2014 Chevy Silverado priced from *$24,585, V8 gets better economy than Ford EcoBoost V6

Chevrolet has thrown down the next hand in the pickup truck poker wars and revealed at least a couple of potential aces – depending on which numbers matter most to you. The 2014 2014 Silverado 1500 with its 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 gets 335 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, is mated to a six-speed automatic, can tow 11,500 pounds with the optional Max Trailer Package and costs the same as the outgoing Silverado, $24,585 (*including $995 destination fee). Chevy says the Silverado also stands atop the fuel economy charts when comparing any competitor with a V8 engine – and some competitors with V6 engines. The two-wheel drive model returns 16 miles per gallon city, 23 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined in two-wheel drive guise and 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined as a four-wheel drive.

For context around those numbers, the most fuel efficient V8-powered 2013 Ford F-150 pickups lose about two mpg in every metric compared to the Silverado, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost returning 16 city, 18 highway and 22 combined in two-wheel drive. However, that EcoBoost does have 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. You can get a Ram 1500 with a 3.6-liter V6 that gets 25 mpg highway, but it has 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The 2013 Ram with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and its 395 hp and 407 lb-ft drops one mpg in every category to the Silverado. Its tow rating is 200 pounds beyond its nearest competitor, the F-150 with the Max Trailer Tow Package.

Elsewhere, the new Silverado gets a quieter cab with a redesigned interior, a new bed with improved load-management possibilities, disc brakes all around, tweaked steering and suspension, along with free standard scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

It goes on sale later this year with pricing throughout the lineup held constant from the 2013. The Double Cab (which replaces the Extended Cab) will cost $28,610, the Crew Cab going for $32,710, prices inclusive of destination. Two more engines, 4.3-liter and 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8s, will join the range later on.

Also, if you prefer the slightly different styling of the 2014 GMC Sierra seen below, most of the same performance metrics apply, but pricing is a bit higher – $25,085 for the standard cab, $29,110 for the double cab, and $33,210 for the Crew cab model.

The press releases below have all the chest-thumping details on both models.

2014 Silverado Delivers Power, Efficiency and Value

• Best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup – EPA estimated 23 mpg highway• Better fuel economy than 2013 Ford EcoBoost V-6• Base prices carry over from current models

DETROIT, April 1, 2013 – Chevrolet today announced initial pricing, performance data, and EPA fuel efficiency estimates for the 2014 Silverado 1500, raising the bar in the fiercely competitive light-duty pickup segment.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the new 2014 Silverado regular cab will start at $24,585, including a $995 destination freight charge, the same base price as the 2013 model. For that price, the 2014 Silverado regular cab, which starts production this summer, will include a number of major improvements:• A more powerful, more efficient EcoTec3 engine,• A six-speed automatic transmission,• A stronger, quieter cab with an all-new interior,• Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors• A new bed with standard box rail protectors and CornerStep bumper

The base starting prices for the Silverado crew cab, the first model to launch later this spring, and for the new double cab Silverado, which replaces the extended cab, also will be the same as for the corresponding 2013 models.

Buyers of all 2014 Silverados also will receive a standard scheduled maintenance program for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Up to four maintenance visits are included in the price of the vehicle, each one of which includes a regularly scheduled oil change, oil filter replacement, tire rotation and multi-point vehicle inspection, based on the schedule in the vehicle owner's manual.

"The 2014 Silverado is new from hood to hitch," said Alan Batey, vice president, U.S. sales and service. "When you combine the innovative features of the new Silverado with base pricing equivalent to 2013 models and standard scheduled maintenance, Silverado becomes a great choice for pickup customers, helping them save money when they buy – and when they drive."

Proven V-8 power with better efficiency than a turbo V-6The 2014 Silverado launches later this spring with crew cab models equipped with the all-new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8, which is expected to power three out of four Silverado 1500s.

Chevrolet today announced EPA estimates of 23 mpg highway for 2wd models, and 22 mpg highway for 4x4 models. That is better than any V-8 competitor, and beats the EPA estimates for the 2013 Ford EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 for both 2wd and 4x4 models.

