Text-to-911: Harnessing Technology to Keep Americans Safer

Text-to-911: Harnessing Technology to Keep Americans Safer

Imagine you are witnessing a crime or facing a life-threatening situation where making a voice call to 911 could further endanger your safety. You need to reach 911 emergency responders, but an audible call could alert a would-be assailant. What can you do to summon help fast?

You reach for your cell phone and send an instant – and silent – text message to 911 responders who quickly arrive to help you and remove you from harm’s way.

This scenario will soon become a more common reality. Limited tests of text-to-911 in Iowa, North Carolina and Vermont have seen lives saved, an attempted suicide averted and domestic abuse prevented.

And, by May 15, 2014 —following actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the wireless industry this week —text-to-911 will become much more widely available to millions of Americans.

In most cases, 911 cannot be reached today by sending a text message, and text-to-911 will be a complement to, not a substitute for, voice calls to 911 services. Consumers should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency if they can.

However, the rollout of such a service will greatly widen the accessibility of 911 for all Americans, including millions with disabilities. And today, the FCC has taken an unprecedented step toward making text-to-911 available across America.

For the first time, we are proposing specific requirements and timeframes that will add text capability to the 911 system. This marks the first major milestone in the country’s migration towards Next-Generation 911.

The actions build on months of Commission work, as well as efforts initiated by industry and the public safety community, such as the voluntary agreement approved this past week.

Under its terms, the nation’s four largest wireless carriers - AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile - have agreed to accelerate the availability of text-to-911 to local 911 call centers (known as Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs) that request service. Major deployments are expected in 2013, and the agreement includes a commitment to provide nationwide availability by May 15, 2014.

The agreement will accelerate progress and ensure that over 90 percent of the nation’s wireless consumers, including consumers with hearing or speech disabilities, will be able to access emergency services by sending a text message to 911, where local 911 call centers are also prepared to receive the texts.

To help eliminate consumer confusion while this capability is being phased-in, the carriers have committed to provide an automatic “bounce back” text message to notify consumers if their attempt to reach 911 via text message fails because the service is not available in their area.

If approved, the actions we have taken would require all wireless carriers, as well as providers of certain Internet-based text messaging applications - those that send messages to telephone numbers, but not, for example, messages within games and social media - to enable their customers to send text messages to 911 where PSAPs are prepared to receive such messages.

We will also take additional steps to address other aspects of Next Generation 911 in the coming year - such as enabling transmission of photos and videos to 911 centers - to ensure we meet the nation’s public safety needs.

For further information and updates on text-to-911, please see www.fcc.gov/text-to-911.

By Julius Genachowski

White House Wants Black Boxes in All Future Cars

The Detroit Bureau

The famed "black boxes" aren't actually black. But they may soon be attached to every car.

The White House has given its OK to a plan that would require all future cars and trucks be equipped with event data records – most commonly referred to as “black boxes.”
The majority of vehicles produced today already have such devices onboard and they have aided in recent investigations into such safety issues as the so-called unintended acceleration scare at Toyota. But the use of the technology has also raised some concerns with privacy advocates.

 

Congress failed to pass legislation that would have required the use of event data recorders, or EDRs, in 2010. That prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to consider its own mandate. A review was completed this week by the White House Office of Management and Budget and final regulations will likely follow early next year.

The proposal was originally expected by late 2011 but the process was delayed without explanation. Nonetheless, NHTSA has listed the use of black boxes as a “priority,” a spokesperson insisting such devices are critical to “continued improvements in vehicle safety.”
Automotive EDRs are similar, though not nearly as sophisticated, as the black boxes used in commercial airliners – and which are routinely used to provide critical information about crashes and other aircraft incidents. They are already installed in nearly 92% of today’s vehicles, according to industry officials, and also provide important information for industry engineers and, under some circumstances, law enforcement authorities.

During several investigations looking into claims that Toyota products would unexpectedly begin to accelerate without driver input, researchers used such recorders to see what actually happened, often discovering the issue was, in fact, the result of driver error, such as the application of the throttle rather than the brake.
The industry trade group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, or AIM, has endorsed the use of black boxes – but has also warned that any new rules must consider privacy issues.
“We need to make sure we preserve privacy,” spokesperson Gloria Bergquist told the Detroit News. “Automakers do not access EDR data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install EDRs on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy.”
One concern is that new mandates for such devices might make it easy for authorities to see if a motorist were speeding or otherwise violating the law.

Rules vary by state but in much of the country a law enforcement official – or a plaintiff in a legal case – must get court approval before a vehicle’s black box can today be accessed without the permission of the owner.
As with an airliner’s black box, the current technology records and stores only a limited amount of data – though that is considered enough to piece together a snapshot of what might have led up to a crash, such as whether the driver was applying the brakes or throttle, and if seatbelts were being used. Unlike the aerospace industry, the new regulations are not expected to require taping of conversations in a vehicle’s passenger compartment.
NHTSA already has stepped into the issue requiring that as of the start of the 2013 model-year all EDR data be commonized while simplifying access. The use of proprietary formats complicated the Toyota unintended acceleration investigations.

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Holy car auction Batman! Original Batmobile for sale.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Batmobile used in the 1960s Batman TV series is expected to go up for auction in January, the Barrett Jackson auto auction house said Thursday.
The car could sell for millions, said Craig Jackson, chief executive of the auction firm.

