Park assist - literally
Auto Week reports that Volkswagen has unveiled an "ultra-sonic parking system" that allows automatic parking via remote control. That's right, remote control, meaning that the parking can all be done without the need for a driver to even be in the car. "Park Assist Vision" is a development of VW's "Park Assist" and is available as optional equipment on various VW models, including the Touareg, Tiguan and Passat. The system works for parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. But how? Auto Week reports that the Park Assist Vision uses cameras mounted around the car, a series of ultrasonic sensors, an electro-mechanical steering system and a computer to determine the size of a parking space and, when commanded, to park the car automatically. The magazine reports that, "although the system is still in development, VW is confident that it will one day follow [VW's simpler Park Assist] into production."
No Korean pickups for U.S.
Skyrocketing gas prices have prompted Hyundai and Kia to scrap plans to sell a pickup in North America, Automotive News recently reported. Plans had been progressing to build a front-wheel-drive, V-6-powered, midsize truck for Kia and Hyundai at Kia's plant in Georgia. The truck would have been based on the redesigned Kia Sorent0 SUV, which goes into production in November 2009.
Will MGs roll again?
Are Chinese MGs on the way to the automotive marketplace? Auto Week recently reported that plans to resurrect production of the MG TF appear to actually have momentum. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, the Chinese owners of the storied British MG brand, say production of the TF LE500 sports car will begin in August. The TF is an updated version of the car that went out of production in 2005.