Silverado's 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is SAE certified at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with more than 300 lb-ft of torque available from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm for responsive performance under a broad range of real-world conditions.

"Silverado's available 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 gives customers the best of both worlds," said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for Silverado. "Customers get the proven power and dependability of a V-8 truck engine, with better fuel economy than a leading competitor's smaller turbocharged V-6."

"EcoTec3 builds on 58 years of V-8 experience and trillions of real-world miles," said Luke. "The 2014 Silverado will give customers class-leading V-8 fuel efficiency and the peace of mind that comes with a proven V-8 design, a combination no competitor can match."

Best available towing rating of any light-duty pickupDemonstrating the capability of the 2014 Silverado and its 5.3-liter EcoTec3 engine, double cab 2WD models equipped with the available max towing package, available later this year, will have towing ratings of up to 11,500 pounds, more than any light duty pickup currently on the market.

To further save customers money and reduce inconvenience, Silverado's 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is designed to operate on regular 87 octane gasoline even when towing or hauling.

Silverado will also offer later this year a standard 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 that is expected to offer exceptional torque and towing capability for a standard V-6, and an all-new 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8, with even more power, torque, and towing capability than the 5.3-liter V-8. Final performance data and EPA estimates for these engines will be available in the coming months.

Seamlessly switch to four-cylinder operationSilverado's combination of capability and efficiency results in part from its EcoTec3 engines, which provide the proven power of a large-displacement truck engine when needed, then switch seamlessly to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads.

"In creating the 2014 Silverado 1500, we looked at a wide variety of powertrain configurations, and concluded that large-displacement truck engines could best provide the payload and towing capability that truck customers require, with the long-term dependability they expect," said Luke.

"Silverado's EcoTec3 technology eliminates the fuel economy penalty that often goes with rugged, high-torque truck engines. With our EcoTec3 engines, truck customers don't have to do more with less – more work with smaller engines. They can keep the benefits of a larger displacement engine and still get better fuel efficiency."

All three EcoTec engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing, a combination not found in competitive trucks. The engines also use a compact overhead valve design and weight-saving components such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads to reduce the mass of the engines for additional energy savings.

Other features that give the 2014 Silverado impressive capability include frames made from high-strength steel; rugged six-speed automatic transmissions; larger, stronger rear axles for V-8 models; and an updated suspension with two-stage multi-leaf rear springs.

Among the other updates for 2014 are a stronger, quieter cab; revised steering, suspension and brakes; and ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed.

The broadest portfolio, the right tools for the jobThe 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will be joined later this year by a regular cab model and a new double cab model, which replaces the extended cab and features forward-hinged rear doors for easier access to the back seat. Also coming soon are new heavy duty pickups and an all-new midsize truck based on the successful global Colorado.

"Chevrolet will have the broadest portfolio in the business," said Luke. "No one will be better positioned to offer each and every truck customer the right tools for the job."

Additional Details and Data

2014 Silverado base MSRP:• Regular cab: $24,585• Double cab: $28,610• Crew cab: $32,710Includes $995 destination freight charge. Excludes tax, title, license and optional equipment.

Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8• 355 hp (265 kW) @ 5600 rpm• 383 lb-ft of torque (518 Nm)@ 4100 rpm; more than 300 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm• Maximum available towing rating: 11,500 pounds*• Maximum available payload rating: 2,102 pounds• EPA estimated fuel efficiency:o 16 mpg city, 19 mpg combined, 23 mpg highway (2wd)o 16 mpg city, 18 mpg combined, 22 mpg highway (4x4)

Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline.* With Max Trailer Package, available later this year

