from www.AutoRemarketing.com

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford officials happily shared this week that the 2011 Fiesta was named a 2010 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The automaker now has had eight vehicles receive this designation, the most for any manufacturer, according to officials. Before this week's announcement, Ford had been tied with Toyota for most units hailed by IIHS.

Along with establishing a new industry high, Ford also pointed out the Fiesta is the first mini-car to receive this accolade since the institute introduced a new roof strength test.

OEM officials explained how the Fiesta did so well in IIHS' analysis. They contend the Fiesta's energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. The safety rating is thanks in large part to the extensive use of high-strength steels, Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture and advanced airbag technologies.

Ford also emphasized the Fiesta features the most standard airbags in its segment, as well as standard electronic stability control — a required feature for Top Safety Pick eligibility.

"Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety, and earning a Top Safety Pick further demonstrates Ford's commitment to providing all of our customers with world-class crash protection," stated Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering.

"Fiesta combines rigidity and more airbags — smartly deployed — than its competition, as well as standard stability control," Cischke added.

Ever so subtly and with no fanfare or warning, the horn – the automobile drivers’ ability to sound itself—is disappearing. Well not entirely, yet. Nonetheless, I am so disturbed by what is transpiring in the industry with the iconic horn, I am getting dramatic.

The horn is now placed, still, as it always was, on the steering wheel. But its size is reduced by enormous real estate and its’ form is no longer recognizable.  Now, I need my ‘readers’ to locate the horn, for goodness sake. What happened? As technology, design and connectivity advance in our industry, what, pray tell, has happened to the horn?

The turn signal remains as loud as ever. The headlights are still, if not more, annoyingly glaring, yet the mighty horn on many new models is all but transformed into something entirely unknown to most new car buyers. On the Cadillac, it’s the size of an oval thumb strategically placed in symmetrical positions. Truth be told, that’s a child's thumb size. Or, take Land Rover who on the 2010 Sport has the horn looking like two brilliantly positioned cylinders, likened to the size of Virginia Slims -- for those of you that remember and may have had an inhale or two. And, to remind you that the horn is on the Range Rover Sport, they not only protrude from the steering wheel, but are bright and shiny to help you see them, when needed.

As with both forementioned brands, do we now market these vehicle as having multiple horns? Instead of just one, there are two? “Bonus horn, now available on the latest model”, says your friendly salesperson.

What is this all about? When did the horn as we know it begin to go the way of the Dodo bird?

Horns have been a driver’s form of auto expression since they were first used in the 19th century. Drivers use their horn to express skatalogical emotions and frustrated feelings aimed at fellow road-mates, some to gently prod, many use as warning signals, and there are many who use  to communicate  a ‘thanks’ . Others, still, use the two-signal bump for the proverbial ‘goodbye’. No matter the reason, horns are a form of safety, assurance and expression that we have been our entire driving life. 

Now, with safety being paramount – which I am not adverse to – there are more airbags, wiring, and frankly, intel, in the steering wheel. The effect of this, as my expert auto-pal George tells me, is it simply costs too much to get past the horn if the air bag deploys in newer cars. So, to keep service costs manageable (i.e. down),  technicians, engineering and design collectively are working to downsize the horn as we know it. These exceptionally smart people clearly aren’t looking at the marketing opportunities of the horn in the same manner as the creative writers for Saturday Night Live are.

I, too, will concede and learn how to work these minute noise-makers. But, only after I have had my say and clearly, under duress.

IRVINE, Calif. — So students are fully prepared to go back to school, Kelley Blue Book went beyond pens, books and laptops to create its 2010 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars.

The choices include a mix of both used and new vehicles that are "fun, economical, versatile and reliable." Topping this Kbb.com chart was the 2006 Honda Civic, followed by a new unit, the much-publicized 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Ford and Honda were the only two brands to have more than one vehicle on this particular back-to-school list, which was split evenly between used and new units.

In making their selections, Kbb.com editors kept key financial criteria in mind, considering all new vehicles with an MSRP below $18,000. For the used vehicles on the list, the editors narrowed it down to 2005 model-year and newer vehicles, with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000.

"Choosing the right kind of car can be a difficult process, especially when parents and their children are at odds with what they need versus what they want in a set of wheels," Kbb.com analysts explained.

"While features such as reliability, safety, affordability and practicality are important to any parent, how quickly their car accelerates, how tech-savvy it is and how cool it looks when cruising to the school football game are often bigger concerns for students," they continued.

That reasoning is why the list ranges from the 2011 Chevrolet Cruz to a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria.

Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com, offered a deeper look into how this back-to-school list was assembled.

"This year's all-new car entries, like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Fiesta, offer advanced technological features and forward-looking designs to engage any student with price points that won't disappoint parents," Nerad highlighted.

"There also are mainstays like the Mazda3 and Honda Civic, which seem to make our Back-to-School list year after year," he continued.