Some particularly iconic TV and movie cars have gone for very high prices. For example, a highly modified 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used in James Bond films sold for $4.6 million in 2010.
But Hollywood cars don't always command such high prices. Often there are multiple versions created for different types of shots and for promotional use, making it hard to to say that one car is definitively "the car."
Unlike most TV show cars, the Batmobile really is a singular creation. While there have been many imitations, this really is the only original.
The Batmobile started life as the Ford Motor Co (F, Fortune 500).'s 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car which, itself, was based on a Lincoln Mark II. Besides its pearl white paint job, the Futura actually looked very much like the Batmobile it would become over a decade later.   
Famed car customizer George Barris -- also known for creating the Munster Koach for the The Munsters and the Beverly Hillbillies' car -- was tasked with creating the Batmobile in 1966. With a tight deadline, he decided that modifying the Futura, rather than starting from scratch, was the way to go.
On television, the Batmobile's technology allowed it to shoot flames, squirt oil and shoot tire slashers, but the car is not actually designed to do any of that.
Barris has been the sole owner of the Batmobile since he created it for the TV show.
Unlike the Aston Martin's multi-million dollar price tag, Jonathan Klinger, with the collector car insurance firm Hagerty Insurance, thinks the Batmobile will probably sell for a few hundred thousand dollars. The trouble, he said, is that there are so many very good Batmobile replicas around.
The only thing that makes this one unique is that it's the authentic original, but hardly anyone would be able to tell that by looking at it. Very good replicas can sell for under $100,000.
"I could be wrong," said Klinger. "I'll bet George Barris hopes I'm dead wrong."   
In an interview with CNNMoney, Barris said he has been offered large sums for the car in the past but he's never considered selling before. He agreed to sell this time, he said, because he thought it was time to move the car out of his studio and put it someplace where more people could enjoy it.
Excellent replicas of rare and desirable cars like Plymouth Hemi 'Cudas and Shelby Mustangs often sell for fractions of what real ones sell for, Jackson said.
"It's just a matter of where you put the commas and the decimals," he said. "They all slide over for the real thing."

First Published: November 29, 2012: 9:04 AM ET

Source: CNN Money.

 

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High-Octane Hijinks: Is Premium Fuel Better Than Regular?

When it’s time to top-off the tank, drivers are confronted with a dizzying variety of choices at the pump. There’s premium gasoline, mid-grade, regular and – depending on where you live – some even offer ultra-high octane, with a rating of 94 or above.
Octane numbers, ethanol content and diesel get thrown in the mix, while TV commercials shout about special cleaning additives and better fuel economy. What’s a motorist to do? Is premium fuel worth the extra cost over regular? It’s more expensive so it must be better, right?
Wrong. And this is a common misconception. A lot of people seem to think higher octane gasoline will deliver better performance and economy. In many instances this is simply not the case. In fact, it’s mostly a waste of money. High-test fuel is typically priced anywhere from 20 to 40 cents more than regular-grade gas.
“Use what’s in the owner’s manual. Don’t use more, don’t use less” said Bill Studzinski, Fuels Technical Specialist at General Motors. He also said drivers “should not run the octane above what’s required in their vehicle,” because there is no real benefit.
The overwhelming majority of GM vehicles are built to run on regular-grade gasoline. Some of the company’s high-performance models like the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1 are designed to take advantage of the additional octane found in premium fuel.
“If it says ‘premium required’ I strongly suggest using the premium gasoline,” Studzinski said. However, if a driver mistakenly puts 87-octane regular in a vehicle that needs 91 or more, the engine-control computer should be able to adjust spark timing and other variables to prevent damage. “In general, the knock sensors are pretty good,” he said, but drivers will likely experience a drop in performance and fuel economy.
Studzinski strongly discourages the use of other fuel products, though. “Say ‘NO’ to aftermarket octane boosters and organometallic octane-boosting additives such as MMT [methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl].”
“We don’t recommend using any of those,” he said because they can plug up catalytic converters, a critical and expensive-to-replace component of a vehicle’s emissions-control system. Thankfully these sorts of additives are not used in gasoline sold in the United States and Canada.
Studzinski also warned drivers to steer clear of high-octane race fuels (like those with a rating of 100) sold at some gas stations. These products can contain high amounts of ethanol or methanol and are “really not advisable” for street-driven vehicles.
Stephen Russ, Technical Leader with Ford Motor Company Engine Engineering echoed much of what his cross-town colleague had to say. If a driver runs premium fuel in a vehicle that only requires regular he said, “typically it would not be noticeable.” But there could be slight benefits in certain situations such as hot, dry weather or while towing.
In the past it was thought running premium fuel when only regular was called for could cause damage. “Most every engine, every manufacturer, can handle that higher octane so there are no deposit concerns,” Russ said. And according to Studzinski, “going up in octane is ok for the vehicle, it doesn’t damage it.”
“Under high-load conditions the additional spark advance from the premium fuel will result in higher cylinder pressures, but they are limited by the [computer] calibration to what the engine structure can handle,” Russ said, so there’s no risk of damage from running higher octane.
Occasionally, manufacturers will list specific benefits to running premium fuel. For instance, when equipped with the optional 3.8-liter V6 engine the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is rated at 344 horsepower on regular gasoline and 348 on premium. Pick your price, pick your pump and pick your performance.
Still, when it’s time to fill ‘er up most Americans go for the cheapest option. According to Studzinski “about 80 percent of the gasoline sold in the United States is regular unleaded,” that’s an estimated 140 billion gallons per year.
At the end of the road it’s a driver’s choice whether they up the octane and buy premium fuel, but experts say go by the book. “We defer to the manufacturers” said Carlton Carroll, a spokesman for the American Petroleum Institute. He also said “these are the people that have designed and built the car and they know the type of fuel required.”

Filed under: American Featured Articles Ford GM Tips and Advice
Source:Autoguide.com by Craig Cole

Dodge to Withdraw from NASCAR at Conclusion of 2012 Season

Auburn Hills, Mich. – SRT Motorsports announced this week that Dodge will withdraw from NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the 2012 season.Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, made the announcement during a media teleconference call. The decision affects current involvement in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Penske Racing currently fields two Dodge Charger cars in the Sprint Cup Series and two Dodge Challenger cars in the Nationwide Series.

Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which started in 2003, at the end of the 2012 season.

Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, celebrates with a victory burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“We’ve spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR,” Gilles said. “A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn’t develop the right structure.”
Dodge has recorded 215 wins in the Sprint Cup Series, including 55 since 2001, and has been represented in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup seven of the eight seasons. In 2010, Brad Keselowski captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in a Dodge from Penske Racing.
“It’s an extremely difficult decision to know that we won’t be there for our fans next season,” Gilles added. “It’s important to note that we have not lost focus on 2012 or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season.”
Brad Keselowski currently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Chase field for the second consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.

Texas man finds his car on eBay. 42 years after it was stolen

Andrew Buckley/MCT

USA Today

If there is a lesson to this story, it is that persistence can pay off -- even if it takes 42 years.
That's how long it took for Bob Russell of Southlake, Texas, to track down his stolen 1967 Austin-Healey 3000. The Dallas Morning News reports that it had been stolen from a Philadelphia apartment complex.
Now he has it back after finding it in a listing on eBay. He had been scouring the online auction site and eyeing every Austin-Healey he saw on the road.
Things were looking pretty grim for Russell, 66, a retired sales manager, when it came to the search until he got his big break. That came when he found the car listed for sale online, being sold in California by a dealer called the Beverly Hills Car Club. Even then, getting the car back wasn't easy.
Russell didn't have the stolen-car report from 1970. But he did have the key and a copy of the car title. Detectives were unable to help him at first because they couldn't find the report, either. But it was located after it was determined that a digit was off when the report was entered into the computer system.
Eventually the issues were settled, and Russell came to California to claim it. How much is it worth, besides sentimental value? The last bid on eBay was $19,700.

Looking to buy a used car? Here are the 15 best

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

The Detroit Bureau

The 2010 Toyota Prius; one of 15 Used Car Best Bets.

It’s not been a great year for used car buyers. Prices have been soaring because of inventory shortages – in large part because with fewer new cars sold during the recession there are now fewer new cars entering the “previously owned” vehicle market.
The good news is that inventories are once again rising – which means used car prices are beginning to fall, according to a new report by the Black Book, a used car pricing and tracking service. In the meantime, vehicle quality is reaching an all-time, something true for both used cars and new.

So, the question is which are the best used car to buy? The folks at Edmunds, an automotive data tracking and testing service, have compiled a list of 15 best bets. This isn’t just a beauty contest. The selections were based on criteria including reliability, safety, value and, yes, availability. It wouldn’t help to pick a product consumers can’t find. The list was limited to vehicles now between two and seven years old.
The list includes a total of 11 different brands, but four marques appear twice, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. (Nissan is there twice, as well, if you include both the Nissan and Infiniti brands). The editors’ picks:

• Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra
• Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima
• Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera
• Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series
• Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata
• Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe
• Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V
• Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Ford Explorer
• Large SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
• Minivan/Van: 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey
• Compact Truck: 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
• Large Truck: 2005-2010 Ford F-150
• Luxury: 2005-2010 Infiniti G35/G37
• Hybrid: 2005-2010 Toyota Prius
• Sport Compact: 2005-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX

How much you’ll pay varies widely, not just on the age but also the condition of the vehicles listed here. Costs vary widely by region, and equipment levels play a major role, of course. Even vehicle color can be influential. Black cars tend to be hard to sell in Phoenix or Miami this time of year. All-wheel-drive models can command a premium in the Snowbelt when winter arrives.
But the big bubble in used car pricing may finally be at an end.
“Almost a million more used vehicles will be added to the industry this year as a result of more trade-ins on new-car sales,” said Ricky Beggs, auto analyst at Black Book USA. “This is a significant driver of lower prices, combined with additional rental cars being sold at auction and dealers preparing for the coming 2013 models.”

Survey Reveals Safety at the Front of Car-Shoppers' Minds

By Auto Remarketing Staff

With technological advances in the fields of in-car technology, as well as fuel efficiency, the list of features consumers might come to expect when in the market for a new car continues to grow. That said, it seems that an age-old concern is still at the front of car shoppers' minds.
According to a survey conducted by marketplace of in-process vehicle leases Swapalease.com, at the top of car-shopping consumers’ needs is still safety. In fact, more than 60 percent of Swapalease.com users chose safety as the most important consideration in choosing a new car, outranking style and appearance (30 percent), luxury and convenience (12 percent) and electronic features (9 percent), officials shared.
"Safety has long been high on the list for prospective car buyers or lessees, and our survey shows that changing times don't always change people's priorities," said Scot Hall, executive vice president of operations, of Swapalease, which is an online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases.
"Thanks to today's technology, we have an ever-growing list of features that make cars safer than ever before,” he continued.

And what safety features are consumers most concerned with?
Specifically, survey responders showed a particular interest in blind-spot warning systems, giving it 32 percent of the vote for most important safety elements.
Following close behind were hands-free calling and a back-up camera, the company added.
"It's interesting to note that people are so interested in the blind-spot warning system. It's the very latest in safety technology, and I know from personal experience that it's a wonderful feature," said Hall.
"It's also currently priced at a premium, so whether consumer will put their money where their opinions are remains to be seen,” he continued.
Next up, for those who chose electronics as a crucial element to consider when in the market for a new vehicle, a navigation system was of utmost concern, taking more than half the vote.
The company also noted that the majority of other technology features mentioned fell into the “entertainment category,” such as iPod/MP3 player compatibility.
Moving along, in the luxury and convenience category, heated/cooled seats were by far the most desired features, officials shared.
Memory settings for things like seat and steering wheel placement; rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel, were also important to survey responders.
Lastly, upgraded interior trim and upgraded wheels took the top spots for style needs.

Read more: Autoremarketing | Survey Reveals Safety at the Front of Car-Shoppers' Minds http://www.autoremarketing.com/trends/survey-reveals-safety-front-car-shoppers-minds#ixzz1zVUiYOge

Who Are Better Drivers: Men or Women?

MSN sheds some light on which sex is the better motorist — one of the most hotly debated arguments since 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?'

By Chuck Tannert

Click to enlarge picture

Statistically speaking, women are better drivers than men.

