An ITS-Park Deployment Model - A GM/Toyota Scenario

 

It’s the summer of 2017. GM and Toyota launch a joint world ITS-Park introduction program. They launch sales of smartcars with an ITS-Park option in ten cities around the world – in the U.S., Japan, Europe and China. The two companies have a recent historical linkage, beginning in 1984, of cooperation in a joint manufacturing program called NUMMI in Fremont, California. They have now chosen to renew that cooperation as the fastest way to launch ITS-Park option sales around the world.

Lexus/Toyota and Opel/GM dealers are selling Lexus, Camry, Cadillac, Opel and Buick smartcar models equipped with ITS-Park. Each dealer has set aside a special section of his surface parking lot as an ITS-Park area. Potential customers are able to come to the dealers and drive one of those smartcar models to the ITS-Park section; exit the car;  watch the car drive unattended into the parking area; park in an empty space; remain there for two minutes or so; back out and return to the originating point; and go through the whole routine over again. Needless to say, this running demonstration program has become a big attraction, not only for prospective car buyers, but for the general population throughout each city.

But what good is that ITS-Park option if there’s no place to use it? Participating dealers have simultaneously launched a large number of application programs across each city. Restaurants, shopping centers and sports stadiums have been subsidized to set aside their own ITS-Park areas. Each area is re-striped to narrower space sizes; fenced off for exclusive ITS-Park use; and tied into remote reservation services. As part of the promotion effort, purchasers of the ITS-Park option are given free restaurant dinners, reduced cost and/or free game tickets to sporting events and entered in lucrative shopping drawings at the involved shopping malls. Again, restaurant patrons, shopping center visitors, and  sports game attendees, along with the general public, stand mesmerized for long periods, as they watch drivers arrive, get out of their smartcar and see the car park itself.

In addition, the two companies have contracted with private parking garage operators to have an ITS-Park facility constructed in a high visibility area in each participating city. Patrons who purchase a car with the ITS-Park option are given free parking for the next year at that garage. The promotional parking lots and garages all operate using an ITS-Park standard for smartcars, approved by ITS America two years previous.

The GM/Toyota introduction program is a resounding success, garnering extensive world press and Internet coverage, including many personal interviews with satisfied car owners. The companies sell a combined total of over 50,000 ITS-Park equipped smartcars besides experiencing increases in sales of other non-equipped cars. The launch effort is reported on as one of the fastest worldwide introductions of a new car option ever. The program is planned to continue for another four years, opening in ten more cities each year. In addition, other car manufacturers plan to begin introducing their cars with the ITS-Park option; and garage operators are lining up locations, and working with city planners, to build ITS-Park garages to deal with the rapidly growing demand. Projections indicate that well over one million ITS-Park equipped smartcars will be on the road, and using newly built ITS-Park facilities, at the end of the five year introduction period

itsparker

[Via http://carswilldisappear.wordpress.com]

What happened to Barefoot Jay???

Howdy all,

I have been on one of the biggest adventures life could throw at a man. Not climbing Everest or running barefoot around the globe…..parenting!  Yup that’s the adventure and if you are a parent you will understand and if your not, well, you may think you understand. Let me tell you life can grab you by the feet and shake you upside down twirl you around and leave you dizzy for days and that would be a good starting point for a new parent. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining one bit because I love my new son with every drop of energy I have and that leaves little for training and writing about it right now.

My runs have been on the light side lately and that’s ok for the barefoot running because running bare in this cold wet stuff it just kinda sucks. I have been using either flats or five fingers when out and I have found a huge change in my running form. Good change from where I was when this whole thing started. Barefoot has been a great teacher and I will be doing some indoor barefoot soon. I have been skiing as much as allows and my friends ask if I do that barefoot too. No, not yet but you can never rule things out!  With the sleepless nights and the  struggle to develop a balance during these times I take what I can get and keep in mind life is what it is and having fun is the number one goal. The road will never be the same and neither will I and accepting that is a challenge. Putting some of my activities second has been difficult while the decision is quite easy. I wait patiently for the day when I share all this with my son, barefoot!

