Luxist: The new Monticello Motor Club is a members-only club with a private track located 90 miles northwest of Manhattan. Members pay $125,000 for access to the , 4.1-mile loop plus $7,500 in annual dues. Membership is by invitation only and enrollment will be capped at 500. In this exlcusive club, members' net worth averages almost $20 million. It cost about $50 million to build the facility, which is on the site of a former airport near the village of Monticello. The clubhouse is a 30,000 square foot facility that includes a fitness center, restaurant, bar, lounge and business center. Cars can be stored in temperature-controlled garages. Future plans include a hotel, spa, cafe, stores, and a helipad for quicker transportation from Manhattan.

Monticello Driving Club [Luxist]

The personal eco-vehicle from Myers Motors was featured at the 'Milan 2008: Best of the well-tech awards' and is most definitely worthy of it. The odd looking one-seater called the 'NmG' (no more gas) runs on electricity and can reach a speed of 75mph. It can easily be parked anywhere, helps us breathe cleaner air, turns heads and does not need petrol. Indeed-This little car can transform our planet.

TrendsSpotting.com is a trends agency focused on developing exciting tools for Trend Spotting. We follow current trends and are constantly looking for new ones. We specialize in trends research and the social media. Dr. Taly Weiss, TrendsSpotting CEO, is a Social Psychologist, with extensive experience in branding strategy and marketing research. Feel free to explore our trend spotting tools on www.trendoScope.com.

An 18 year old prodigy from Guelph, Ontario has built what can only be described as a two-wheeled unicycle. I know it doesn’t make much sense, but when you take a look at this innovative bike you’ll scratch your head too.

The bike incorporates a Yamaha R1 frame, side by side wheels and a Segway like gyroscopic technology. In 2006, after a visit to China, 18 year old Ben Gulak was inspired to build a bike that would contribute to a cleaner future by building an innovative electric commuter device.

Riding the UnoMoto is very simple. The on/off switch is the only electronic control, and once it’s up and balancing, you simply lean forward to accelerate, lean back to brake, and lean sideways to get one wheel turning a little faster than the other, which effectively steers the contraption. At top speed the UnoMoto will do about 25mph, and Gulak says its battery range is around 2.5 hours in normal use. When you switch it off, it rests back on its footpegs.

Christopher Aceto currently heads Thottfield Inc., a small multimedia and communications consultancy based in Toronto, Canada. Always on the hunt for innovative and exciting ideas, his passion for the creation and production of ground-breaking technologies and services has granted him the opportunity to act as a creative consultant for various companies and industries throughout the world.

Record Everything Happening In front You With The Rear View Mirror Car Camera Recorder Pro.

The first of its kind, this advanced mobile DVR w/ built in 2.5" LCD screen provides instant playback of recorded audio and video footage of everything in front of you. When you turn on your car, the mobile DVR is automatically activated and turns off once the engine stops. Without the need for a professional installer, simply attach the mobile DVR to your existing rear view mirror, plug it in to you DC outlet and begin to continuously record all audio and video

Added Benefits: Wide Angle Blind Spot Reduction, Records Directly to a Removable SD Card with Time and Date, Solid Evidence When You Need It (proof of inappropriate behavior or car accidents through recordings).

* * *

TrendInsights. A blog to inspire, stimulate creativity and trend spotting.

Iconoculture: According to the National Sleep Foundation, half of Americans have driven drowsy and about 20% have actually fallen asleep at the wheel. In response, Mercedes-Benz is developing an eye-opening monitoring system called Attention Assist.

The system creates a driver's profile based on normal steering patterns and driving behavior. If a driver deviates from that profile, it prompts a warning sound that suggests taking a break.

Attention Assist warns drivers that they're getting sleepy [Iconoculture]

I4U: If you are really attached to your pet or your car and want to be sure you can find them in the event of a lost dog or stolen car, Zoombak has what you need. Zoombak announced a pair of new GPS trackers today with one intended for use on pets and the other for use in cars.