Famed composer Irving Berlin captured the battle between the sexes quite succinctly in his legendary song "I Can Do Anything Better Than You" from the 1946 Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun." Gunslingers Annie Oakley (Ethel Merman) and Frank Butler (Ray Middleton) lyrically debated who could shoot more accurately: she or he? But what they were really fighting about was which sex is the more capable: man or woman? That same argument has been waged many times, about many topics over the years. But no gender-related discussion has been more heated than the one that rages behind the wheel. So who are better drivers: men or women?
The Answer Is ...
In a study released by Quality Planning, an analytics company that validates policyholder information for auto insurers, women came out on top.
The study analyzed different kinds of vehicle code violations (traffic violations) and then compared how many times men were cited versus women. The conclusion was that men break more traffic laws and drive more dangerously than women. Because they violate laws designed to make the roads safer, men cause more accidents and expensive damage.
Who do you think are better drivers: Men or Women?
"We were not surprised to see that men have slightly more violations — about 5 percent — that result in accidents than women," said Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning. "And because men are also more likely to violate laws for speeding, passing and yielding, the resulting accidents caused by men lead to more expensive claims than those caused by women."
Topping the list is the finding that men are cited for reckless driving 3.41 more times than women. Reckless driving is considered one of the most serious traffic offenses by courts since it implies a disregard for the rights and safety of people or property.
Violations for which men scored at least 50 percent higher than women:

TYPE OF VIOLATION	RATIO M:F
Reckless driving	3.41
DUI	3.09
Seatbelt violations	3.08
Speeding	1.75
Failure to yield	1.54
Stop sign/signal violation	1.53

Evidence Gets Worse
Guys, when it rains it pours. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes. "Men take more risks behind the wheel than women, and so men are more likely to get into serious crashes," says Anne McCartt, the institute's senior vice president of research. "We don't have any way of comparing their driving abilities, but on the likelihood of getting into a serious crash in which someone dies, men win handily."

Fatal passenger vehicle crash involvements per 100 million miles traveled, by driver age and gender, April 2001–March 2002:

Age	Male	Female	Total
16-19	Crash Involvements: 4,257 Miles: 46,427,394,010 Rate: 9.2	Crash Involvements: 1,852 Miles: 35,264,476,105 Rate: 5.3	Crash Involvements: 6,109 Miles: 81,691,870,114 Rate: 7.5
20-29	Crash Involvements: 8,949 Miles: 225,999,581,860 Rate: 4.0	Crash Involvements: 3,172 Miles: 156,283,683,955 Rate: 2.0	Crash Involvements: 12,122 Miles: 382,283,265,815 Rate: 3.2
30-59	Crash Involvements: 15,027 Miles: 845,507,965,689 Rate: 1.8	Crash Involvements: 6,946 Miles: 551,350,306,430 Rate: 1.3	Crash Involvements: 21,973 Miles: 1,396,858,272,119 Rate: 1.6
60-69	Crash Involvements: 2,097 Miles: 128,814,817,845 Rate: 1.6	Crash Involvements: 1,008 Miles: 64,778,212,790 Rate: 1.6	Crash Involvements: 3,105 Miles: 193,593,030,635 Rate: 1.6
70-Plus	Crash Involvements: 3,148 Miles: 76,991,652,560 Rate: 4.1	Crash Involvements: 1,571 Miles: 39,093,332,009 Rate: 4.0	Crash Involvements: 4,719 Miles: 116,084,984,569 Rate: 4.1
Total*	Crash Involvements: 33,733 Miles: 1,324,373,970,682 Rate: 2.5	Crash Involvements: 14,633 Miles: 847,734,931,097 Rate: 1.7	Crash Involvements: 48,638 Miles: 2,172,108,901,779 Rate: 2.2

*Total includes other and/or unknowns
On the Flip Side
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported that from 1975 to 2003, female deaths in motor vehicle crashes increased 14 percent, compared with an 11 percent decline for male motorists during that same period. Insurance industry experts peg the rise in female deaths in vehicular crashes to more women obtaining driver's licenses than in the past and driving more miles than, say, 25 years ago.
Plus, it seems as if female motorists are getting more aggressive. "It's true that men do take more risks than women," says Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "However, [women] are partaking in more risky behaviors than ever before. The gap is closing quickly."
So Are Women Better Drivers Than Men?
Many auto insurance industry experts would agree with the theory that men, especially young men, tend to drive more aggressively than women and display their aggression in a direct manner, rather than indirectly. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb, male drivers are more likely than women to break the law, and the male of the species tends to be more of a risk-taker.
Even so, it's hard to say women are better drivers, although they are statistically safer. Women have just as many accidents as men; however, they tend to be minor fender-benders. Men, on the other hand, tend to do the job properly when they crash, and as a result cost their insurance companies a lot more money.
So, even though it's a blow to our male egos, we'll have to give this round to women. Sorry fellas.

Mitsubishi promises Outlander plug-in hybrid for Paris *UPDATE

By Sebastian BlancoRSS feed

Posted Jun 19th 2012 8:02AM

We've been waiting since the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show – when Mitsubishi first talked about the PX-MiEV, a plug-in CUV concept – for some sort of real-world plug-in Outlander. It looks like we're finally going to get our wish during the 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall. Today, Mitsubishi released the not-very-revealing teaser image you see above, and it says the plug-in Outlander will "share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander's ICE versions." Mitsubishi also claims the Outlander will "be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production."

The New Outlander PHEV will have three drive modes, all of which are 4WD: Pure (all-electric drive), Series (electric drive, supported by the gas generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). Mitsubishi says the New Outlander PHEV will have a total driving range of 800 km (497 miles) and emit fewer than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

As previously noted, the PHEV version of the Outlander should arrive in the spring of 2013. Given the coming pack of plug-in crossovers (see: Tesla Model X, Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Amp's offerings), if Mitsubishi can get the cost comparatively low, the way the i is compared to the Nissan Leaf, without making it quite as spartan, this thing could carve out a niche for itself. For the moment, though, it sounds like Mitsubishi is only going to sell the new Outlander PHEV in Europe.

