This month featured the country’s most revered auto show NAIAS’, Detroit Auto Show.  Upon first thought of the show chills of excitement made me giddy to be able to see the latest models for 2012 and beyond. Car manufacturer’s attended from across the globe and provided more than enough options when it came to new vehicles coming soon (or within the next year) to local dealerships.
The theme from the major auto players seemed to be adding diversity to vehicles so they could perform at multiple levels.  The line-up was immense while advances in safety, and technology were very clearly enhanced.

The show was also a way for manufacturer’s to show they have not only been listening to consumers but they have been heeding the call and meeting their needs.  One of the most buzzed about vehicles at the show (which has been kept tightly under wraps) was the new fully redesigned Ford Fusion.  No longer a big brother version to the Focus, the Fusion is now completely its own unique car.  It has midsize sized feel with a streamlined and sporty vibe. The Fusion will be offered with eco-options such as the pure electric Energi and the Fusion Hybrid models which will be released in Fall.  The coolest aspects of the Fusion Energi is that it takes half of the time to charge an Energi than most other electric cars within its class and it more than doubles the amount of electric drive time.

Ford then continued to show their eco-friendlier side by announcing they will be launching six electric and hybrid cars releasing this year to early next. They are the Ford Focus, Fusion (standard, hybrid and Energi), C Max Energy, C Max Hybrid, and Ford's Transit Connect Van.  Fusion Hybrid designers say they look to the release and the capabilities of the hybrid in achieving up to 47 miles per gallon later this fall. 

The invitation stood out among the usual emails and press releases from automobile companies. For one thing, it was pretty. And the subject matter was intriguing: the intersection between fashion, vehicles and living green:

'What do soy beans, carrots and coconuts, Fashion Week, and the psychology of color all have in common?" it asked. I wanted to hear the answer from a panel of experts from the design team at Ford: 

• Anthony Prozzi: Interior designer
• Carol Kordich: Lead Designer Sustainable Materials
• Susan Swek: Global Chief Color Chief Color and Materials Designer

I was already aware of Ford Motor Company's commitment to using sustainable materials, and have been impressed with the company's energy efficient technologies, like the EcoBoost engine available now on many of its vehicles. But this was the first time I had a chance to learn how that commitment affects the work of the automaker's design team. It was a fascinating glimpse at how a new model comes to market.

The event was moderated by Natasha Garber, editor at the green fashion site EcoStiletto, and it went like this:

The AskPatty team of women Jody DeVere CEO, expert women Amy Mattinat of AutoCraftsmen of Vermont, Bogi Lateiner 180 Degrees Automotive in Phoenix and automotive senior editor Diana Claussen were in full force for SEMA, the TIA Global Tire Expo, I-CAR and AAPEX last week, covering all the female-friendly events, products and news!

Female-Friendly Awards and Event Highlights:

Scott Williams, president of Lex Brodie’s Tire, Brake & Service Co an AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® clientsin Honolulu, was named Tire Business’ 2011 Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award winner. I was in attendance when Scott won this well deserved award Oct. 31 at the Tire Industry Honors event sponsored by the Tire Industry Association during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. He was presented with a medal symbolizing the spirit of giving and a $1,000 donation to two charities, Hawaii’s Institute for Human Services, which supports homeless in the area, and the Lex Brodie’s Tire Co. Foundation, which provides donations to Hawaiian schools.

Attended and supported the Collision Industry Foundation 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser to benfit Crash Hunger on November 2nd at teh Las Vegas Hilton, a joint donation and volunteer project to combat hunger in the USA. While also raising awareness for hunger initiatives, during the month of February members of the collision industry will be asked to donate their time at local food banks. AskPatty.com donated a beautiful Passchal.com travel bag for the silent auction.

Congratulations to Audra Fordin, one of our AskPatty.com automotive expert women, of Great Bear Auto Shop, named the first “Female Service Shop Owner of the Year.” The announcement was made at the 2011 Car Care Council Women’s Board reception Tuesday evening. Audra Fordin educates women on car care in Flushing New York through a weekly radio call-in show called “The Auto Lab” and through her website, www.womenautoknow.com.

Great News! Continuing to broaden its outreach to women, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced during SEMA its plans to expand its partnership in 2012 with AskPatty.com Inc. Cooper Tire, which began a relationship with us this past July,  will continue to engage women customers through AskPatty’s growing educational interactive platforms, social media and online outreach. The Findlay-based tire maker cited research showing that 74 percent of American women feel automotive marketers could understand them better—“a concern that Cooper Tire is working to change by developing female-targeted brand messages with a focus on tire maintenance and education,” the company said. Cooper said its continuing partnership “highlights the importance of tire maintenance and education, especially for busy women.

Jody Devere CEO AskPatty.com spoke on 'What Women Want' at the TIA Global Tire Expo SEMA educational sessions and was also named the 2011 winner of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network annual Athena Award, established to honor an industry person (male or female) or company for outstanding contributions to women in the automotive aftermarket, during the SBN Breakfast on Thursday November 3rd.

 

New Female-Friendly SEMA / AAPEX Products:

The AutoTex PINK PLUS wiper blade was launched and is the optimal wiper replacement for drivers who are both concerned with ensuring safety through improved visibility on the road and making a bold  statement. A high quality, molded rubber wiper blade with aerodynamic, pink colored steel frame, and polymer sleeve that meets or exceeds Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specifications, AutoTex PINK PLUS wipers are perfect for all-weather conditions and are guaranteed to be nearly 100% compatible with vehicles using existing metal wiper blades. In addition, AutoTex PINK donates a portion of every windshield wiper sale to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

ESCORT Inc, the leading manufacturer of premium automotive electronic accessories and maker of the world's best radar and laser detectors, announced at the 2011 SEMA Show the release of the new ESCORT Live™  the social network for the road where drivers share live alerts with other drivers so everyone in the network can drive smarter.

ESCORT Live™, now available directly from ESCORT, uses Bluetooth technology embedded in SmartCord Live™ cords and a unique app for the driver’s smartphone. When alerts are detected, they are transmitted to the ESCORT Live™ “cloud” and then broadcast across the ESCORT Live™ network, notifying drivers of potential ticket threats.  In addition to these live alerts, ESCORT’s industry leading Defender® database of fixed position cameras and speed traps is also provided.

The patented PASSPORT iQ™, the world's first and only driving accessory that integrates radar/laser detection and GPS navigation, and also provides important driving information, such as speed traps and speed limit data, in a single compact device. I recently reviewed the PASSPORT iQ™ and now call 'her' Lola and don't drive without her! Check out the new Limited Edition Passport 9500ix Susan G Komen version that benefits breast cancer.

The SEARS Craftsman brand unveiled several new products to the Craftsman NEXTEC line of tools for 2011 that I think are great for women, powered by the same interchangeable, compact and lightweight 12-volt DieHard lithium-ion battery. Each tool allows the user to perform various tasks around the home, in the garage and on-the-go. From charging your phone to inflating a flat tire or cleaning out your car, Craftsman’s new NEXTEC tools have you covered.

Our FAVORITE PICK the Craftsman NEXTEC Inflator:  This very small light-weight digital inflator utilizes powerful, adjustable air pressure that quickly inflates objects from 0.5 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 200 PSI, allowing users to inflate a variety of objects such as vehicle tires, pool toys, sports equipment and more. The Craftsman NEXTEC Inflator (29641) retails for $39.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.

Craftsman NEXTEC Multi-Purpose Work Light:  This florescent work light has a clear poly carbonate lens to direct and focus light, eliminating shadows or blinds spots on the workspace. The lens contour throws light forward and outward to provide a full range of 320 degrees of light.  The work light has a long-lasting, 13-watt, 300 lumen ENERGY STAR®-rated fluorescent bulb that lasts 1.75 hours on a single charge.The Craftsman NEXTEC Multi-Purpose Work Light (2966) retails for $29.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.

Craftsman NEXTEC Vacuum: This dual stage vacuum cleaner uses a Gore® filter that is reusable and dishwasher safe. A powerful vortex suction quickly and easily removes dirt and debris from automobiles, the workbench or common household items such as blinds, draperies and furniture.  The Craftsman NEXTEC Vacuum (29642) retails for $49.99 as an add-on tool without the battery or charger.
 