"With so many well-equipped new cars and bargain-priced used cars on the market, we'd argue that this may be the best year yet to find a ride that will please both parents and students," Nerad added.

Kbb.com editors offered commentary about each of the vehicles they chose:

2006 Honda Civic

"Economics 101: A used Honda Civic is the smartest car purchase you can make," Kbb.com declared. "The used car we recommend most often isn't just affordable, reliable, fuel efficient and resale resilient; we also like the way it looks and drives. If you're looking to kick off the new school year with a solid ‘A' grade, buy a used Civic."

2011 Ford Fiesta

"So-called B-class cars have dominated Europe for years, but only recently — thanks to rising gas prices and stiffer environmental standards — did Ford decided to bring their tiny Fiesta sub-compact stateside," site analysts determined. "With highway fuel economy up to 40 mpg, standard stability control, up-level options like heated leather seats and push-button engine start, plus a starting price around $14,000, we think the high-style 2011 Ford Fiesta was worth the wait."

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

"Like most homecoming court nominees, the Mazda3 is one well-rounded package," Kbb.com pointed out. "Combining fun driving dynamics, 33 mpg highway fuel economy, six airbags and a distinctive look that stands out in a crowded campus parking lot, this car gets good marks in just about every subject we could possibly grade it in. With such high praise, it's no surprise that the Mazda3 has been a recurring guest on our list of best back-to-school cars for several years running."

2008 Pontiac Vibe

"If going back to school this fall means a return to numerous extracurricular activities, the versatile Pontiac Vibe is a practical choice for around-town transportation," site analysts believe. "This compact, fuel-efficient wagon sports an easily cleaned hard plastic floor and rear track tie-downs, giving you the flexibility to haul anything from sports equipment to band gear in an orderly fashion to and from campus."

2010 Honda Fit

"The over-achieving Honda Fit majors in affordability and double-minors in flexibility and fun," Kbb.com indicated. "Available for under $16,000, the Honda Fit offers an acrobatic rear seat that delivers extreme cargo versatility, plus lively handling that can take everything you can squeeze out of the 117-horsepower engine. There's even a Fit Sport that offers a stiffer suspension and paddle shifters (or a five-speed manual)."

2005 Saab 9-2X

"Underneath its Saab-specific body panels, the Saab 9-2X is all but identical to the Subaru Impreza of the same year, sharing the Subaru's all-wheel-drive confidence and wagon practicality," analysts explained. "Most buyers would be just as happy with Subaru's version, but those who opt for the Saab 9-2X can enjoy the vague sense of prestige that accompanies a Saab badge. As a bonus, being one of the few Saab drivers on campus is worth at least five cool guy/girl points."

2010 Kia Soul

"The Kia Soul's dramatically upright styling disguises the fact that it is much larger than you might guess, and that added size is a good thing," the site asserted. "It offers a commodious interior for fellow classmates and/or dorm furnishings, while featuring a dramatic, not-you-father's-Oldsmobile vibe inside and out. Add iPod, push the hamster out of the driver's seat and go on with your life."

2006 Ford Crown Victoria

"Now the continuing student can enjoy the same comfort, interior space and reliability that taxicab companies and police agencies have long favored," site analysts declared. "The Crown Vic offers ample seating for six and a trunk deep enough to swallow more possessions than the typical student owns. Fuel economy is better than you might figure, and when it comes to the safety of your favorite scholar, size does matter. To be sure, this is an option strictly for those who dare to be different."

2008 Suzuki SX4 Hatchback

"The Suzuki SX4 is the most affordable all-wheel drive car in America and includes a generous seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that transfers to subsequent owners," Kbb.com noted. "Combined with hatchback versatility and a stylish interior, the Suzuki SX4 is a multitalented car that delivers a measure of new-car confidence at a used-car price."

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

"The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze further redefines the compact sedan as more than just a starter car," site analysts determined. "The Cruze is big-sedan quiet, boasts one of the category's nicest interiors and comes with turn-by-turn navigation via OnStar. Add in a sporty but comfortable ride, room for five and folding rear seats for those times when you need to move the larger things in your life, and the Chevy Cruze could easily see you through school and into your first job in style."

From BBC.com

A Swedish motorist caught driving at 290km/h (180mph) in Switzerland could be given a world-record speeding fine of SFr1.08m ($1m; £656,000), prosecutors say.

The 37-year-old, who has not been named, was clocked driving his Mercedes sports car at 170km/h over the limit. The vehicle is the SLS AGH and is clocked at 317 km/h.

Under Swiss law, the level of fine is determined by the wealth of the driver and the speed recorded.

In January, a Swiss driver was fined $290,000 - the current world record.

Local police spokesman Benoit Dumas said of the latest case that "nothing can justify a speed of 290km/h".

"It is not controllable. It must have taken 500m to stop," he said.

The Swede's car - a Mercedes SLS AMG - has been impounded and in principle he could be forced to pay a daily fine of SFr3,600 for 300 days.

Do income-based fines improve road safety?