*UPDATE: As DaveMart points out in the comments on AutoblogGreen, Mitsubishi reps have told Inside Line that the plug-in Outlander will come to the U.S. in late 2013 or early 2014.

 

MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT 2012 PARIS MOTORSHOW - NEW OUTLANDER PLUG-IN HYBRID EV WORLD PREMIERE

CIRENCESTER, UK - At the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show[1] ("Mondial de l'Automobile"), Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global and green new product generation with a series of significant premieres. Highlight of this offensive will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.

New Frontier
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) – powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase, the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or "PHEV") will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander's ICE versions – an engineering feat in itself.

As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV power trains.

Plug-in Hybrid EV
Adding to its credentials, the New Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself:

Mitsubishi Motors' first Plug-in Hybrid car, it will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC's extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed – a solution more suited to global markets than Diesel.
Making the best use of Mitsubishi's renowned 4-Wheel-Drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.

Long haul
The New Outlander PHEV unique drive train combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:

• Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV)
• Series (Twin Motor 4WD - EV supported by generator)
• Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD).

When fitted to the New Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid system will allow for a long haul range and very low emissions similar to that of the Concept PX-MiEV II show car, i.e. a driving distance of over 800 km and a CO2 target below 50 g/km.

Further...
Whilst the New Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western & Eastern Europe in the fall of 2012, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.

Complementing this New Outlander family, Mitsubishi Motors will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show, aimed at a European audience and to be detailed at a later stage...

GM, Honda, Toyota confirm interest in Apple's Siri voice command technology

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota, Honda and General Motors have confirmed they plan to integrate Siri, Apple Inc.'s voice control technology used on the iPhone, into connectivity systems of upcoming vehicles.
Spokespersons from the three companies confirmed the plans to Automotive News on Monday after announcements made by Apple at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Apple executives said five other automakers -- Chrysler, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and Jaguar/Land Rover -- have agreed to use Siri in their entertainment systems, according to a report on Yahoo! Autos.
In essence, vehicles compatible with the Siri service will allow drivers to make calls, dictate text messages, look up directions and use other Siri functions by plugging their iPhone into a USB cable in the car. Pressing a button on the steering wheel will activate Siri, and drivers can speak commands to their phone hands-free.
A new Siri feature, called "Eyes Free," will help drivers use their iPhones while keeping their eyes on the road by allowing iPhone owners to control more of the device's functions with Siri with the screen off to mitigate distracted driving. The Eyes Free feature will be released as part of Apple's latest version of its mobile operating software due out this fall.
"A number of auto manufacturers have committed to delivering Eyes Free Siri integration in the next 12 months," Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS software, said during a keynote speech at the conference as a screen behind him showed the logos of GM, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz and Audi.
Leap into autos
The move is a feet-first leap by Apple into the auto industry.
It also suggests that the industry is beginning to recognize that personal device makers -- in this case, Apple -- are best-equipped to provide consumers with the connectivity and info-on-demand they want. Automakers may be best-served to focus on making it easy and safe to access those devices in the car.
GM has been an early adopter, confirming it will offer such a system on a specific vehicle. The MyLink infotainment system offered on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic small cars will be compatible with Siri, GM spokesman Scott Fosgard said. The vehicles go on sale later this year.
Toyota, Honda plans
Toyota spokeswoman Carly Schaffner said Toyota was working with Apple, but declined to discuss when Siri compatibility may come to Toyota vehicles.
"Apple and Toyota are exploring the potential to introduce the Siri Eyes Free Mode interface into Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles," Schaffner said inERP Must-Haves for Automotive Suppliers
an e-mail.
"As the SEFM is a widely used and highly accurate voice recognition system, we believe it would contribute to safer and more comfortable usage of vehicles for customers."
American Honda spokesman Alicia Jones said that the new Siri Eyes Free feature would be "extensively applied" to coming Honda and Acura vehicles. Jones declined to say when Honda planned to launch the technology, but said Honda would announce more about it by the end of the year.
"We think smartphones have become so integral to people's lives that they're using them in their vehicles and the challenge is to enable the benefits of these devices without contributing to visual or manual driver distraction," Jones said.
Christina Rogers contributed to this report.
You can reach Ryan Beene at rbeene@crain.com.

15 Best Family Cars of 2012

A Mix of High Mileage Cars as Well as Budget, Crossover, Eco-Friendly and Large Family Vehicles Make the List
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Parents and Edmunds.com, the leading online resource for car buyers, today revealed their list of the Best Family Cars for 2012. For the fifth consecutive year, car experts from both organizations scrutinized hundreds of vehicles focusing on safety and reliability as top priorities. Each car was also judged on performance, interior, exterior and family-friendly features. Every car on the list is equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and a minimum of six air bags. Plus, a record 14 vehicles recommended by Parents/Edmunds.com earned a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In addition to test-driving, analyzing, and comparing prices and features, Parents and Edmunds.com consulted parents who own and drive these vehicles every day. The Best Family Cars of 2012 feature appears in the July issue of Parents magazine on newsstands June 12th.
According to Parents and Edmunds.com, the 15 Best Family Cars of 2012 (and their MSRPs) are:

HIGH MILEAGE CARS

• Toyota Prius V, starts at $26,400
• Honda Civic Hybrid, starts at $24,200
• Chevrolet Cruze Eco, starts at $19,245

BUDGET

• Chevrolet Sonic, starts at $13,865
• Ford Focus, starts at $16,500
• Hyundai Elantra, starts at $15,345

CROSSOVERS

• Mazda 5, starts at $19,625
• Kia Sorento, starts at $23,150
• Honda CR-V, starts at $22,495

SEDANS

• Volkswagen Passat, starts at $19,995
• Toyota Camry, starts at $21,955
• Kia Optima, starts at $21,000

LARGE VEHICLES

• Dodge Durango, starts at $28,995
• Toyota Sienna, starts at $25,060
• Honda Odyssey, starts at $28,375

To read more about the 15 Best Family Cars featured in the magazine, go to: http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/car-buying/best-family-cars-2012/.
About Parents:
Parents, published monthly by Meredith Corporation, has been America’s #1 family magazine for more than 85 years. Since its inception in 1926, it has been a trusted source by every generation of parents. Currently, the magazine is a powerful community of nearly 16 million readers devoted to supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive to make the world a better place for our children. Parents can be found online at http://www.parents.com/.
About Edmunds.com, Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/about/)
Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its acclaimed mobile site, Edmunds.com Android App and five-star Edmunds iPhone and iPad apps make car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and on the go. Its automotive enthusiast web site, InsideLine.com, is the most-read car publication of its kind. Its highly regarded mobile site and iPhone app features the wireless Web’s most comprehensive gallery of automotive photos and videos. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on http://www.twitter.com/edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook.