EPA fuel economy estimates, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 engines (City Combined Highway)Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 2WD 16 19 23Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 4x4 16 18 22Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 2WD 16 18 22Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 4x4 15 17 21Ford 5.0L V-8 2WD 15 17 21Ford 5.0L V-8 4x4 14 16 19Ford 6.2L V-8 2WD 13 15 18Ford 6.2L V-8 4x4 12 13 16Ram 4.7L V-8 2WD 14 16 20Ram 4.7L V-8 4x4 14 16 19Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 2WD (6-spd) 14 16 20Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 4x4 (6-spd) 13 15 19Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 4x4 (8-spd) 15 17 21Toyota 4.6L V-8 2WD 15 17 20Toyota 4.6L V-8 4x4 14 16 19Toyota 5.7L V-8 2WD 13 15 18Toyota 5.7L V-8 4x4 13 15 18Nissan 5.6L V-8 2WD 13 15 18Nissan 5.6L V-8 4x4 12 14 17

Source: Model Year 2013 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

Maximum available towing ratings, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 enginesChevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec V-8* 11,500Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 11,300Ford 5.0L V-8 10,000Ford 6.2L V-8 11,300Ram 4.7L V-8 7,700Ram 5.7L Hemi V8 10,450Toyota 4.6L V-8 8,600Toyota 5.7L V-8 10,400Nissan 5.6L V-8 9,500* Double cab 2WD with Max Trailer Package, available later this year. Maximum towing ratings for competitive trucks also requires optional equipment.

Source: Published manufacturer's information

About ChevroletFounded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

2014 Sierra V-8 Fuel Economy Tops Ford EcoBoost V-6Pricing announced for new full-size truck with premium features, advanced tech

DETROIT – The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup truck arrives at dealers later this spring with the best V-8 pickup fuel economy in the industry. Sierra's new 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 uses direct injection, cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing to achieve EPA estimates of 16 mpg city and 23 highway with two-wheel drive or 16/22 with four-wheel drive.

In addition to highway estimates that are 2 mpg higher than a comparable 2013 Ford V8 pickup and 3 mpg higher than a Ram V8, Sierra's new V-8 fuel economy estimates also measure higher than those of the 2013 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V-6.

The new 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 combines its leading fuel efficiency with performance and capability. With an SAE certified 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque – increases of 40 hp and 48 lb-ft compared to the 2013 model – Sierra's new 5.3L offers a class-leading towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds.

Most GMC owners – three out of four last year – will opt for the 5.3L V-8 engine, which is an $895 option.

"In the core of the full-size truck market, the 2014 Sierra is second to none," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. "Truck owners expect durability, capability and fuel efficiency, and this latest generation of our proven V-8 is designed to deliver on those expectations."

The 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 is just one of three more efficient new engines for the Sierra. With a standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 that arrives this summer and a long list of standard features, the 2014 Sierra will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $25,085, including a destination charge of $995.

Compared to the 2013 Sierra, the new model adds a standard 4.2-inch radio display, a locking tailgate, projector headlamps, a CornerStep rear bumper, cloth seats (versus vinyl in other trucks), DuraLife brake rotors and other all-new features. The truck's all-new 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission is engineered to offer improved efficiency and capability, with additional details coming later.

Sierra also will be available later this year with an all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 with even more power, torque and capability than the 5.3L. Additional specifications for the 6.2L will be released later.

Every 2014 Sierra 1500 comes with Pro Grade Protection which, in addition to a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, includes two years or 24,000 miles – whichever comes first – of standard scheduled maintenance.

Coverage is included in the price of the vehicle and includes up to four regularly scheduled oil changes, oil filter replacements, tire rotations and multi-point vehicle inspections, based on the schedule in the vehicle owner's manual. Customers will be eligible whether they lease or purchase and the coverage is completely transferable between owners.

Additional Details and Data

2014 Sierra base MSRP:• Regular cab: $25,085• Double cab: $29,110• Crew cab: $33,210Includes destination freight charge. Excludes tax, title, license and optional equipment.

Sierra 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8• 355 hp (265 kW)@ 5600 rpm• 383 lb-ft of torque (518 N-m)@ 4100 rpm; more than 300 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm• Maximum available towing rating: 11,500 pounds*• Maximum available payload rating: 2,102 pounds• EPA estimated fuel efficiency:• 16 mpg city, 19 mpg combined, 23 mpg highway (2wd)• 16 mpg city, 18 mpg combined, 22 mpg highway (4x4)

Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline.* With Max Trailer Package, available later this year

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. The 2014 Sierra half-ton pickup boasts all-new powertrains and design, and the Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks ever built by GMC. Every retail GMC model, including Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs, is now available in Denali luxury trim. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

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2015 Volvo V60: Volvo Prepares for a U.S. Wagon Revival [2013 New York Auto Show]

J.D. Power says drivers increasingly frustrated by low-rolling resistance and run-flat tires

Unless we're talking about tires used for specific conditions (snow, summer, off-road, etc.), we imagine most new car buyers don't think twice about the rubber on their ride. J.D. Power and Associates does, and it recently rated consumer satisfaction for the top tire brands in various vehicle segments, and it found that Michelin was consistently at or among the top-satisfying tire brands. As a part of this study, it also found some interesting data regarding two growing types of tires: run-flat and low-rolling resistance.

Both of these tire types are used in different ways in an attempt to improve the fuel economy of modern vehicles, but there are also some draw backs involved. Run-flat tires help automakers shave precious pounds from a car's curb weight by removing the spare tire, but on average, J.D. Power says owners replace these tires twice as often as regular tires. The problem with low-rolling resistance tires might have to do more with marketing than anything else, as the study suggests that most consumers just don't understand how these tires benefit the them and what compromises must be made.

The study didn't mention price, but generally speaking, run-flat and low-rolling resistance tires also cost more to replace than standard tires – even worse, run-flats often need to be replaced in pairs, according to the study (note: we recommend changing all four tires whenever possible, run-flat or no). Scroll down to read more about the study including the various scores each tire manufacturer received.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Automakers Turn to Tires to Help Reach CAFE Standards for Fuel Efficiency, Despite Customer Concerns with Run-Flat and Low-Rolling Resistance TiresMichelin Ranks Highest in Three Vehicle Segments; Pirelli Ranks Highest in One

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Satisfaction is declining among customers whose vehicles are equipped with run-flat or low-rolling resistance tires as part of automakers' efforts to improve fuel efficiency, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study,SM released today.

As automakers explore all options to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, they are increasingly looking at the effect of tires on fuel consumption. Two key tire-related actions automakers are taking to improve fuel efficiency are equipping vehicles with run-flat tires in lieu of a spare tire and using low-rolling resistance tires. While potentially improving fuel efficiency, both products are falling short of customer expectations in terms of satisfaction with their tires.

Run-flat tires are primarily being used on luxury and performance sports vehicles. In both instances, overall satisfaction with tires is lower when vehicles are equipped with run-flat tires, compared with when they are equipped with standard tires.

Overall satisfaction among owners of luxury vehicles with run-flat tires is 728 (on a 1,000-point scale), compared with 739 among those who own luxury vehicles with standard tires. The gap is even more pronounced among owners of performance sports vehicles, among whom overall satisfaction is 665 with run-flat tires vs. 732 with standard tires.

Part of the gap in satisfaction is due to the necessity of having to replace run-flat tires more frequently, compared with standard tires. Nearly one-third (31%) of customers whose vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires have had to replace at least one tire, compared with just 19 percent of those whose vehicle is equipped with standard tires. In addition, customers with vehicles equipped with standard tires replace their tires after an average of 22,559 miles, more than 6,000 miles beyond the average life of run-flat tires.

"Automakers are trying to reach the next level of fuel economy, and are looking to their suppliers-in this case, tire manufacturers-to help them get there," said Brent Gruber, director, global automotive division at J.D. Power and Associates. "The challenge is doing this while finding tires that meet customers' expectations. Run-flat tires are not currently meeting those expectations."

Customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout. Run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs rather than as a single tire.

