The Microsoft Sync wireless communication system has been a huge hit for Ford. This is especially true on the Focus model line, as sales of Sync-equipped models have jumped off the charts. As a result expect to see more vehicle brands to offer similar units, and the first being Hyundai.

Hyundai has just struck up a deal with Microsoft, to offer a infotainment system much like what Ford is offering.

Steve Koenig, director of industry analysis at the Consumer Electronics Association, said that "demand is omnipresent" for the Microsoft Auto operating system and the features it offers consumers.

"We see demand manifest across all income levels, all age levels," Koenig said. "It's really resonating with consumers' digital lifestyle. ... We're starting to see consumers beginning to demand it and expect it."

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Pair Up on In-Car Infotainment System Development

Volvo, ever the safety leader, is working on developing an injury-proof car. With any luck, the hope to be able to offer such a vehicle by 2020.

Claes Tingvall, the Swedish road administration's head of traffic safety, calls this the biggest revolution in the auto industry since the seatbelt. And states Jan Ivarsson, leader of the Volvo safety team: "I think if you look into the future, we as a community will not accept that we have injuries. We have other things that are important in life."

Full story here and here.

In a brilliant marketing move, Suzuki is making in-dash navigation standard on the 2009 SX4.

That's right, a factory built-in navigation unit will be standard in a sub-$16,000 car! All models are included—from the the cheapest FWD to the most expensive AWD. Cars will begin arriving this summer at dealers.

Included is a "lowest price" gas station finder and real-time traffic capability. The 4.3" touch-screen flip-up unit, called "T.R.I.P." (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), is supplied by Garmin and is pre-loaded with a number of points of interest. Suzuki is also launching a social networking-type website where owners can upload and share their favorite routes. In addition, there is Bluetooth availability.

This is a real marketing breakthrough that I hope other carmakers will also adopt. So, kudos to Suzuki for getting this ball rolling!

Full story here and here.

Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Suzuki SX4 Gets Standard GPS

Update: Here is more info on the specifics. Apparently there will be an optional upgrade that will give you more of the cool features, such as next-generation dynamic content from the MSN Direct network, including up-to-date traffic information, fuel prices, and weather reports. The system also offers news and stock market information, local events, movie listings, and the ability to plan trips and look up destinations on a computer and then wirelessly send them to the device. Owners can pair most Bluetooth-enabled phones with the device, for hands-free calling.

Boy, do you think this would fly over here? That being a navigation unit that warns you that you are about to enter a high crime area? You can bet that civil rights advocates would jump on this like bees at a honey festival.

I guess that's not considered a discrimination issue in Japan, and it will be interesting to see how Honda does with this. There's no word as to whether this will be offered in other markets.

Full story here.

In a follow-up to the extra key holder blog of a few days ago (Hitchsafe: Brilliant idea, or goofy idea?), here's another way to go: It's a flip-up rear license plate, with a spare key compartment behind it. Not bad.

Years ago I used to use a small magnetic box to hold my spare key. I would stick it up under the bumper. The problem is today there are so few vehicles with metal bumpers for that to work. You're pretty much limited to a pickup truck, so if you don't have one, you'll likely will be out of luck.

Full story here.

This just another example of: 'why didn't I think of this, and make a million dollars by taking out a patent on the idea?'

The idea is so simple, and so great—which is often the case with great ideas. It's nothing more than an air valve cap that has a red LED that goes on when your tire pressure is too low. It's called the P-eye pressure sensing valve cap.

Full story here.

And now a little something for those Lamborghini fans out there...

From their press release:
Lamborghini Video Content Now Available for Download via Podcast

SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy – Today, Automobili Lamborghini, producer of the world’s most stylish super sports cars, announced that enthusiasts can now subscribe to “The World of Lamborghini” Podcast through the iTunes Store (here). This is Lamborghini’s latest outlet for delivering unique content to its loyal customers and fans.

All Lamborghini podcasts are available as a free download and are designed to ignite the world’s enthusiasm for the most amazing vehicles on the planet. Lamborghini strives for each podcast to evoke emotion in people of all ages and lifestyles. With regular updates, subscribers will be able to view all of the vehicles born out of Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, directly from Lamborghini itself.

Five podcasts are currently available on iTunes to highlight Lamborghini’s uncompromising, 1 million Euro, Reventón, the new Ad Personam personalization program in the podcast titled, “Making a Lamborghini your Lamborghini” and a three-part series titled, “Closer to the Road.”

“Lamborghini followers are a unique group that demands innovation driven by emotion,” stated Manfred Fitzgerald, Head of Brand and Design at Automobili Lamborghini. “iTunes will now be a portal for Lamborghini to share its uncompromising focus on design and performance to fuel the passion for the world’s most amazing super sports cars.”

Bet you didn't see this coming... That is converting your vehicle's trailer hitch into a micro safe, in which you can store the family jewels. Now in my case, the family jewels might not even fill that hitch safe up; but what about for a spare car key or credit card?

Do you think it's worth the $80 asking price?

Full story here and here.

It's a small detail, and certainly not a new idea, but it's good that a car factory is finally acknowledging the blind spot issue with rear-view mirrors. So kudos to Ford for offering this on next year's models.

Full story here.

Batteries, specifically lithium ion batteries, have been getting most of the green ink lately. Suzuki, however, has been quietly working in a different direction, that being using capacitors. Their RM-Z450 dirt bike is using a capacitor. Does that mean usage in cars might be just around the corner?

Capacitors are not new. My old 500cc Kawasaki Mach III 2-stroke triple had a CDI. They go back even further than that according to AutoObserver.

Capacitors Get a Boost from Suzuki