BMW News: i8 wins MPG & AB Awards – Spotify for iPhone for BMW ConnectedDrive

SpotifyBMW was a big award winner at the LA Auto Show and Germany.  Music lovers will be glad that iOS/iPhone Spotify now works with BMW ConnectedDrive and the iDrive controller.

The BMW i8 was named the winner of Autoblog’s 2014 Technology of the Year for its suite of technologies. AutoBlog, editor, Sharon Silke Carty reported, “The BMW i8 has a throaty exhaust note when accelerating. It’s got carbon fiber, and a plug-in hybrid system that uses a small 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor. It has through-the-road all-wheel drive, and in Europe it’ll come with laser beams for headlights. All that, and it’s a massive eye catcher.”

AUTO Connected Car News November 10-18

Here’s a weekly summary of the news from AUTO Connected Car News from November 10-18: The Auto Club responded to connected car privacy policies by

MapQuest Urgent.ly offers roadside assistance and tow trucks

urgentlyMapQuest, now incorporates Urgent.ly  into its app that allows U.S.  MapQuest users to get emergency roadside help through its mobile apps.

They claim it is an industry-first integration that connects those in need of tow, tire change, fuel delivery, jump start or lock out services to nearby and available roadside help through Urgent.ly’s  roadside assistance network.

SolaRoad pedals alternative fuel (solar) on bike path

solaroadSolaRoad is a road surface that acts as a solar panel. A SolaRoad will be officially opened on the 12th of November by Minister Kamp in Holland.  They claim it is the first road in the world that converts sunlight into electricity.

SolaRoad was developed by TNO, the Province of North-Holland, Ooms Civiel and Imtech Traffic & Infra. The road surface converts sunlight into energy. The pilot road, a bike lane, is about  230 feet made of concrete modules that can supply enough energy for three homes.