Zoombak is smaller than a deck of cards and only weighs three ounces. When activated the devices can send location information via text messages and email so you can track and locate your dog or your car in the event of theft. Pricing for the devices will be $199 to $249 and they will be available nationwide in early 2008.

Zoombak Launches GPS Pet and Vehicle Locators [I4U]

Smart Car of America: Whether they’re squeezing easily into the teeniest of parking spaces on the cobblestones of Rome, whizzing about the narrow, crowded streets of Tokyo or on a highway near you! It offers you an utterly unique vehicle – one that’s exhilarating to drive, with luxurious appointments, and as responsive in its handling as it is responsible to the environment.

Smart offers you one utterly unique vehicle – one that’s exhilarating to drive, with luxurious appointments, and as responsive in its handling as it is responsible to the environment.

The Smart is truly innovative in the sense that it is the most contemporary automotive interpretation of current social trends in big cities, where many people's lifestyle mean they don't need more than two seats, and they prefer something that's small, stylish and fun.

Metropolitan drivers will love this car for its nimble driving features, its fuel savings and its knockout design appeal. Now, you can turn our love of driving into a love of driving Smart.

Completely redesigned and suited for you, the discerning driver, this new Smart Fortwo accomplishes in styling and design what no other subcompact has. The Smart ForTwo is smaller than the Mini Cooper and, at 46.3 mpg, has better fuel efficiency than the Mini Cooper, the Honda Fit or the Toyota Yaris.

Smart Car [Smart Car of America]

easier Motoring: The irritation of nuts and bolts jammed in place by rust can be a thing of the past, thanks to car care specialist, Comma, and a new product which simply freezes components apart.

The new product, named Frost Bite, has been developed by Comma’s scientists and uses a -30°C treatment to penetrate corrosion and release jammed components so they can be unscrewed within minutes. Once the parts are separated, Frost Bite provides ongoing protection so that the problem should not reoccur.

The product works by using an aerosol to reduce the temperature of metallic nuts, bolts and screws, causing them to contract. As they do so, any rust fixing them together will crack apart, so that the components can be easily released without damage.

“Products such as this are a great example of how technology is rapidly developing,” said Comma’s Mike Bewsey. “Whether working on cars, boats or in other industries, people can now release bolts without having to wait for release oils to work.”

Stay cool under the bonnet with Comma’s new Frost Bite [easier Motoring]

Gizmodiva: Here’s one more option to utilize your iPod to the fullest……even whilst driving your Toyota or Lexus. Your favorite artists will soon play from a glove box in your car seat. Toyota's iPod Integration Kit enables users to plug an iPod into a vehicle's glove box and use the steering wheel or standard audio system to control Apple's portable player. This will give you fingertip control of your music while you drive and clear digital sound through your car’s speakers! Once connected, the iPod can remain attached to the adapter, keeping it safely away from prying eyes. It even stays charged up on longer journeys. This kit actually takes care of all your probs regarding iPod-playing while on the road. It’s simple to install and easy to use. But the only hitch is the pricing at $300. I think its worth it as you wouldn’t need to keep swapping your CDs again and again.

Toyota iPod Integration Kit – a must for iPod as well as Toyota addicts [Gizmodiva]

Windshield Wisdom Cards are little placards you place on your car's dashboard. They're white letters printed backwards on a black background -- so they reflect up in readable form onto the bottom edge of your windshield. They're out of the way, so you see them seeming to float there. They do not interfere with your field of vision in any way.

So now, as you drive, you can have positive statements of affirmation and gratitude reminding you to choose your thoughts. You can stay focused on your goals and get more out of your drive time. There are several all ready for your use. You can also order special Windshield Wisdom Cards with your very own goals or favorite sayings.

Windshield Wisdom Cards

DailyCandy: Sticars is here to unleash the idea of accessorizing your car. The new line of magnetic art allows you to make a statement without having to commit to a neon pink paint job.

