FOX Wheels

  Some cool new tech is coming to our cars that keeps our eyes off cell phones and other distractions, and the latest auto recall is giving some drivers the creeps. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso has the details in “Fox Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. General Motors wants us to keep our eyes on the road and insiders tell us the company has apparent plans for eye and head tracking technology in cars and trucks that’ll soon tell when we’re distracted. (Gastelu) “It can even set off an alarm to wake you up – or even, you know, initiate some of these autonomous self driving systems.” Like self breaking and includes facial recognition that foxnews.com auto editor Gary Gastelu says would keep our hands on the wheel. (Gastelu) “Just look at something on the dash — ‘Oh, I want more air conditioning’ — just look at that real quick and it will turn the air conditioning on.” And a system that wouldn’t allow people who your car doesn’t recognize, to drive it. Ford’s been working on a similar system that would take a picture of any unidentified driver in your car and send the potential thief’s mug right to your cell phone. ———- Spiders have forced the recall of almost 20,000 Suzuki Kizashi’s. Spider webs are clogging the car’s fuel vapor vent. Mazda’s had two similar recalls since 2011. Apparently the smell of gasoline attracts creepy crawlys. That’s FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

Safely returning home on your labor day weekend, you’ll have lot’s of company, and preventing what auto experts call recall fatigue. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso reports in this edition of “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. More people have gotten away this Labor Day then any year since 1998. (Hunter) “35 million are traveling — 29.7 million will be traveling by car.” Heather Hunter with AAA says more people are getting behind the wheel in part because it’s cheaper, but also a reminder before you head home… (Hunter) “Ensure that all your precious cargo is safe and properly restrained in the vehicle.” Check your oil, other fluids, and tire pressure too. And here’s a tip with tires… Experts say if you keep them properly inflated at all times that you could save up to 11-cents per gallon if you fuel up once a week. After scores of vehicle recalls this year, it’s tough to keep track and easy to begin tuning out of recall news. That’s why the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has launched a new website that allows us to check the recall status of our cars trucks and SUVs. All you need is your vehicle’s vin number and this website: Safercar.gov. That’s FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

The federal government wants future cars to talk to each other, and Jeeps on steroids. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso with the latest FOX Wheels.  It’s FOX Wheels. The federal government wants to require that cars and trucks of the future will talk. (KITT from Knight Rider) “Michael can I be of assistance?” Not like KITT, but vehicles that talk to each other with technology that enables them to warn each other of potential danger, in time to avoid collisions, that experts say could prevent thousands of intersection crashes each year, saving lives. ————- Jeep hasn’t come out with a truck since the 1980’s and one company, American Expedition Vehicles is expanding on Jeeps’ platform, with the Brute Double Cab; essentially – a modified Jeep Wrangle. (Feldermann) “But, it’s a much bigger vehicle – and obviously, way more capable.” AEV’s Matt Feldermann. (Feldermann) “The flexibility and the cargo carrying capacity of a pick-up truck. So, it gives you the best of both worlds.” It’ll cost ya about around 90-grand. The company committed to using mostly American made parts. AEV’s also due out with a conversion of the Ram Truck next year. That’s FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

The next big commuter car could have two seats and get a whole lot more miles per gallon than you’re used to, and what not to do if you own a high-powered gas guzzling sports car. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso has the latest FOX Wheels. It’s FOX Wheels.  Elio Motors wants to revolutionize American roads with it’s tiny, three wheeled car that Elio says gets 84 miles per gallon, with a starting price of 68 hundred bucks. The Phoenix based company starts marketing the cars next fall. More than 27 thousand have already been reserved.  A red Ferrari set a record last week as the most expensive car ever sold at auction.  The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta, reportedly one of only 39 made, sold in California for over 38 million dollars. If you own a 100 thousand dollar Maserati, one would think you’ve got plenty of attention.  But, cops in suburban Boston arrested a man who painted his luxury Italian ride, black and white – with police like shields on the doors and related decals. The driver tells police he wasn’t impersonating an officer, but actually helping them out -thinking that when drivers noticed him, they’d slow down. That’s FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso, FOX News Radio.  Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