Each of these new products will be available at Craftsman.com, K-Mart and Sears stores nationwide.  For more than 80 years, Craftsman has developed innovative products. To learn more about Craftsman’s assortment of innovative hand tools, power tools and lawn equipment, visit www.craftsman.com, www.facebook.com/craftsman or one of the many Sears or Sears Hometown Stores nationwide.

Teen Safety!

Took a great test drive with Mitsubishi Motors North America to demonstrate Scosche’s cellCONTROL in a moving vehicle the All-New 100% Electric-Powered Mitsubishi i with an Impressive EPA Rated 62 Mile/98 Mile LA4 Mode Range and 112 MPGe Rating arriving in 2012.

Scosche’s Safe Driving System helps parents monitor their teen drivers by automatically disabling the most distracting functions of a smartphone including handheld phone calls, texting and emailing capabilities. As the vehicle begins to move, cellCONTROL will automatically connect to the users phone via Bluetooth to disable distracting functions. The system is completely tamper proof and will automatically alert the system’s administrator with any removal, deactivation or other misuse.

Scosche’s Safe Driving System easily connects to a vehicle’s OBD2 port and communicates with the smartphone in the vehicle.  Scosche’s cellCONTROL Safe Driving System retails for $129.95 and is available at www.scosche.com and at specialty retailers.  Like the Scosche’s Facebook Page for a special 20% off promo code https://www.facebook.com/scoschecaraudio

Scosche also makes a ton of cool mobile phone accessories. OUR TOP PICK the iPhone case with a kickstand called the switchBACK g4 with Polycarbonate Case with Interchangeable Backs for iPhone 4S and 4 (Verizon, Sprint and AT&T)
$29.99. For more information visit our website at www.scosche.com.

Bendix launched a "Brakes for Teen Safety”  a social media campaign aimed at educating teens and their parents about proper vehicle care to keep them safe on the roads. This digital program launched in October to coincide with National Teen Driver Safety Week. It includes a series of online videos and a designated Facebook page that offers relevant tips and safety information, enabling teens and parents to post their own questions and advice.

The first two videos, “What Teens Don’t Know About Car Safety” and “The Top Five Car Care Tips for Teens,” address the importance of regularly checking and changing brakes and other components, and highlight proper vehicle maintenance habits for safe driving. They can be found on the brand’s YouTube channel and on the campaign’s Facebook page. 

More SEMA / AAPEX coverage coming soon, so stay tuned.

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Hello out there in the Ask Patty Nation!  I, your faithful blog editor, have taken some unprecedented time off, and so I'm actually out of town celebrating my five year wedding anniversary, so it's a lighter blog week for your Thursday and Friday, but I hope not an uninformative one.

Today, we look into the latest news from a favorite subject of the blog: the electric car.  Once considered a far-off dream, hybrid and all electric cars are on the road in larger numbers than ever before, and they're making headlines.  Here is a trifecta from the world of electric cars from the past week...

Ladies and gentlemen of the Ask Patty Nation, you are looking at a truly beautiful thing.  Yes, it's a DeLorean, and it's about to make your whole weekend.  On October 14th, 2011 DMC announced they would be producing a new line of them - and wait for it... they're all electric.

A footnote in automotive history that was permanently burned into our cultural consciousness by the still wonderful Back to the Future films starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the DeLorean is the ultimate nerd nostalgia vehicle.   The iconic gullwing doors and stainless steel body are instantly recognizable, and while the new model has a redesigned interior, the exterior is the same silhouette we all know - minus the time-traval apparatus.  We're rapidly approaching the year visited by the time-traveling duo in the second of the series, 2015 - and while flying cars and hoverboards still seem a ways off, the Nike self-lacing shoes will be becoming a reality, believe it or not, and there will be a new all-electric DeLorean on the roads.  It seems like destiny, doesn't it?