Totally affordable (just 22 bucks), they come in packs of adorable contemporary designs. Choose from a rainbow of colors and both tough and girly patterns. Adhere one for subtle charm or make a design with your designs to make a bold statement.

Sticar Shock [DailyCandy]

Springwise: Americans who are in the market for new automobiles, but don't want the headaches of searching or haggling for the best price, now have an alternative that can help them sidestep the usual dealership woes—No Haggles, a new car buying service that promises to save customers time and money by negotiating all of the details of the sale on their behalf. Started by former car dealership managers, No Haggles negotiates with dealerships in a customer's area to negotiate price, financing, warranty and trade-in allowance, when necessary, for a small fee.

Customers contact No Haggles directly by phone or e-mail with information about the make and model of car they are looking for, including any desired add-ons or special features. No Haggles shops local dealerships for the customer to find the vehicle at the best available price and facilitates the entire transaction. At no point is the customer contacted by anyone but their No Haggles representative, who even participates as a signing party on the buyer's agreement and can provide the customer with a detailed report of the negotiations. The representative is right there through all steps of the sales process, including delivery and inspection of the vehicle.

Stress-free Car Shopping [Springwise]

TrendHunter: If you feel that driving is too safe, than you should ‘danger things up’ with a steering wheel laptop. While the design is still in concept stage, I’m sure you can copy the idea by duct taping your laptop to the wheel.

This steering wheel notebook is made for people that travel with their cars to work. The unique design allows you to mount your laptop securely on your steering wheel so you can comfortably use your laptop while sitting in the driver's seat of your vehicle. The Cario Notebook is easily positioned by the existing steering wheel adjustment.

Steering Wheel Laptop - Don't Crash [TrendHunter]

Iconoculture: Finally, the rolling office gets WiFi. Autonet Mobile's Autonet Mobile Unit brings mobile, wireless, high-speed Internet access to vehicles. The $400 unit (plus $50 monthly service charge) plugs into a cigarette lighter. Pretty much turn it on and that's it for operation. Multiple wireless devices can tap the secure network simultaneously. Coverage area includes 95% of U.S. roads. Autonet is partnering with Avis Rent A Car to offer the service to Avis customers by March 2007. And all for the low, low price of $10.95 per day.

Road warriors — really, business travelers of all stripes — are hungry for seamless access to their digital lives. WiFi wherever keeps them connected.

At last — we can surf and drive! [Iconoculture]

Cool Tools: Mechanics here in Boston call this a "jump kit." It's a briefcase-sized, 20lb, 12V battery with built-in 12v/120v charger, and with built-in jumper cables attached. The Jump-N-Carry is a much easier way to jump a car; no jockeying the live car to kiss bumpers, no stretching jumper cables between cars. I tend to keep mine in my car, so it's quick & easy to help anyone who needs a jump. A cute trick for a dead alternator is to hook up the jump kit, lay it inside the engine well, close the hood as well as you can, and drive to the shop. One of my mechanics has a J&C with a case that melted from doing this trick, but it still works fine.

Jump-N-Carry [Cool Tools]

Iconoculture: But will it run on empty? In June 2006, Volvo showcased its Multi-Fuel, a vehicle prototype capable of running on gasoline, ethanol, methane, natural gas and Hythane (a trademarked hydrogen-methane blend).

The Multi-Fuel earned a gold medal in the emissions category and a silver in the carbon dioxide emissions contest. Five-fuel flexibility is intended to make it easier for consumers to fuel up on locally produced/available energy sources. Gasoline may have new competition, but it's not dead yet. Consumers who want to embrace alternative fuels appreciate vehicles that run on whatever's at hand.

Volvo's Multi-Fuel concept car can run on five different fuels [Iconoculture]

Springwise: Dutch CarSpotter also offers consumers price information by sms to guide them through sales and negotiating. Besides year, make and price, CarSpotter sends users details on a vehicle's maximum speed, horsepower and acceleration. Although the service was meant to improve price transparency and the balance of information between dealers and buyers, it turns out that people also use CarSpotter for fun, texting their employer or neighbour's license plate to find out how much their car is worth. CarSpotter also works for motorcycles. CarSpotter valuations are priced at EUR 1.50, and the number to text to is 2020.

Car prices by text message [Springwise]

Springwise: Made in Hungary, the Kenguru is a small vehicle that drivers can roll into without leaving their wheelchairs.

Designed by Zsolt Varga, Kenguru is small, stylish and cheerful vehicle whose contours are similar to those of a Smart car. But the resemblance stops there. Made to hold one passenger in a manual wheelchair, the Kenguru doesn't have doors or seats. To get in, the driver opens the extra large back hatch and rolls inside while remaining seated in his wheelchair, which automatically locks into place inside the car. A joystick instead of a steering wheel means that drivers with limited arm mobility can comfortably control the vehicle. (Source: Index.)

Kengurus are electrically powered, have a range of 40-60 km, and reach speeds of 35-40 km/hour, making them best suited to relatively short commutes. Listed price is HUF 2,790,000 (EUR 10,250 / USD 12,920 / GBP 6,980).

Drive-in mobility [Springwise]

StartupJournal.com: The battle is on to primp your ride.

Facing growing competition from the likes of Home Depot Inc. and Sam's Club, car washes around the country are launching new services aimed at grabbing customers' interest. Some are promising shorter cleaning times and opening plush waiting rooms with Wi-Fi service. Others are pitching Netflix-style discount plans in which customers pay monthly for unlimited washes. Some are even washing the family dog.

The changes are striking in a conservative business long dominated by mom-and-pops and small chains. But technological shifts that have cut labor costs are making the car-wash business more profitable and attracting a number of new and formidable entrants.

At the end of April, Costco Wholesale Corp. opened a test car wash at a Seattle store; Home Depot opened convenience stores with gas stations and car washes earlier this year at two stores in the Nashville, Tenn., area; it hopes to open another location in Atlanta later this year and more down the road. Nine Sam's Club locations now have car washes, and the company, owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., anticipates opening more. Wal-Mart already has five Murphy Oil Corp. car washes at its stores. Meanwhile, many gas stations, convenience-store and gas chains like QuikTrip Corp. and even car dealerships have expanded their car-wash operations.

The technological changes include more-powerful drying systems (100-plus horsepower, compared with 30 horsepower previously) that have cut out the need for human dryers at the end. Car washes are also automating payment and finding ways for drivers to load their cars onto the conveyer belts or into the wash without humans helping. Some companies, including Home Depot, have dispensed with the conveyer belt; they clean the car in a garage-like bay that consultants say is cheaper to install and operate, using equipment that adjusts to accommodate vehicles of different sizes.

Now at the Car Wash: Dog Shampoos and Wi-Fi [StartupJournal.com]

Truckblog: Those of you who actually take your truck down to the tracks on the weekend will certainly appreciate Jiffy-tite® Quick-Connect fluid fittings. Their lightweight, high flow valve technology in the plug and socket assembly automatically interrupts the flow of fluid when disconnected to protect against hazardous gas leaks or potential hot oil spills. Designed by racers for racers, each fitting is tested and proven to have a 100% leak proof seal, even at 200 psi. Offering the best of safety and performance, they are available for most fluid applications: fuel, oil and water, and they look really cool too.

Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings [Truck Blog]

The Independent: Fine. I'm feeling absolutely fine, because the jet lag has worn off and I'm at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda is feeling fine, too. "Fine Technology, Fine Times, Feel FINE!" is its motor show motto. And there's more fine-ness at Toyota, in whose Fine-X you can discover that "Ecology and Emotion meet in a fun-to-drive time in which you can enjoy the joy of steering freely at will". Fine words, indeed.