More recalls for GM, and a quick reminder when buying a new ride. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso reports with our weekly look at things with wheels. It’s FOX Wheels.  Another recall from GM. This time, it’s the power window switch that could result in a fire, affecting 190,000 SUV’s with the model year 2006 and 2007. GM says the necessary parts to fix the problem won’t be ready until fall, telling customers to park their vehicles outside. ————- You buying a new ride? Here’s a tip. (Bell) “You as the consumer are in charge of the transaction.” Don’t get emotionally attached to a car and do not be afraid to walk away when something’s not right, says GM Consumer Affairs Chief James Bell; after the state of New Jersey filed suit against a Garden State auto group alleging it deceived customers by not disclosing vehicle histories and allegedly advertising vehicles they didn’t have. (Bell) “If you are going in to see a certain vehicle and it’s not there, go find it somewhere else.” And, use the Internet, where a history report is just a click away. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso, FOX News Radio. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels    

GM is ready to pay on faulty ignition switch claims, and a car smell test. FOX News Radio’s Jeff Monosso with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. The claims process is now underway for those hurt or injured in GM ignition switch crashes. The company says at least 13 people died. Attorneys for victims and their families say that number is higher and GM-hired compensation attorney Ken Feinberg says the program is open to… (Feinberg) “Driver, passenger, pedestrian, occupant of another vehicle where the airbag might have deployed.” But the airbags must not have deployed in the recalled GM vehicle and taking the money means agreeing not to sue GM. ————- Ford and ScentAir have come up with the top seven aromas for a more enjoyable drive. There’s mahogany… (Mazie) “You get a sense of empowerment.” Dan Mazie with Ford tells FOX News Radio basil may help you unwind on that long road trip and mint perk you up on the morning drive. Vanilla, sandalwood, summer grass and fig are also on the list. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jeff Monosso, FOX News Radio. Follow Jeff on Twitter: @JeffMonosso CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

Aluminum – it isn’t your brother’s tin can, and clearing the junk in the trunk. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. By 2025, 7 out of 10 new pickup trucks sold in the U.S. will be aluminum bodied, according to a survey of major automakers by research firm Drucker Worldwide. Randall Scheps with the Aluminum Association says the lighter material means improved fuel economy and… (Scheps) “Aluminum is used in fighter jets, large commercial airliners and it has quite a lot of defense industry uses as well.” ———— Joe Hinrichs with Ford says their aluminum F-150 pickup is on target for an end-of-the-year release. (Hinrichs) “The testing of the truck has gone extremely well.” Chrysler’s CEO is not planning an aluminum truck but watching his competitor. Hinrichs with Ford says… (Hinrichs) “Leaders lead and we want to continue to lead in both fuel efficiency and capability on that truck.” ———— Summer road trip finally arrived? James Bell with GM says pulling out the unneeded books, tools and winter items out of the trunk could save you money at the pump… (Bell) “That’s extra weight you’re carting around which is obviously going to impact how much energy is needed to drive the vehicle.” And Bell says it could impact agility. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

Crooks are finding new ways to make used cars look like they aren’t “too” used, a four-wheeled fast cat. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. Ryann Wait wanted a low mileage car and bought a used PT Cruiser… (Wait) “The radiator went out, the heat and the air didn’t work. It all adds up to almost $1,900.” The 100,000 miles she thought she had was almost double that. Minnesota State Police Lt. Ryan Carrol says scammers are finding gadgets to reprogram electronic odometers – or – they’re putting entire low mileage control panels in cars with high miles. (Carrol) “It’s as simple as doing an internet search to find the right one and then having it shipped to wherever you’d like it.” Protect yourself by doing your own car history check and having your own mechanic inspect the vehicle. ————- Dodge says it has the most powerful muscle car – ever – coming out this fall. The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat has 707 horsepower. No word yet on price. ————- Is it “porsh” Or “porsh-uh”? Here’s how they promote one of their products… (Commercial) “The new Porsche 911 Targa.” Steve Shannon says, for those who aren’t sure how to say his company’s name… (Shannon) “It’s Hyundai like Sunday.” With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

