Some Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have been available for nearly 30 years, however, they have only become more commonplace in the last several years, like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance. Since these features now come standard on many new vehicles, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to have a solid understanding of their functionality. However, with the current variety of marketing names and lack of consensus by industry regulatory groups, it has been difficult for consumers to discern what features a vehicle has and how they actually work.

AAA set out to understand the growing prevalence of ADAS technology in new vehicles as well as examine the terminology currently used by regulatory organizations and manufacturers. Previous AAA research found that 40 percent of Americans expect partially automated driving systems with names like Autopilot, ProPILOT or Pilot Assist, to have the ability to drive the car by itself. This research highlights the need for standardization of terms and definitions for ADAS features.

Key Findings

9 vehicles with fresh design, smart safety additions and other features drivers will love

The days of excitement over a unified new car model year are as old school as roll-up windows and cigarette lighters. Car enthusiasts who once relished the fall introduction of each year's new products with an eager eye for innovative features and design now must keep track of fresh looks, interior revisions, safety additions and other tweaks that make a model "new" throughout the year — as automakers try to stay ahead of their competition. Still, there's a lot for grownup drivers to consider in 2019 vehicles now. Here are 10 of the honestly all-new, or thoroughly revised, makes and models.

Ram 1500 

“More space. More storage. More leather. More technology." That's what Fiat Chrysler says about the 2019 version of its popular truck. We say the luxury features (extra legroom and a more car-like ride) are likely to appeal to drivers transitioning from comfortable cars to trucks. From the optional gee-whiz 12-inch infotainment screen to easily overlooked (but thoughtful) tweaks such as the flat (no more center hump) rear floor in crew-cab models and the snap-down pop-out carpet mat, Ram has well improved this latest update.

Cadillac XT4

Cadillac’s first small SUV is a good-looking new entry in this increasingly crowded field — and a true all-new vehicle. It has a punchy turbocharged engine and high-tech safety features, including "Safety Alert Seat," which sends a pulse to the left, right or both sides of the driver’s seat to indicate the location of potential danger. But old-school drivers may like that the XT4 revives dashboard buttons to control common functions, such as the heater, at a time when many makers are eliminating buttons in favor of touch-screen or joystick controls. (The touch screen remains to control phone, stereo and maps.)

Honda Insight

This hybrid is perfect for those who don't need to make a statement with their hybrid car but who do want a well-made ride that uses less fuel. The Insight is relatively affordable and a good buy for drivers who are looking at fixed incomes (about $24,000 to start).  Plus, it gets 52 mpg, so your gas budget may go down. You also get automatic braking, lane keeping, a multi-angle backup camera and more of what are now considered to be must-have safety features.  

Jazz musician, Navy vet, social media guru has led full life

CHANDLER, Ariz. – If you say Frank Leutz is a force of nature, you’d be accurate.

His energy never wavers. Never has. Never will.

Before becoming an extremely successful repair shop owner at Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., Leutz served as a jazz salsa musician good enough to play Carnegie Hall.

While serving his country in the Navy, he did mine sweep operations in the Persian Gulf.

Today, you’ll see his engaging personality on social media. He frequently goes “live” on Facebook, providing a mixture of car care tips and entertaining banter.

It doesn’t take long to see why he’s been labeled affable and gregarious.

You see his bigger-than-life personality immediately in the words he chooses while describing his business philosophy.

“Fail fast and move quick to grow from those experiences while rocking the courage and opportunity that every single day is a new one as you lift up those on your squad,” Leutz said.

To be honest, it’s amazing how successful Leutz has become as a repair shop owner after he admits he possessed “no initial excitement” about a career in the automotive industry.

Campus Body Salon is very excited to announce their expansion into restoration repairs!

"Campus Classics" is offering restoration repairs and refinish work on vintage and classic vehicles.

This is a photo of an original 1964 Shelby Cobra. This is a very rare and unique all aluminum vehicle and was the number 2 car produced that year!

Finishing the other panels and it will be ready for reassembly!

About Campus Body Salon

Campus Body Salon has been providing the valley with excellent collision repair services since 1973. With all the constant change and evolution, they strive to continue to educate their staff, both technical and office, to provide you with not only the very best repairs in terms of fit and finish, but more importantly in terms of safety.

Campus Body Salon has worked hard over the many years to continue to have an excellent reputation with their clients, the community, and their insurance partners. They work with all insurance companies, but they work for YOU, the client.

Click here for more information about Campus Body Salon in Tempe.

Service is the best Phoenix Auto Shop for quality car alignment or car suspension service and products. Our ASE certified master technicians have the experience and expertise to diagnose and solve all suspension problems. As a Bosch authorized service center, Virginia Auto Service has access to the highest quality and aftermarket parts to ensure that your car is as safe and comfortable as possible.

In case you’re unfamiliar with car suspension systems, you might want to take a look at this quick rundown of the common types of vehicle suspension and how they work.

The Macpherson strut is by far the most common type of vehicle suspension on the market today. It combines a shock absorber and a coil spring unit to control weight distribution as well as absorb minor vibrations from the road. The Macpherson strut is an independent suspension system, which means the wheels will operate independently and will provide the smoothest and most controllable ride. The Macpherson strut system generally works best for front wheel drive vehicles.

Another common car suspension system is known as the Double Wishbone Suspension. This system incorporates two Y-shaped rods mounted to the vehicle frame. These are popular for the front ends of larger vehicles and provide greater control for the Camber angle of the tires. The Double Wishbone configuration is also popular because it tends to make steering the vehicle feel more consistent.

Recently, automotive manufacturers have been using independent suspension systems for all four wheels. Because of the cost of this process, most modern or luxury vehicles benefit from all wheel suspension and provide the smoothest and most comfortable ride available.