Consumers Don’t Want Social Media In Vehicles: Study

According to consumer research discussed at the Telematics Detroit 2012 Conference, social media platforms such as Facebook and twitter are among the lowest priorities when it comes to in-car connectivity features consumers want in their vehicles.

Rather, vehicle shoppers are interested in “specific applications that make sense when they’re driving,” according to Thilo Koslowoski a noted technology analyst for consultancy firm Gartner.
Such “specific” apps include real-time weather forecasting, traffic conditions and parking availability. According to Koslowoski, the research by Gartner demonstrates that “you have to be careful not to confuse the car with your mobile phone or your laptop.”
The findings might come as news to some automakers, who seem increasingly obsessed about integrating vehicles as much as possible to consumer’s lifestyles, including making them rolling conveyances that allow motorists to stay connected via social media. In fact, Mercedes-Benz offers something mBrace2, which allows the driver to post to their Facebook page, albeit only via voice activation, while on the move. “We believe that telematics will allow people to be both connected and protected at the same time,” declared Sascha Simon. head of M-B USA’s advanced product planning division.
Koslowski, believes that in the future, while “scores of apps can be created,” the emphasis is going to be on those that are “driver specific.”
According to the Gartner research, when it comes to in-vehicle connectivity, around 82 percent of motorists are willing to pay extra for services if they’re deemed useful, such as OnStar, navigation systems, or other safety features; that’s a sizeable jump from just 20 percent in the US a few years ago. He also says that some of the current players in the telematics game will likely not survive in the future.
“I just think some companies will not be in a position to be successful on that on their own, it will require too much of an investment,” Koslowski said during the Detroit conference.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

http://www.cbsquailtycars.com/

Why Google's self-driving car may save lives

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Google's self-driving car got its license this week as the state of Nevada became the first in the nation to license the company's vehicles.
And while a computer-driven car may seem unsettling, the technology represents a potential leap forward in auto safety.

More than 30,000 people are killed each year in crashes despite huge advances in auto safety. The overwhelming majority of those crashes are caused by human-driver error.
Computer driven cars could reduce traffic deaths by a very significant degree, said David Champion, head of auto testing at Consumer Reports, but only if all cars are computer-driven.
"I think if all the cars were self-driving, it would be a benefit," he said. "I think a mixture would be a bit chaotic."
That's because humans are better at predicting the behavior of other humans than computers could ever be, he said.
"When I'm approaching an intersection, I look to see of the other driver is looking at me," said Champion. "If he's looking somewhere else and inching forward, I'm going to lift off the gas."
For the foreseeable future, human "drivers" will continue to bear the ultimate responsibility even in Google' (GOOG, Fortune 500)s self-driving cars. This means you won't be able to lounge in the back seat and check email on your way to work. You'll still have to sit in the driver's seat and pay attention.
Self-driving cars, like Google's, use sensors to watch cars, pedestrians and other obstacles. They combine a number of technologies that are already available on cars today -- including GPS tracking, wheel motion sensors and radar -- with additional technology and sophisticated software that allow the car to read street signs and signals and actually drive itself through traffic.
Google's cars, modified Toyota Priuses, are still in the testing stages and aren't available to the public. But some so-called "driver assistance" technologies are already helping to lower traffic deaths in cars you can buy now.
Electronic Stability Control which uses computers to help drivers maintain control during abrupt maneuvers, has been shown to reduce fatal crashes by as much as a third.

Cars of the future: They're going to be tiny and weird

ESC is now required on all new cars but was first used, on a wide scale, on SUVs. That's why, last year, statistics showed top-heavy SUVs to be less prone to roll over in real-world crashes than regular cars.
Beyond that, there are various other "driver assistance" technologies.
Blind spot alerts warn drivers of cars in adjacent lanes and forward collision alerts sound an alarm when a driver is closing in too quickly on a car ahead.
"We'll start seeing more features that will migrate from just these alerts and warnings to taking a little more control," said John Capp, director of active safety technology at General Motors (GM, Fortune 500).
GM's new Cadillac XTS, for instance, will brake automatically if a driver fails to respond to an imminent collision. Nissan's (NSANY) Infiniti division has a several models that provide slight braking to nudge a vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift out.
Many luxury cars are now also available with "active cruise control" that allows a car driving at highway cruising speeds to automatically maintain a safe following distance behind the car ahead. In some models, these systems can work even in stop-and-go city traffic.
Systems like these could be helpful, said Champion, but also present the possibility of over-reliance or abuse.
"It all comes down to the person behind the wheel using the system," he said.
Sometimes these systems can cause confusion. For instance, some reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota cars were triggered by drivers failing to understand how an "active cruise control" system worked.
With these systems, drivers set the active cruise control to a certain speed. If there's a slower car ahead, the cruise control will automatically slow the vehicle down to maintain a safe distance between the two cars. Once the slower car moves away, active cruise control will accelerate to the higher preset speed. This acceleration can be startling to drivers unfamiliar with the system.
There is at least some evidence, however, that "driver assistance technologies" do work. A recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, an insurance industry group, indicated that the forward collision avoidance system in the Volvo XC60 helped reduced accident claims by 27%. Volvo's system warns the driver of an impending collision and applies the brakes if the driver takes no action.

