parts can be as good, or better, than original equipment. Develop a relationship with the shop that repairs your car. 10. Keep your records. Maintain a simple file of all of your bills, receipts, recall notices, e- mails and letters about your vehicle. Future buyers will thank you. "Cars are usually the second largest purchase for most people, right after their house," said Dave Kinney, accredited senior appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). "It makes sense to take care of your automobile, not only for sustaining its worth, but for safety purposes as well." (Source: American Society of Appraisers) Cool Cars Aren't 
Necessarily ExpensiveIRVINE, CA (April 6, 2006) - With the average price of a new vehicle surpassing $25,000, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing you have to spend a small fortune to drive anything worth writing home about. According to Kelly Blue Book, unless you're all about impressing your friends, neighbors and co-commuters with the size of your monthly payment, the entry end of the market is filled with a higher concentration of cool cars, trucks and SUVs than ever. After putting together a list of all the vehicles available for less than a MSRP of $18,175, the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com then picked the 10 coolest, with a brief comment on each.  "While everyone bemoans the fact that new cars are so expensive these days, we found a wide variety of cool, fun-to-drive vehicles that are still affordable," said Jack R. Nerad, editorial director, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Whether you're drawn to performance, reliability, styling, versatility, economy, comfort or some combination thereof, Kelley Blue Book's 2006 list is diverse enough that you're bound to find something to fit your tastes. Here's what they had to say:  Toyota Yaris / MSRP $14630 - With a long history as a bestseller in Europe, the Toyota Yaris migrates to the United States as the least expensive vehicle in the Toyota lineup. Sporting unusually cool styling, Toyota quality and a 34/city and 40/highway mpg rating, the Yaris' value more than exceeds its under-$12,000 starting price. Scion xB / MSRP $15,370 - The xB has proven to us that, these days, it's cool to be square. Not only does its slab-sided styling set it apart, but its boxy dimensions also mean this diminutive and fuel-efficient vehicle is a surprisingly commodious hauler of people and stuff.  Dodge Caliber / MSRP $15,985 - Caliber changes the small-car game by offering a larger, more flexible interior filled with cool features such as an air-conditioned storage bin to keep drinks cold, rear speakers that flip down to project outward from the open tailgate, a 110-volt outlet for powering small electronics and a self-charging flashlight. Kia Sportage / MSRP $16,490 - When buying your first SUV, bang-for-the-buck is a very cool thing to find. Pricing out the Kia Sportage is almost fun when you get to include a sunroof, a great stereo and a tire pressure monitor all for under $16,500. Chevrolet HHR / MSRP $16,890 - As cool as the 1940s-style exterior is, the Chevrolet HHR is equally cool for its efficient use of space and worthwhile features like remote start and the increasingly requisite iPod connector. It offers hauling ability like a compact SUV, yet it handles like a car. Ford Fusion / MSRP $17,795 - Size does matter, so getting a well-styled, contemporary midsize sedan with the roominess and comfort of the new Fusion is cool. Even better is the unexpected level of equipment for the price, which includes remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel and cruise control. Nissan Frontier / MSRP $17,530 - Utility is in, and nothing's more utilitarian than a pickup. The Frontier backs up its sharp styling with excellent ride and handling. Mazda3 / MSRP $18,175 - Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 is a deft one-two punch to the compact-car segment. We can't decide which model we like better, but the combination of fine driving dynamics, upscale interior and arresting looks make this a "cool cars" list repeater. Honda Civic / MSRP $17,860 - You know how U2 were cool, then in the mid-90s they weren't so cool, and now they're as cool as ever? Well, the Civic has traveled a parallel path to regain its stature as arguably the finest economy car ever built - and cool once again. Scion tC / MSRP $17,640 - The slick styling and fashionable features in the tC deliver "Lexus-like" technology in an affordable package. This year, the improved audio features stand out, including steering-wheel gauges and iPod connectivity. (Source: kbb.com) New Steering Column Provides Convenience, Safety At Reduced CostTROY, MI (April 4, 2006) - Delphi Corp. has introduced its One Touch Adjustable Steering Column, which enables drivers to experience luxury convenience without the luxury cost. The latest technology allows for easier adjustment to steering wheel position without using an expensive full-power adjustable column. Richard Riefe, senior staff research scientist for Delphi Steering, says the system allows drivers to obtain the perfect position by simply pressing a button and easily moving the wheel and column into the optimal location. The new system replaces a traditional manual lever with a button located on or near the steering wheel. The driver uses the button to control an electromechanical actuator that locks and unlocks an adjustable column. When the button is pressed, drivers can control rake (up and down placement of the entire column), tilt (up and placement of the wheel) and telescoping (column length) position. Reife notes that the system provides convenience and safety: "Even though the system increases convenience and looks like a more expensive system, it really is a cost effective way to boost driver comfort." The new system will enter the market in 2008. (Source: Delphi Corp.) Run-Rite Launches I
ndy Racing Promotion SAYLORSBURG, PA (April 6, 2006) - Run-Rite has announced a new promotion for its Sledgehammer Fuel System Treatment. The new incentive, "When Danica Wins - YOU Win!" is open to technicians and service writers.

Participants are eligible to win a $10,000 grand prize. Other prizes include a trip to this year's Indianapolis 500 race, a trip to Chicagoland Speedway, a 30-inch plasma TV, Run-Rite Racing leather jackets, hats and t-shirts, or a copy of Danica's new book "Crossing the Line," which is scheduled for release on May 1. The Sledgehammer service is a pour-in additive that reduces emissions, improves acceleration, reduces octane requirements, says the company. Its formulation of detergent additives is designed to rapidly remove deposits from fuel injectors, intake valves, ports and combustion chambers. It also removes valve stem gum to eliminate intake and exhaust valve sticking.  Interested persons can find out more by calling (800) 872-8921. (Source: Run-Rite) Premium-Only Healthcare Plans Can Reduce Business And Employee Taxes CHANTILLY, VA (April 9, 2006) - For small businesses, one way to stem the tide of rising healthcare costs is to use a medical insurance plan known as a Premium-Only Plan (POP). Not only does this plan help your employees to save on taxes, it also does the same for your business. With a POP, shop employees are charged via a payroll withholding for their share of health premiums. These withholdings are considered salary reductions for federal income tax, Social Security tax and Medicare tax purposes. In other words, the POP allows your employees to pay their share of health insurance premiums with pretax dollars, which can save them a substantial amount of taxes over the course of a year.  At the same time, a company's taxes are also reduced. The salary reduction amounts are exempt from the employer's share of Social Security tax and Medicare tax. For 2006, the employer's share of these taxes is 7.65 percent of the first $94,200 (up from $90,000 in 2005) of each employee's salary, including bonuses, plus 1.45 percent of compensation above $94,200. Thus, for every employee who diverts $1,000 to a POP, payroll tax costs for the business will generally be reduced by $76.50 (or 7.65 percent of the actual amount). The more employees who participate in these plans, the higher a small business' potential savings, up to the maximum limits. Because a POP is considered a "cafeteria benefit plan," it's governed by Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code. This means your business will need to install a written plan and employee enrollment procedures when setting up the program. The POP cannot discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees or key employees.  Despite these restrictions, it's generally easy and inexpensive to establish a POP with professional help. The two basic steps to implementing this cost-reduction strategy are:  * Consult a healthcare plan professional. Shift a higher percentage of premiums for employee health coverage to your employees. This reduces your company's costs.  * Then set up a POP to give your employees an offsetting benefit in the form of reduced income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. The same strategy also cuts the company's tab for Social Security and Medicare taxes. (Source: Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association)