Specifically, you can enjoy steering the Fine-X nose-first into a parking space then sliding the rear end in to complete the manoeuvre, thanks to four independently steering wheels able to turn sideways. It's a parkophobic's dream, able also to do an about-face in its own length by steering each wheel through 45 degrees and making the rear wheels rotate in the opposite direction from the front ones.

As you might expect, in a show strong on hybrids and cars powered by electric fuel cells, the Fine-X with its vast gullwing doors and vegetable-matter, CO2-neutral interior features both technologies. And back at Honda we find fuel-cell technology pushed ever further with the long, low, sleek FCX concept, whose "vertical flow" cells are so compact they can fit into the structure's backbone. You can also feed the FCX the hydrogen it needs from Honda's Home Energy Station, which converts natural gas into hydrogen and minimal carbon dioxide.

Tokyo's take on the cars of the future [The Independent]

Popgadget: The W.O.W. Concept, which stands for "wonderful openhearted wagon," features a special crate for dogs in the glove apartment to allow owners to interact with their pets on the road. A bigger crate pops up from the floor in the back seat area and can be folded back into the floor when it's not needed. For bigger dogs, there's a special seat belt attached to the floor.

The W.O.W comes with removable, washable, rollout flooring and has wide sliding doors to keep dogs happy.

"We created this vehicle from the point of view of a dog, but it turned out to be a gentler vehicle for the elderly, children and other family members," said Honda designer Katsuhito Nakamura.

A "vehicle from the point of view of a dog" [Popgadget]

999 Today: Come rain or shine, the all new Volvo C70 convertible that also doubles as a coupé, is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month.

Thanks to a unique three-piece retractable hardtop, customers of the second-generation, all new Volvo C70 can enjoy life without compromise - whether the roof is up or down, says Volvo.

"We've succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupé, giving the customer two cars in one - with space for four adults," said Hans-Olov Olsson, Volvo Cars chief executive. The Volvo C70 is about the same size as its predecessor and remains a full four-seater.

The all new Volvo C70 - a convertible and coupé [999 Today]

BBC News: BMW is preparing to enter the market for car-style people carriers, the firm's chief has told BBC News.

Speaking at a BMW event ahead of the Geneva motor show, Helmut Panke predicted demand for such crossover vehicles would soar in Europe.

In contrast, he said, the popularity of van-style seven-seat vehicles and traditional saloon cars would fade.

"Customers are moving out of the mini-van (and) traditional concepts are not as attractive anymore," he said.

"We have decided that BMW will enter the [crossover] segment," he said in the clearest indication yet about the car maker's intentions.

BMW reveals new models pipeline [BBC News]

Technology Review: A car that swerves back into lanes on its own and a video system that makes parking a breeze were part of technological features on display by the Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co.

The technology that reporters tried out in test drives Monday at a research center outside Tokyo is part of Nissan's efforts to make driving safer. Similar smart-car features are in the works at most of the world's top automakers, including Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., as well as General Motors Corp. of the United States and others.

One of the features shown was a more sophisticated version of an existing warning system -- already available in Nissan luxury cars in the United States and Japan -- that buzzes when the car veers out of the lane.

Lane Departure Prevention combines a camera and computerized devices that control braking for front and rear wheels that nudge the car in the right direction. No decision has been made on when the new system will be available.

The feature turns off when you hit the turn signal, so you will be able to change lanes or make turns without the system kicking in.

Nissan's Smart Cars Return to Lanes, Park with Ease [Technology Review]

Market Launcher: The Roadside Message Board is the latest in road safety and protection. Although it was invented to aid motorists when a vehicle needs to be left unattended, it has a thousand other uses. One of the reasons that people need the Roadside Message Board is that many cell phones don't work in remote or rural areas because of poor reception. Many people use cell phones to call for help and leave their cars unattended in the process.

