The All-New Toyota RAV4 EV

Look for Toyota's step into the electric vehicle game with the appearance of their all-new 2012 RAV4 EV. It will debut this fall at the LA Auto Show. The new model for 2012 will run on Tesla's lithium ion battery technology and has been redesigned to be more aerodynamic. No pictures have been released of the new RAV4 so there is much anticipation for its debut in Los Angeles. The success of the RAV4 will help Toyota with their plans to release 6 new hybrid vehicles to their line-up by the end of 2012.

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Fuel Economy Labels Due for A Change

Check out the new labels designed by the EPA to give car buyers a better way to compare new cars. These new labels will show the car's environmental impact from green house emissions in addition to average fuel economy and annual fuel costs.

Health & Well-Being Concept for New Nissan Cars

Nissan is working on an idea for their vehicles that will give both drivers and passengers the perfect in-car environment. They are calling their project the “Health and Well-Being Concept” and its goal is to help reduce stress and driver fatigue by providing the occupants of the car with a more comfortable posture, a comfortable thermal environment and good cabin air quality. Three features are part of the concept to make these goals attainable.

The first feature is a more comfortable driver and front passenger seat. The seats include a cushion integrated leg rest, an articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads. The hope is that the new seats will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.

The second new feature is an addition to a normal climate control system. Nissan's new concept climate control system has three devices aimed at improving air quality. The first new device is a plasmacluster ions generator. This system is basically vitamin C being pumped into the air. The vitamin C will reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels in the vehicle. The vitamin C ions can also help moisturize skin. The other two devices are inside/outside air control and a grape polyphenol clean air filter.

The third and final feature is the quick comfort seat heater. This seat heater has two stages of operation; in the first stage the heater warms the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, the second stage warms the lower back. These two operations decrease the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% and creates a longer sense of comfort.

These new features part of the Health and Well Being Concept are just the beginning. We'll all just to wait and see what else Nissan develops to make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable.