HinoMotors
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Toyota develops breathalyzer ignition-interlock, BJ McKay promises to hack it
Shoving breathalyzers into MIDs and PNDs has been all the rage overseas for quite a while, and now it looks like Toyota itself is getting in on the act. The breath-alcohol ignition-interlock system features a handset that detects alcohol on your breath (if any) and snaps your mug with a digital camera. Depending on your level of "fun" (that is, alcohol consumption) the thing can be set to alert you (in case you forgot about those three Iron Citys) or lock the vehicle's ignition altogether. In addition, it can be used to monitor vehicles of commercial fleets and notify the boss if the driver shows up sloshed. Testing of the device commences September 1st, and will go through November 30. Historians agree that had this technology been available thirty years ago, the 1970s CB radio craze could have been avoided altogether. [Via Yahoo!]
Hino Motors showcases light-controlling SPD-Smart windows
Think user-controlled Transitions lenses, but for automobiles. Got it? If so, then you've got a pretty decent idea of what makes Hino Motor's concept motorcoach -- which was being shown off at this year's Tokyo Motor Show -- unique. Developed by Research Frontiers, the SPD-Smart technology covering those expansive panels there on your right "allows vehicle occupants to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the amount of sunlight, glare and heat passing through the windows, sunroofs and other glazings." Additionally, it blocks over 99-percent of harmful UV radiation and can be darkened or lightened with the press of a button. Unfortunately, we've no idea when this tech will be headed to your everyday commuter car, but we can hear window tinters the world over grumbling in unison.[Via Gizmag]