The Message Board is about the size of a standard license plate, so it fits comfortably under most car seats or above the sun visor. The next time you find yourself in a crowed parking lot late at night, just pull out your Message Board, moisten the soft suction cups and activate the attention-getting flashing red light. Attach it to your windshield and you'll never have trouble finding your car again. It can also be used for messages around the house, at the office or on store fronts.

This license plate-size message board with reversible suction cups can also be used for non-emergency messages, store front or home. This is a necessity for every vehicle, this would make the perfect gift! Plus, it is assembled by companies who employ handicapped people to do the work.

The Roadside Message Board U.S. Patent # 6,688,027 [Market Launcher]

Yenra: Touch sensor technology from TRW may transform human-machine interfaces for control systems. The company is working with two major vehicle manufacturers to bring the technology to market in 2007.

The technology uses a control surface, much like that of a laptop computer, in place of mechanical switches. The technology replaces traditional mechanical control functions from simple on and off switches, through larger input devices such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Also developed is a multifunction control module for interface with driver information and communication systems. A key feature is the capability for handwriting recognition, which enables fast and intuitive operation of mobile phones and navigation systems.

Touch Sensor [Yenra]

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, the leading provider of software and services to the automotive retailing industry, has launched Mobile Service Advisor, a powerful new software tool connected via a Tablet PC and wireless network. Mobile Service Advisor is designed to speed up service department repair order processes and help improve the customer experience.

Mobile Service Advisor, an integrated extension of the new Reynolds ERAXT dealer management system, enables dealership staff to access critical customer, vehicle, service, and operational data. With the ERAXT tool, service advisors can greet customers, perform thorough vehicle inspections and efficiently write-up repair orders; and electronically capture and print customer signatures - in front of the vehicle rather than from behind a counter.

"Mobile Service Advisor allows retailers to spend additional time focusing on the customer in the service drive rather than traveling to and from their work station for information," said Rob Leary, director of Fixed Operations for Reynolds. "Access to ERAXT and the dealership's network significantly reduces customer wait time during the repair order write-up, helping to improve customer satisfaction."

As an extension of the ERAXT system, Mobile Service Advisor connects service advisors to the system enabling them to review information including vehicle service history, manufacturer campaign and recall information and more. The streamlined repair order process allows the service advisors to quickly identify necessary services, provide estimates, and receive the customer's electronic signature without leaving the vehicle. This solution also enables service advisors to complete a vehicle inspection and record the condition of the vehicle's exterior and interior. This feature helps to reduce fraudulent shop claims and capture additional service revenue.

"Mobile Service Advisor is a powerful tool that has greatly helped our service departments," said Darren Eagle, Partner, John Eagle Dealerships in Dallas, Texas. "By being out at the car with customers, advisors are able to provide better service and save the customer a tremendous amount of time. Mobile Service Advisor allows us to save an average of nine minutes per customer. This gives advisors more time to talk with customers and to suggest additional repairs and maintenance."

Leary explained, "Mobile Service Advisor allows the advisor to consult and sell additional services where it makes sense - at the customer's vehicle. Both the customer and service advisor benefit from the time savings and the ease of business it enables."

Read: Mobile Service Advisor Brochure (PDF) [ReyRey.com]

Indeed, manufacturers are adding so many high-tech functions and features to cars that greatly enhance the driving experience. Nowadays, you can check your e-mail, surf the Web, watch television and videos, and do so much more, all from the comfort of your driver's seat. Japan's Toyota even has an "Intelligent Parking Assist" feature, available on the hybrid gas-electric Prius model sold in Japan.

This device automatically parks the car, maneuvering the Prius backward and into the space. To activate it, the driver first pulls alongside the forward vehicle, then drags a picture of a flag marker and parking triangle on the car's touchscreen display, until they are positioned where the vehicle should wind up.