"Owners of performance sports cars with run-flat tires say they 'definitely will' recommend their tire brand to friends and family only half as often as those whose car is equipped with standard tires (14% vs. 28%, respectively)," said Gruber. "That has a potentially tremendous financial impact on tire manufacturers."

Consumer Insights and Social Media Research

The study also finds that customers often express apprehension regarding low-rolling resistance tires. Research conducted by J.D. Power's Consumer Insights and Strategy Group to track social media activity surrounding these tires finds that many consumers are concerned that equipping low-rolling resistance tires on their vehicle means compromising traction and durability in exchange for better gas mileage. Additionally, these consumers perceive that automakers select the best type of tires for their vehicle and, thus, they are apprehensive about straying too far from the original selection. While consumers ultimately conclude that low-rolling resistance tires may improve fuel efficiency, they are confused and concerned regarding the associated sacrifices.

"While the marketing of low-rolling resistance tires has primarily focused on fuel efficiency, tire manufacturers may also benefit from advertisements that help educate consumers about the traction and dependability of the tires," said Gruber. "Consumers don't fully understand the benefit of low-rolling resistant tires. They believe they are forfeiting important aspects of tire performance by opting for low-rolling resistant tires, yet don't know how much improvement in fuel efficiency they should expect in return."

Overall Satisfaction and Quality

The study measures tire owner satisfaction in four vehicle segments: luxury, passenger car, performance sport and truck/utility. Satisfaction is examined in four factors: tire wearability; tire appearance; tire traction/handling; and tire ride. Rankings are based on owner experiences with their tires after 2 years of vehicle ownership.

Overall satisfaction with original equipment tires is 686, unchanged from 2012. Satisfaction increases in three of the factors, while tire ride satisfaction decreases by six index points year over year. Overall satisfaction is highest in the luxury segment, with an average score of 738, followed by the performance sports segment at 728 and the passenger car and truck/utility segments tied at 676.

For a fourth consecutive year, customers are experiencing fewer problems with their tires. On average, customers report 74 problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles, an improvement from 76 PP100 in 2012 and 84 PP100 in 2011. The most frequently reported problems are road hazard/punctures, slow leaks, excessive road noise and fast tread wear. Overall satisfaction is 135 points lower among customers who experience a specific tire problem than among those who do not experience any problems (748 vs. 613, respectively).

KEY FINDINGS

In 2013, customers report fewer problems with their original equipment tires for the fourth consecutive year.Customers with run-flat tires are twice as likely to have to replace their tires as are those with standard tires.Customer satisfaction with their original equipment tires averages 686, unchanged from the 2012 study. Satisfaction is highest (738) in the luxury vehicle segment.

Highest-Ranked Tire Manufacturers

Michelin ranks highest in three of the four segments: luxury (775); passenger car (729); and performance sport (751). Pirelli ranks highest in the truck/utility segment (737).

The 2013 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 30,835 new-vehicle owners who purchased a 2011 or 2012 model-year vehicle. The study was fielded between October and December 2012.

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking / J.D. Power.com Power Circle RatingsLuxury Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Michelin 775 / 5segment avg 738 / 3Continental 725 / 3Dunlop 717 / 2Goodyear 715 / 2Pirelli 712 / 2Bridgestone 704 / 2

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking / J.D. Power.com Power Circle RatingsPassenger Car Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Michelin 729 / 5Pirelli 712 / 4Goodyear 689 / 4Firestone 688 / 3segment avg 676 / 3Dunlop 662 / 3Continental 653 / 3Bridgestone 651 / 2Hankook 645 / 2Nexen 641 / 2Kumho 632 / 2Yokohama 618 / 2Toyo 608 / 2

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking / J.D. Power.com Power Circle RatingsPerformance Sport Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Michelin 751 / 5Pirelli 750 / 5segment avg 728 / 3Bridgestone 721 / 3Goodyear 687 / 2Continental 644 / 2

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking / J.D. Power.com Power Circle RatingsTruck/Utility Segment(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Pirelli 737 / 5Michelin 735 / 5Bridgestone 690 / 4BF Goodrich 682 / 3segment avg 676 / 3Goodyear 663 / 2Dunlop 627 / 2

