00 Mazda Millenia Hood Hinges Pair Set Left Right Driver Passenger 19260 on 2040-parts.com

Court battle over driver using Google Glass

A CALIFORNIA WOMAN has pleaded not guilty to what is believed to be the first traffic offence alleging a motorist was using Google's new computer-in-glasses invention. The device, known as Google Glass, features a thumbnail-size transparent display above the right eye. The technology will not be made widely available to the public until next year, but Cecilia Abadie was one of about 10,000 "explorers" who received the glasses earlier this year as part of a try-out.

Industry pulse: NHTSA administrator David Strickland talks distracted driving

Editor's note: In an exclusive interview with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administrator David Strickland, Melanie Batenchuk of Be Car Chic asked about distracted driving and the agency's combined efforts with the Department of Transportation to curb this bad behavior. David Strickland has been championing safer, distraction-free driving since the beginning of his tenure at NHTSA in January 2010. Strickland has been working tirelessly toward this goal alongside stakeholders such as Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, private-sector executives, automobile manufacturers and safety advocacy groups.

Volvo S60 sedan shown at the Detroit auto show

Showing a new direction inspired by Scandinavian design, Volvo displayed a concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show that previews the new S60 sedan, due in 18 months. The car has a new face--with angled headlamps, a coupe roofline and no B-pillar--and an interior with the "environment of a modern Scandinavian living room," said Steve Mattin, Volvo senior vice president of design. The car's more emotional look is part of a longer-term strategy to give Volvo a more exciting image in the United States through changes in product design and marketing, said Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corp.