One technology the Google car doesn't utilize, but which would help make self-driving cars much more effective, Champion said, is vehicle-to-vehicle communication. So called V2V communication uses transmitters to send and receive signals that tell other cars where each car is, where it's headed and how fast it's moving. The devices can also communicate with transmitters along the road.
V2V is already in advanced stages of development by a consortium of automakers and the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

8 Traffic Ticket Tips

What to do if you're pulled over and issued a ticket

These few tips will help you out if you're issued a ticket (Casey Serin, Flickr).

Nobody likes paying for tickets. But if you're a driver, they're a fact of life -- especially at the end of the month or around the holidays when police scramble to fill their quotas. The odds are that as a motorist you're going to have a run-in with the law.

While we don't condone unsafe driving, we do believe that there are ways to make sure a bad day on the road doesn't lead to a bad day for your wallet. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting a ticket. The tips are divided between those you can use on the road when you've been pulled over and those you can use in court--if it gets that far.

On the Road

Be polite

It may be a routine traffic stop to you, but the cop doesn't know how dangerous the situation might be. So, when he pulls you over, keep in mind that he's looking at it as a tense situation. If you're rude, you'll only make it worse and lessen your chances of escaping the ticket. Be polite; roll down your window and turn off your radio. If you smoke, put out the cigarette. All of these things are common courtesy and they all communicate something to the officer: You care enough to give him your undivided attention. Talking on your cell phone or insisting that he hurry up is a surefire way to land yourself a ticket.

Don't talk too much

The more you talk, the more he can use against you in court. That doesn't mean you have to be a mute, but sometimes cops will let you think you're talking your way out of it when they're really just giving you enough rope to hang yourself. Don't let yourself get into a conversation in which you confess to breaking the law so that you may get off with a warning. Once the patrolman has a confession, he or she has what's needed to beat you in court should you contest the ticket.

Don't argue or plead ignorance

The side of the road is no place to argue. Sometimes a cop might try to bait you into an argument (they're human and we all have bad days). But, usually, an argument can be avoided. If you can't get the officer to see things your way by calmly and clearly stating your case, don't keep going. If you do, you will only antagonize him.

As for ignorance, think again. It might work if you're a cute girl, but for most guys, it's just a lame excuse. When you get your license, you agree to abide by the rules of the road, so ignorance just isn't going to fly. Plus, it's a common excuse, which means cops hear it all the time and are less likely to let you off with just a warning.

Ask for a warning

It never hurts to ask for a warning. But don't beg -- that's a sign of weakness. It's also very annoying. When an officer gives you a warning, he's doing you a favor, so try to approach asking for a warning the same way you might ask a friend to help you move. It's a big favor on his part, and you've got to make him want to help you.

In Court

Present a strong case

Presenting a strong case is about knowing the law. While it will help to review the relevant portion of the driver's handbook, the judge doesn't need you to tell him about the law; trust me, he knows it. Instead, focus on making yourself an effective advocate: Be organized, be on time, speak clearly and dress appropriately. All of these things will set you apart from most of the people the judge sees every day, and he'll be more inclined to rule in your favor if you make his job easier.

Accept a plea

If you're looking at multiple charges, ask to plead guilty to the lesser charge in exchange for dismissing the others. You can do this before your proceeding begins. Oftentimes, judges will do this to save time. The benefit to you is that you can save money and points against your insurance. But remember: The plea bargain only benefits you when you're facing many charges.

Use an attorney

If you're facing serious charges that may result in you losing your license, getting heavy fines or jail time, it's worth bringing a lawyer. That should go without saying, but a lot people think they can fly solo because it's traffic court. Wrong: When your license and your freedom are on the line, you need a lawyer. Ask a friend or consult online listings and reviews to find a lawyer who specializes in traffic offenses.

Request a trial by mail

Most jurisdictions let you make your case by mail. The advantages are twofold. First, you can sit down and think out your case without the pressure of being on the spot and facing the arresting officer and the judge. Second, if you lose, you can request a trial in person, which means you get a second bite at the apple.

Getting ticketed

If there is a common denominator to these tips, it's that you need to know how to handle yourself in a difficult situation. While many men know how to handle a tough day at work or a fight with their girlfriends, an encounter with the law can be a bit scary. The best advice is to relax and fall back on what you've learned.

Volvo offering world's first pedestrian airbag

Volvo

Volvo is betting it can also save pedestrian lives with the world's first external airbag.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

By even the most conservative estimates airbags have saved thousands of lives since the auto industry began phasing them into widespread use two decades ago.  And now, Volvo is betting it can also save pedestrian lives with the world’s first external airbag.

The new system is one of the many high-tech safety features being introduced on the Swedish maker’s new V40 wagon, which is itself making its world debut at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The 5-door features – as one might expect of Volvo – a wide range of advanced safety technology, and along with the new airbag system the V40 has Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection technology designed to prevent a collision in the first place.

 

The V40 itself is based on an all-new architecture that is intended to serve as the platform for a wide variety of upcoming Volvo products, including replacements for the current C30 coupe, S40 sedan and even the bigger V50 wagon.

The maker, which has long based its brand image on advanced safety has been working for several years to develop a pedestrian airbag – which it sees as the most effective way to meet Europe’s strict pedestrian impact legislation.  Continental regulators have been pressing automakers to find ways to reduce the results of car-pedestrian collisions which routinely result in about a quarter or more of motor vehicle fatalities.

Other makers have come up with a variety of solutions, mostly passive.  Typically, that has resulted in modest vehicle design changes to allow the hood of a vehicle to crumple slightly to soften the blow when a pedestrian is hit and lands atop the car.  Other makers have explored the idea of using small pyrotechnic igniters to actually raise the hood after an impact to further cushion the blow.

But with the Volvo system sensors rapidly detect a car-pedestrian impact and respond much like what happens in a car-to-car collision.  That triggers the section of the hood closest to the windshield to pop up slightly, a U-shaped airbag emerging from underneath, and forming a cushion around the base and sides of the windshield and A-pillars.