Power Circle Ratings Legend:5 – Among the best4 – Better than most3 – About average2 – The rest

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

The McGraw-Hill Companies, to be renamed McGraw Hill Financial (subject to shareholder approval), is a powerhouse in credit ratings, benchmarks and analytics for the global capital and commodity markets. Leading brands include: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts, CRISIL, J.D. Power and Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction and Aviation Week. The Company has approximately 17,000 employees in 27 countries. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Self driving cars, again

Another week, another study.

The latest study into self-driving cars has stated that "The thought is that autonomous cars will reduce the number of traffic deaths — more than 100 people per day, currently". Marketing doublespeak might make you think that they mean self-driving cars would save 100 lives per day. Actually, what it means is that currently 100 people a day are killed in car accidents, and that that number might be reduced, but they don't guesstimate by how much.

In truth the same could easily be achieved much more effectively by proper driver training and annual re-assessment. We don't license airline pilots and train drivers once and then leave them to it - they get annual or bi-annual re-assessments. They're human just like you and me, yet in America we're allowed to take an open-book written test in some states, and shockingly, people still fail even when they're given the answers. That's followed by 8 minutes of the dumbest driving test in the history of the universe and then no re-testing until we're dead.

The key phrase in that study was "the thought is". We thought the earth was flat at one point too, and millions of people think American Idol is important (hint: it's not).

In America, we have an appallingly easy mechanism of getting untalented, unprepared drivers on to the road, reflected in the accident rate here. 8.5 fatalities per billion road kilometres driven (a good metric - it takes into account population, number of cars, number of drivers and distances driven). In Sweden, where the driver licensing mechanism can take a year, that number is 5.1. In the UK where driver training takes months and the test is phased, it's 5.7. In fact, the only places in the world with a higher fatality rate than the US are places like Latvia, Estonia and Slovakia (Source).

So trying to sell the idea that automated cars will somehow "fix" the accident rate in the US ignores that fact that the driver licensing mechanism is totally broken. Fix that and the accident rate will drop naturally. It's a lot cheaper and doesn't require the wholesale replacement of every vehicle on the road.

That's a serious point - unless every car on the road has this technology, it simply won't work. Say you're in a self-driving car and it sees something and performs an emergency stop. I'm behind you in a normal car and I can't react anything like as quick as your computer. I slam into the back of you with enough speed that my airbags deploy and I shunt your car forwards into whatever it was trying to avoid. That's a very common accident right now and there's nothing your self-driving car can do to prevent that accident.

That assumes the tech works in the first place. Case in point: Volvo's new auto-braking system - exactly what I just described above.



It failed spectacularly at this press event because of "battery issues". Mercedes have problems too. The UK TV Show 'Fifth Gear' recently tested their auto emergency braking system and in every instance (slow, 18mph, 28mph and 60mph) it hit the car in front. Sure they can iron out the bugs - I'm not a total luddite - but ultimately, demonstrations like this prove that even when everything ought to have be set up perfectly, it can still go wrong. And that's my point - if you can't rely on this technology 100% of the time, it shouldn't be being put into cars. Heck - ABS has been around for decades and that still has problems (gravel, snow, ice, mud etc). The last generation Ford Mustang had ABS that would fail when it was raining - the one time you might actually need it.

Look at Google's self-driving cars - loaded up with sensors, cameras, radars, lasers and computers yet they can't merge on and off motorways (they can't figure out speed differences and sizes of prospective gaps for the car) and they can't drive any route that hasn't been pre-driven and stored in GPS. So they're not really autonomous at all - they're simply playing back pre-driven routes.

There's dozens if not hundreds of other examples where this technology, impressive as it is, simply isn't working.

Parallel parking a car is about the easiest thing you can do - it's a low speed geometrically simple problem and you ought to be able to do it pretty much in your sleep. Yet they haven't been able to make a car that can do that reliably. The ones that attempt it have a manual an inch thick telling you all the things you need to do to "prepare" the car for the maneuver and even then it'll fail 6 times out of 10. Do you really want to rely on a car to save you, to think for you, to make decisions for you? When they can't even make a car that can reliably parallel park, I don't.

Tips for saving fuel

By Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com Photographs by Ian Merritt, Cars.com

If you're not ready to buy a more fuel-efficient car, you can still save money in a number of ways in whatever vehicle you drive. Cars.com provides the tips and dispels the myths.

Revive the classics

The biggest fuel savings comes not from hybrid technology but from the old standards: car pooling and public transportation. If you and just one friend or neighbor trade off commuting to and from work, you cut your fuel usage by about 50 percent. No other step will save you as much money. Also, if you have two vehicles in the family motor pool, leave the thirstier one in the garage as often as possible.

Public transportation saves fuel, and possibly money. It also decreases congestion, which saves everyone fuel. Help yourself and everyone else; be part of the solution.

Get the lead out

Weight is fuel economy's natural enemy, so removing unnecessary items -- or people -- from your car can translate to real fuel savings.

Get the leadfoot out

You can save fuel immediately in whatever you drive by going easy on the accelerator. Jack rabbit starts and full-throttle acceleration boost fuel consumption dramatically. It's all a matter of degree: Light acceleration saves more than moderate acceleration.

Top speed also plays a part. Most vehicles are most efficient when cruising in their top gear at a relatively low speed. For example, a car with a five-speed transmission would be most efficient in 5th gear at 40 to 55 mph. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, so as your pace increases from this point, fuel economy drops dramatically. Onboard trip computers that show instantaneous and average fuel economy are remarkably accurate. Keep an eye on this and you'll learn how to drive in a miserly fashion.

An ounce of prevention

Keeping your tires inflated properly and your engine running right is critical to efficient motoring. Underinflated tires can lower your fuel economy by full miles per gallon. (Get the proper inflation pressure from the sticker on your car's doorjamb or the owner's manual, and not the tire's sidewall.) Even if your car seems to be running well, that perplexing Check Engine light could represent a dead oxygen sensor or some other emissions control problem that causes the vehicle to waste several miles per gallon.

Open windows or air conditioning?

This is an age-old conundrum. (Unlike a car's heater, which uses free engine heat to warm the cabin, the air conditioner robs engine power and lowers fuel economy.) So which approach is better? Sorry, but it's not as simple as one or the other.

If your car has been sitting in the sun and is hotter than the outside air, drive for a few minutes with the windows open to cool it off. Then, if you're hitting the highway, close 'em up and turn on the A/C. Aerodynamics are more important at high speeds, so if you're not exceeding 35 or 40 mph, open windows won't make as much difference. It also depends on the vehicle. The detriment from driving with the windows down is greater, say, in a Chevy Corvette, which has excellent aerodynamics, than in a Hummer, which has ... none. The same applies to convertibles; you'll burn less fuel with the top up.

Keep it sleek

Speaking of aerodynamics, roof-top carriers and bike and ski racks don't do you any favors -- even when they're empty. If you keep all your cargo inside the car, you'll slip through the wind better. Also, strip off any aftermarket add-ons such as bug deflectors and window and sunroof wind deflectors. By design, these items work by wrecking your aerodynamics. Sure, bug entrails on your windshield are gross, but they aren't known to cost you any fuel.

Premium or regular?

Lower octane costs less, but should you use it? Most modern cars that call for premium fuel can run on regular gasoline without knocking or any long-term penalty. Technically, this makes the car less efficient, but not to a degree that negates the cost savings from the cheaper fuel grade. NOTE: This is true of cars for which premium is recommended, not required. If in doubt, look for terms such as "for best performance" and "recommended" as opposed to "only" or "required." If your car has a turbocharger or supercharger, you probably should stick with premium fuel. Of course, if your car calls for regular gasoline, there's no reason to run it on anything higher in octane.