I welcome any calls about barefoot running as I have much to pass along to others who seek this style of training. You can find me at Michael’s Toyota of Bellevue where I work as a sales consultant my cell is 425-283-9227.  I can’t sell cars barefoot the management just can’t wrap their mind around the whole idea at this point!  Bare soles feed the soul and I look forward to seeing yours soon.  Jay

[Via http://barefootjay.wordpress.com]

strobism phase two

More strobing tonight. Getting lots of progress on how I like to light stuff. Still working on getting rid of the parking structure lines. I really hate seeing those, maybe if I used umbrellas, it might get rid of that issue. Anyways new cars, new shoot. Enjoy the pictures.

[Via http://timscribbles.com]

Toyota to recall 1.8 million cars in Europe

Japanese carmaker Toyota, the world’s largest, is to recall some 1.8 million vehicles in Europe in a bid to fix a potentially lethal accelerator fault, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Europe said Friday.

The fault involves the accelerator pedal becoming lodged underneath the floor mat.

Toyota Motor Europe sold some 882,350 vehicles across the continent in 2009.

On Thursday, Toyota Motor Sales USA said it would repair an additional 1.09 million vehicles to address the same fault.

The move will expand the Japanese carmaker’s already largest-ever US recall from November to 5.35 million vehicles, which could erode Toyota’s reputation for quality.

[Via http://gelaxraj.wordpress.com]

Elkhart, Ind.

A funny thing happened in north-central Indiana on Wednesday.

The humble town of Elkhart was mentioned in not one but two national news stories – possibly by chance, but the conspiracy theorist inside me loves to think otherwise.

As news broke yesterday regarding Toyota’s decision to recall and suspend sales of eight popular models due to an apparent accelleration pedal defect, corporate representatives were quick to point the finger at the company’s supplier of pedal parts – CTS Corp. of – you guessed it – Elkhart, Ind.

Later that night, President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address, which last a whopping hour and a half. Within the first minute, guess which town received a mention? Noneother than Elkhart, Ind.

“So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They’re not new. These struggles are the reason I ran for president. These struggles are what I’ve witnessed for years in places like Elkhart, Ind., and Galesburg, Ill. I hear about them in the letters that I read each night. The toughest to read are those written by children asking why they have to move from their home, or when their mom or dad will be able to go back to work.”

I’ll let everyone else take the time to break down Obama’s speech line-by-line: In short, I thought it was like most State of the Union deliveries: long on pomp and pageantry, short on substance (did he mention what and where – exactly – we’d be exporting to reduce the trade deficit?)

I’ve searched everywhere online and have not seen anyone else post anything related to the connection between Elkhart the hub of a disgraced Toyota parts supplied
and Elkhart the town the president mentioned in his address.

In my mind’s eye I can see a harried speech writer sprinting down the hallway of the West Wing…

Mr. President, Mr. President – did you see what’s happening in Elkhart, Ind. today? We really should cross (insert name of other bland midwestern town located in a swing state) off the list in your speech tonight and you should give a short out to Elkhart instead!

Nothing like a good psuedo-conspiracy story to energize an otherwise boring Thursday.

I’ll leave you with this moving tribute to Indiana performed by The Samples, who clearly couldn’t get back to Colorado fast enough after coming up with this tripe.

[Via http://evanlips.wordpress.com]

Toyota recall list:

According to Toyota, production of eight models at six North American assembly plants will be stoped for the week of Feb. 1.  The models represented 57 percent of Toyota’s 2009 US sales, according to the Wall Street Journal which represets some of America’s best-selling models( Camry and Corolla). 

Toyota Cars have the problemsto (to be recalled or subject to a sales suspension):

• RAV4 (2009-10 models)

• Corolla (2009-10)

• Camry (2007-10)

• Matrix hatchback (2009-10)

• Avalon large sedan (2005-10)

• Highlander crossover (2010)

• Tundra pickup (2007-10)

• Sequoia large SUV (2008-10) 

The reason for recall is due to problems with gas pedal mechanisms that may cause the accelerator to get stuck, triggering sudden acceleration.  Toyota is considering a recall of 2 million cars in Europe, as well.

Photos are excerpt from google images

[Via http://fyi09.wordpress.com]

Another Killer Hawaii Cressida

I wanted to try and pick up a set of Work Equip 03’s on a local forum but they were sold before I could snatch them up.  A couple of days of moping around passed, thinking of the rims that could have been when I get a Facebook message.  Turns out my homie Lokahi (Kahi for short), beat me to the sale.  At least they’re in good hands!