Evasive driving can be a good thing. Plus, give your bike a boost and cut the sweat when going uphill. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. Larry Yatch with a Minneapolis-area company called “Sealed Mindset” teaches drivers how to avoid everything from carjackings to deer. In a decision-making drill on a closed course, the former Navy Seal holds a piece of cardboard in front of the driver’s face… (Yatch) “It’s your job to miss the targets without hitting the brake.” He says the trick is to look at the open space — not the target… (Yatch) “Our hands will automatically put the car where we’re looking.” When it comes to keeping someone from hurting you, say, in a carjacking… (Yatch) “You’ve been conditioned your entire life not to damage the car. It won’t be natural for you to ram their car out of the way.” Yatch will teach you how to do it the right way… The evasive driving course is a six-hour commitment. —————- What if you could build up energy while biking on flat surfaces and have that energy kick in when you’re going uphill? MIT researchers say you can do it with their “Copenhagen Wheel”. For about $800, the red device on the back tire of your bike turns it into an electric hybrid. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

(AP File Photo) Evasive driving can be a good thing. Plus, give your bike a boost and cut the sweat when going uphill. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: Download audio file (FOXWHEELS_071114.mp3) It’s FOX Wheels. Larry Yatch with a Minneapolis-area company called “Sealed Mindset” teaches drivers how to avoid everything from carjackings to deer. In a decision-making drill on a closed course, the former Navy Seal holds a piece of cardboard in front of the driver’s face… (Yatch) “It’s your job to miss the targets without hitting the brake.” He says the trick is to look at the open space — not the target… (Yatch) “Our hands will automatically put the car where we’re looking.” When it comes to keeping someone from hurting you, say, in a carjacking… (Yatch) “You’ve been conditioned your entire life not to damage the car. It won’t be natural for you to ram their car out of the way.” Yatch will teach you how to do it the right way… The evasive driving course is a six-hour commitment. —————- What if you could build up energy while biking on flat surfaces and have that energy kick in when you’re going uphill? MIT researchers say you can do it with their “Copenhagen Wheel”. For about $800, the red device on the back tire of your bike turns it into an electric hybrid. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

What exactly is American when it comes to 4-wheels? FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. When you think red, white and blue and muscle on wheels — you probably think truck. The F-150 pickup truck tops this year’s cars.com’s “Most American-Made” vehicles list. They look for… (Olsen) “The percentage of domestic parts in a car. To make our list, a car or truck has to be at least 75% domestic. Secondly, we look at the point of assembly. It has to be in the United States.” So the F-150 is tops, but Toyota and Honda in 2nd through 6th place? Patrick Olsen is with cars.com… (Olsen) “Virtually every new Camry sold in the U.S. is built in the U.S. Honda builds more cars, now, in the U.S. than Honda builds in Japan.” Rounding out the list: The Corvette Stingray, Honda Ridgeline and Crosstour and the Dodge SRT Viper. ————- George Tally has had four Corvettes. The ’79 model was his favorite, but it was stolen 33 years ago. It was recently found at a Mississippi police station. No details. With shipping help from GM, Tally’s baby is back in the Motor City. The 71-year-old says… (Tally) “To get it back it’s a blessing.” With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

(AP File Photo) What exactly is American when it comes to 4-wheels? FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: Download audio file (FOXWHEELS_070214.MP3) It’s FOX Wheels. When you think red, white and blue and muscle on wheels — you probably think truck. The F-150 pickup truck tops this year’s cars.com’s “Most American-Made” vehicles list. They look for… (Olsen) “The percentage of domestic parts in a car. To make our list, a car or truck has to be at least 75% domestic. Secondly, we look at the point of assembly. It has to be in the United States.” So the F-150 is tops, but Toyota and Honda in 2nd through 6th place? Patrick Olsen is with cars.com… (Olsen) “Virtually every new Camry sold in the U.S. is built in the U.S. Honda builds more cars, now, in the U.S. than Honda builds in Japan.” Rounding out the list: The Corvette Stingray, Honda Ridgeline and Crosstour and the Dodge SRT Viper. ————- George Tally has had four Corvettes. The ’79 model was his favorite, but it was stolen 33 years ago. It was recently found at a Mississippi police station. No details. With shipping help from GM, Tally’s baby is back in the Motor City. The 71-year-old says… (Tally) “To get it back it’s a blessing.” With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels

  (AP file photo) GM dangles some goodies in front of dealers to get them to ‘speed it up’, so to speak and there’s one more state cracking down on drivers smoking around children. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: Download audio file (KeiperFOXWheels_063014.MP3) It’s FOX Wheels. It took GM at least 10 years to launch a recall for a faulty ignition switch. Now, the company wants dealers to do as many repairs as possible in less than 10 months. The clock is ticking on incentives corporate is offering to dealers– like credit to an online gift shop. CEO Mary Barra recently told lawmakers– Barra: “We’ve produced and shipped over 400,000 parts. The challenge is getting the customer to get the vehicle repaired.” To get incentives, dealers have to finish 90% of repairs by July 7th. ———————————— Ford CEO Alan Mulally lets Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields sit in the driver’s seat. Mulally says he was questioned when he took out huge loans just before the recession hit, but– Mulally: “Not only did we invest in new cars and trucks, but we actually did it our way.” Which Mulally says was to not go through bankruptcy and take a bailout like GM and Chrysler. ———————————— Put the cigarette down. Vermont, this week, becomes the seventh state to outlaw smoking in cars with young children. Get caught smoking at the wheel and you’ll be fined up to $100 bucks. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @JenniferKeiper Click HERE for more FOX Wheels

  GM dangles some goodies in front of dealers to get them to ‘speed it up’, so to speak and there’s one more state cracking down on drivers smoking around children. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels”: It’s FOX Wheels. It took GM at least 10 years to launch a recall for a faulty ignition switch. Now, the company wants dealers to do as many repairs as possible in less than 10 months. The clock is ticking on incentives corporate is offering to dealers– like credit to an online gift shop. CEO Mary Barra recently told lawmakers– Barra: “We’ve produced and shipped over 400,000 parts. The challenge is getting the customer to get the vehicle repaired.” To get incentives, dealers have to finish 90% of repairs by July 7th. ———————————— Ford CEO Alan Mulally lets Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields sit in the driver’s seat. Mulally says he was questioned when he took out huge loans just before the recession hit, but– Mulally: “Not only did we invest in new cars and trucks, but we actually did it our way.” Which Mulally says was to not go through bankruptcy and take a bailout like GM and Chrysler. ———————————— Put the cigarette down. Vermont, this week, becomes the seventh state to outlaw smoking in cars with young children. Get caught smoking at the wheel and you’ll be fined up to $100 bucks. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @JenniferKeiper Click HERE for more FOX Wheels

The race to please techie drivers could mean skimping on car quality… And a hog that doesn’t squeal. FOX News Radio’s Jennifer Keiper with our weekly look at things with wheels in “FOX Wheels“: Download audio file (FOXWHEELS_062014.MP3) It’s FOX Wheels. We like the in-dash gadgets… (Car) “Radio. Say a frequency or pre-set.” Automakers have been trying to please us with new tech but new today could be old tomorrow. A JD Power survey suggests the rush to stay hip means less attention to other details involving engines, heating systems and paint. The survey found a 3% jump in buyer complaints compared to a year ago with Porsche performing best — only 74 problems per 100 vehicles. Also good: Jaguar, Lexus, Hyundai and Toyota. The worst performers: Fiat, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Scion and Mazda. Ford is most improved. ———— C’mon… This… (Electric Harley) Over the hog? (Regular Harley) Harley-Davidson thinks you might be up for a change – so – it’s introducing it’s first electric motorcycle, which sounds more like a jet engine. The futuristic looking LiveWire model will be used by several dozen riders on a 30-city tour. Their feedback will be used to tweak the bike which might not be market-ready for several years. With FOX Wheels, I’m Jennifer Keiper, FOX News Radio. If you have a car topic you want to hear about on FOX Wheels, let me know! @JenniferKeiper CLICK HERE for more FOX Wheels VIEW more photos of the Harley Davidson electric motorcycle (Photo Courtesy: AP):