Ford is going nuts - or at least, their parts are.  Soon their molded plastic parts will utilize coconut fiber for reinforcement.  It seems like every new announcement from Ford is something I'd never even have thought of - using recycled carpet in engine covers, for instance - and this one is no different.  Completely out of left field, and completely brilliant.  Together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, who uses coconut fiber as a carrier for soils in its products, they've found a way to integrate this material into their plastics, reducing the need for petroleum and giving your car a tropical scent... okay, I made up the tropical scent part.

Now, this won't come as a big surprise to some of you considering some of my blog posts from the past, but I'm a bit of a nerd.  The science of cars, and science in general, is very interesting to me, so it should come as no surprise that the Discovery Channel's 'Mythbusters' with loveable nerdy duo Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman is one of my favorites.  Recently, they tackled a question that I, and probably some of you, have considered before:  Which is more green - a motorcycle or a car?

The results may surprise you.  I'll clue you in after the jump.

My first reaction upon hearing of Zipcar was a smack on the head. You know, the “Why didn’t I think of that?” reaction when someone else comes up with a great idea that in hindsight, seems so obvious.

After all, vehicle ownership can be expensive -- and not even practical for some folks. I’m thinking about the ones who live in densely populated cities with crazy traffic, high insurance rates and scarce parking... and college students, who may be too strapped for cash to afford to maintain a car (let alone the cost of campus parking permits).

But there are times when even the most dedicated user of public transportation needs the flexibility and utility of a private automobile. When I was a student, I would beg one from my family -- or if all else failed, rent a car or take a cab (options that were very expensive).

And that’s where Zipcar comes in: The multi-city, car-sharing network enables its members to pick up a fully-gassed, fully-insured vehicle for a short-term need, for $8 an hour (up to $66 for a 24-hour period). It’s no wonder that the Zipcar network has grown to 125 cities and over 250 college campuses around the country.

Today we learned that Coca-Cola Refreshments of Southern California will showcase the newest additions to its growing fleet of low- to zero-emission Alternative Fuel Vehicles.  The team at Coca-Cola has long been a leader in sustainability efforts and commitment to reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and we want to applaud them for the addition of these new AFVs. The new vehicles are comprised of electric and hybrid electric among other fuel efficient technologies, and here's the best part: this addition brings the size of Coke's hybrid / electric fleet to more than 740, making it the largest AFV fleet in North America.

Going Green is a process done in small steps, and we'd like to congratulate the team at CCR of Southern California on a job well done thus far.  Keep up the good work, so the rest of us can "Have a Coke and a smile" in a world that's a little bit greener.

Kaeli Gardner AskPatty.com, Inc.

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Lex Brodie's Tire and Service held a 50th anniversary party during the Perry & Price live radio show at Jimmy Buffett's restaurant on Ohau in Hawaii July 30th, 2011. It included longtime employees, suppliers, customers, charitable partners, award-winners and others to whom president Scott Williams would simply like to say, “Thank you ... very much.”  Dave Sands CEO was also present and he and Scott were beaming ear to ear, they have much to be happy about these days. This year Lex Brodie's became the first recipient of the International Better Business Bureau's Excellence in Customer Care Award. The competition was open to any business in the U.S. and Canada regardless of size. It really say's it all about "who they are" for a tire and service company to win such a prestigous award!

Lex Brodie's has five AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® locations on Ohau in Hawaii and received National Recognition for their Green Initiatives along with their very eco-friendly Green Fleet Hawaii program. Lex Brodie's brought the WORLDS FIRST BIO-BASED, 100% full synthetic motor oil to Hawaii! G-OIL is a biodegrable product not only helps to protect the environment, but gives your engine ulimate protection. It's more than an oil change; it's a change in thinking, a change in what is possible with technology, and a needed change for our environment! Change your oil, change the world!™

So Green and Female Friendly, the Lex Brodie’s tire shop on Queen Street is Hawaii’s only display of Passchal handbags. If the location seems strange, it’s actually suitable; the sleek purses, briefcases, and duffles are made from the inner tubes of recycled tractor tires. The invitations were printed on stone and they gave thank you gifts of Passchal custom recycled tire rubber business card holders to all the guests, I love mine!