[Via http://kyushakai.wordpress.com]

Between Distorted Truth And Structured/Hidden Lies

There’s a song that is quite interesting to me: “Like Light To The Flies” by Trivium. The song was written and recorded when Matthew Kiichi Heafy, vocalist and guitarist of Trivium, was only 19 years old. If you notice his name, he is Japanese, something that’s quite rare to be in an American heavy metal band.

The Song

“Like Light To The Flies” – Trivium

Behold our beloved revels
In tragedy (in tragedy)
Self-denying avarice for bloodshed
Behold hypocrite

Those who run will be burned (4x)

Devoutly wished for blinded eyes
This tragedy’s like light to flies

This seems to suit you better
Bleeding out the eyes
Hope’s left in chain suspension
Holding onto lies, to make the truth

The Meaning

“This song is about people’s attraction to all forms of tragedy. It seems like everywhere you turn to today (e.g., television, newspaper, magazine, movies, etc.) it’s all about murder, violence, war, cruelty- and it’s because this is what sells; people are totally captivated by subjects in this vein. We are the flies.” – Matt Heafy (vocalist and guitarist of Trivium)

And so he says. The medias we look up to are mostly filled with those tragedies, and it does sell. Of course there are some good news but its nothing compared to the numerous negative news that pile up. And so Matt Heafy says again, we are the flies, attracted to light.

The Reality

Turn on the TV. All sorts of tragedies, real and fake. Starting from the news of violence to negative dramas. Read newspapers. The headline would probably show some negative news, and so would most of the content. Basically, the worst would be infotainment that conquers most of the daily shows on television. They use gossips as spices to heat up the information provided for viewers. Ironically, many still thirsts for those negativity although the contents of these medias would show quite the same things everyday, and some might just be another words of deceit.

But sometimes the real can be fake. Sometimes they discuss useless things just to show something or just to prove they’re not out of ideas. Take an example on recent news, the Indonesian ministers’ new official cars, Toyota Crown Royal Saloon. When the rumors first appeared, the car was said to cost as much as Rp 1.8 billion (US$200 million). But then as time goes by, that information proved to be wrong. The price for one Toyota Crown Royal Saloon in Japan is Rp 452 million-Rp 584 million (US$48.000-62.000). With shipment of Rp 9 million (US$1000) and taxes, the car is expected to cost somewhere around Rp 800 million (US$88.000). Compared to their old car, Toyota Camry, was around Rp 600.000 ($66.000) which means the difference is just Rp 200 million (US$22.000). In other words, what’s the problem with that? They’re not wrong to replace the Toyota Camry that has been used for 5 years, and the ministers aren’t the ones to blame for the car replacement in the first place. This proved to be one of many insignificant news that shows how unintelligent these news providers may be. They probably have nothing to do besides blaming, pointing fingers without any valid information.

Even the fakes aren’t any better. There are ‘reality’ shows that are very unrealistic, showing more of those ‘tragedies’ mentioned above. And again with the dramas (sinetron) are full of insignificant stories and plot, just full of hatred and violence. These shows are logically proven to be of no use in anyone’s life. Just another waste of time.

Stories of how successful Indonesia has been in the eyes of the world aren’t of any of their interests. Both the media providers and viewers thirsts for negativity, and tend to just blame while pointing fingers without looking on the bright side. Their pessimism blinds them from seeing the positive sides, and they don’t take any significant actions to make a difference.

Most of these medias nowadays doesn’t realize the importance of showing positive news, instead seeing this whole mass media as a business, profit oriented at max, no more no less. I’m not saying don’t bother turn to them for information. It’s just that we have to be careful when viewing them, we have to filter them out so we aren’t trapped in a circle of stupidity because of some distorted truth or structured/hidden lies.