Along with the pedestrian-related technology the new V40 also includes Volvo’s City Safety system, which can activate the V40’s brakes if it sensors detect a low-speed collision with another vehicle is likely.  The system is designed to step in if the driver is distracted.  But the technology purposely applies the brakes rather abruptly to prevent a driver from simply using City Safety to keep them out of trouble while they text or otherwise ignore driving duties.

In keeping with other recent Volvo products, the maker has been trying to show that a safe vehicle doesn’t have to be a boring one.  The wagon is a curvaceously styled alternative to the classic boxy Volvo of decades past.

The overall design emphasized a lower center of gravity to improve handling, meanwhile, and such functional features as rear monotube shocks improve handling, especially under aggressive driving.

At 177.2 inches. nose-to-tail, the V50 is about an inch longer than the current S40 and about eight inches longer than the current Audi A3 Sportback.

Several versions of the Volvo 1.6-liter turbo I-4 are likely to be offered for the V40, along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

International Women’s Day: 10 ways to celebrate

By Maura Judkis

Happy International Women’s Day! In case you missed the Google Doodle, today’s the day to celebrate women’s accomplishments and advocate for gender equality. In some countries, International Women’s Day is an official holiday. Let these celebrations from around the world — whether they involve cupcakes or lipstick or protest — inspire how you commemorate the day.
Turkish women shout slogans during a protest on the International Women's Day in Ankara on, March 8, 2012. (ADEM ALTAN - AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
1. Take the day off.
In countries where the day is a public holiday, workers get the day off to celebrate. Armenia, Burkina Faso, Mongolia and Kazakhstan are a few of the countries that are taking the day off. In some countries, such as China, only women get the day off.
2. Give flowers to women.
Flowers are a symbol of International Women’s Day, and many countries celebrate by decorating with flowers, or giving them to women as presents. In Italy, yellow mimosas are popular. Russians give a variety of flowers, including red roses. In Hanoi, Vietnam, it’s not just boyfriends and husbands giving flowers to the women in their lives, but also bosses and colleagues.
3. Donate money to women’s causes.
In the U.S., micro-lending non-profits such as Kiva are campaigning to remind women to help women around the world by investing in their futures. Kiva.org/women will connect you to women who need loans, and skincare company Dermalogica is sponsoring 4,000 $25 loans for lenders who register today.

The entrance of the Colosseum and the Roman forum were free for women for International Women's Day, with actresses reading texts during a guided tour orientated on the female condition. (ANDREAS SOLARO - AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
4. Protest.
International Women’s Day was born of activism — the holiday was founded in 1910, when a German woman named Clara Zetkinproposed that every country devote a day to the needs and political demands of women. While in many countries, the holiday has taken on the sentimental status of days like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, women around the world use March 8 as an opportunity to fight for political freedom, equal pay and working rights, among other causes. The day was marked by protests in Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Palestine, among other countries.
5. Wear red lipstick.
A marketing agency is encouraging women across America to wear red lipstick in honor of International Women’s Day for the “Rock the Lips” campaign. Style Blog raised some questions yesterday about how effective this would be as an awareness-raiser for the cause of International Women’s Day (and about the agency’s plan to team up with a cosmetics brand) but women who want to celebrate femininity can submit photos of their pouts to the Rock the Lips Tumblr.

A socialist woman activist shouts slogans during a protest against the rising cost of living and violence against women in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking International Women's day. (Gemunu Amarasinghe - AP)
6. Stand on a bridge.
“Join Me on the Bridge” is a campaign for women’s equality that started with Rwandan and Congolese women, who met on a bridge joining their two countries as a demonstration that women could build bridges of peace. This year, women will march on bridges in London, Boston, San Francisco, Toronto and New York for International Women’s Day.

Members of the alternative choir "Gaggle" prepare to take part in a 'Join Me On The Bridge' event on the Millennium Bridge in central London, on March 8, 2012, as they celebrate International Women's Day. (LEON NEAL - AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
7. Check out some art.
In Pakistan, theatrical performances, poetry readings, songs, films and a two-month long visual art show will be a part of the celebration. A friend living in Afghanistan reports that in her village, speeches and songs were performed, and the highlight was a play put on by some teenage boys “encouraging men to be thoughtful when marrying off their daughters.” In Washington D.C., it would be a good day to patronize the National Museum of Women in the Arts, currently featuring an exhibition by French female painters.
8. Eat a cupcake.
Free cupcakes for women at select bars and restaurants in the U.S. and England may seem great, but not all women are too happy about this one. Claire Melamed wrote about cupcake feminism for International Women’s Day: “Cupcakes are just so twee-ly, coyly, ‘ooh no I really shouldn’t'-ly, pink and fluffily, everything that I think feminism is not. It’s feminism-lite, feminism as consumption and ‘me time’ (grr), rather than feminism as power and politics and equal pay.”

Palestinian women hold posters of Hana Shalabi, a Palestinian prisoner jailed in Israel and who has been on hunger strike for 22 days to protest against the Israeli administrative detention, during a rally marking International Women's Day. (Adel Hana - AP)
9. Defeat sexual harassment.
British Prime Minister David Cameron signed a Council of Europe convention promising necessary legislative measures” against anyone committing “verbal, non-verbal or physical sexual harassment” in honor of International Women’ Day, Yahoo reports. The bill means that women can walk to work without having to worry about street harassment, which could range from stalking to wolf-whistling.
10. Look back — and forward.
We’ve come a long way since the first International Women’s Day more than 100 years ago, when women in America did not yet have the right to vote. But events of the last few weeks — as politics and women’s concerns about reproductive health have collided in the Virginia statehouse,on the campaign trail and among media personalities, such as Rush Limbaugh, who caused outrage with his remarks disparaging Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke — prove that there is still work to be done. That’s just in America. Around the world, women’s needs are even greater. International Women’s Day will show you how to help.