[Via http://edwinpohan.wordpress.com]

Toyota Corolla for the money to buy a Porsche Boxster

I remember when I first saw the Porsche Boxster. This is my way home from the office, weekday evenings. When I stopped at a red light before the headlights, I dropped the car is no longer in front of me. Metallic silver, the perfect ratio, I immediately recognized his magazine. Into a green light, I launch Windows, as it pulled away when he heard the engine sound. Oh, Porsche! So unique, so special. Ever since that night 10 years ago, thereSold hundreds of thousands of Boxster, whether in normal or cross-S and they are not difficult to find for sale. Quick scan, through eBay, a few early Boxster price of 12,000 yuan for any from just over $ 20,000, according to models, revealing the car's condition. The same applies, by clicking on the automated trading found a better deal, and are often in the inspection car auctions, because the car auctions.com government website auctions.org found or discovered. This is certainly not difficult to findIn each case a good example of online sales. As such, it is very easy decision, it was time, so long as their own.

So, what to see the search for the Boxster? I'm glad you asked. I have to find a suitable candidate, and I know a few things of the Boxster's way, particularly the 1997-1999 version, I will share with you here. I think you know what to buy second-hand car or two, but the German car, IThink that this is the best technical staff, the investigation may need to purchase, if you feel very satisfied with your shopping cart familiar. I only do this seriously when I first checked the car, I am pleased to think so, because these checks are free. The list is a "first inspection, to maintain the list. And then immediately seek here a few things.

The first thing people is that when you do pop-up second-hand car hood. Well, friends, is theBoxster series, as well as under the hood you will find a spare tire. Best not to let other people see, rather than a spare engine suddenly take action to ensure the seller that you are a rookie. So, even though a simple check to the tire, and then move on, the engine is actually located. Said that the engine is installed the middle of the ship, and through an access panel in the trunk of a lot of maintenance. Pop the trunk, open the roof and signs of coolant leak checks. On the cooling systemBoxster series, especially the former, is quite complex, and very easy to leak, if not properly maintained.

Please check the engine oil leakage. It is very difficult to see all of the engines, however, you may have to crawl under. Many of the early replacement of engine oil seepage problem under the warranty, but all of the early 2.5-liter engine easily in the rear main seal leak (ie, not sports car, just check my garage floor), and some other points. Little oilLeakage is not necessarily deal killers, but what you want to happen under any circumstances take a look at service records.

Manual transmission is not sound too good abuse, especially in the maintenance of the debtor does not meet, or if there a lot of mileage car. Note that the transfer of operations, if the rough, then I would transition to the next candidate, due to the transfer of repair or replacement of up to several thousand dollars. Ah!Porsche!

Validation of the best works. This is an area of age / mileage of vehicles will play a factor. I have found that a higher mileage, better opportunities for the least perfect, as it was. The car is dead sexy with the top down, it may be shown for your car. It is just everywhere fatal attractive flowers and top-down test drive. If you are serious about the car open and close the top of the severalTimes, and all heard a popping or knocking at the door. When the prompt is not working well, then you need at least a better price negotiations. Replace like all other, from Stuttgart, expensive.

Check the exhaust pipe around the rear bumper. Can be installed in the car after-market exhaust system, rear bumper has some distortion due to the tight space.

Finally an idea. '97 – '99 Boxster are 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine. In 2000, displacement has been pushed upTo 2.7 liters, an increase of horsepower 16hp. There are two significant differences, at least for me. But there are also obvious differences in price, that is, not to mention the S versions of each. If you have money, Boxster Corolla, they persist in '97 – '99 years ago, so that your potential buyers to sign the book before they are inspected by a professional. Have fun shopping and happy driving!

[Via http://scooterrepairmanual.wordpress.com]

Cooler Corolla?

These cars seem to be overshadowed massively by the AE86 and  I can’t help but think it’s a massive shame.  I’ve been keeping my eye out for one, but they always seem to be autos that come up for sale.  Anyway, awesome looking cars with all the right bits: Engine in the front, power to the rear.

[Via http://racer86.com]

The Thai MR2 Scene!

On MR2OC.com Pun1208 posted up a bunch of pics of MR2’s from Thailand.
These cars are amazing, some of the nicest & uniquest Deuces I’ve ever seen.
It’s hard to believe some of these cars are almost 20 years old.
Without further stalling…. Here are THE PICS! all 50 of them!

Hope you enjoyed the pics as much as I did.

[Via http://digitaladdict.wordpress.com]