Read:
Three Amazing Things Your Automobile Can't Do [New York Times]
The Laughing Car [CoolBusinessIdeas.com]
Talking To Your Car [CoolBusinessIdeas.com]

Are you lost or not sure if you have taken a wrong turn? Or have you found yourself in unfamiliar territories? Too embarrassed to frequently stop at the gas station to ask for directions? Well, fear not! Come October, Honda will be the first carmaker to include in some of their models, technology that enables drivers to converse with their cars about where to go and how to get there. It uses a voice-recognition and text-to-speech technology from IBM.

This technology can produce maps and "speak" turn-by-turn directions. In addition, drivers can make phone calls or adjust the air conditioning, all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. What more can a driver ask for in a car, given this safe and elegant solution to giving your full attention to driving without having to worry about getting lost anymore?

Let's Get Down To Business...
The success of Honda lies in the fact that they are able to empathise and place themselves in the shoes of their clients - drivers. The Honda vehicles are the first to integrate text-to-speech into a navigation system, according to analyst firm ABI Research. By eliminating the need for accessing a touch screen or keypad to look for a destination, Honda is allowing people to focus on driving. Honda recognises the fact that their clients, the drivers, need to concentrate on driving and that they do need help at times, perhaps in checking for directions or simply, opening a car window. They have thus cooperated with IBM with the latest technology and produced a very user-friendly car that will definitely attract customers as it makes driving a whole lot easier!

Thus, we do encourage entrepreneurs wannabes to put yourselves into the shoes of your clients and identify what they truly need and want, and produce your good(s) accordingly, while making it user-friendly of course. And if ever needed, you can cooperate with another company of a different sector to help in product development, just like what Honda and IBM did.

Related Ideas & Trends
Finally, a Car That Talks Back [Wired News]
You Too Can Talk to Your Car [InternetNews.com]
IBM Case Study [IBM]

Mark Pelletier, a master electrician working for a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Minnesota, has invented a car alarm that may be able to save the lives of the dozens of children who die due to hyperthermia each year in the United States.

It's really sad to hear of accounts of children dying of hyperthermia after being shut up in a car on a warm day. Small children heat up very quickly because of their size, making them especially vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke. On a hot day, the temperature in a closed car rises rapidly. If the car is unfortunately unventilated, the child is at danger of getting dehydrated in a very short time.

Thanks to Mr. Pelletier's patent-pending invention, such cases may be reduced or even completely eliminated. New York Times describes the invention:

One of those is Mr. Pelletier, who after watching a television news report of a child's death several years ago, decided to focus on the problem, approaching the automobile as he would a piece of industrial machinery. He came up with a programmable circuit board that turns on motion-detecting sensors when a closed-up car reaches a certain temperature (say, 88 degrees). If motion is detected, an alarm goes off.

We do hope that this invention would help to save lives (and of course, make a tidy profit as well ;-)

Read: Crying Out When a Child Cannot [NYTimes.com]

You have paid thousands of hard-earned dollars for your dream car. If some evil car thieves stole it, it would be a surprise if you don't blow up like a volcano. Thanks to DataDots, if this ever happened in real life, you would be able to recover your precious car in a matter of time. In fact, DataDots would be able to prevent your car from being stolen in the first place!

What are DataDots? Invented by DataDot Technology Ltd, the DataDots system is a state-of-the-art identification technology. Each DataDot is about the size of a grain of sand and is laser-etched with unique information directly associating the car with its owner. Up to 10,000 DataDots can be spray-glued on the engine and most other parts. This makes it very difficult to car-thieves to refurbish the stolen car and pass it off as a new one or sell the car parts because the dots can be easily spotted with a high-power magnifying glass. Also, they shine under ultra-violet light and are almost impossible for thieves to find and remove (Source: DataDot Technology website). The DataDot system ensures that stolen cars can be easily identified and traced back to their rightful owner.

You can count on these tiny DataDots to deter potential car thieves. Cars protected with this technology have cheeky "Protected by DataDot Technology" warning labels that send a clear message to thieves, as the cars will be "Too Hot To Handle!" Recovered cars can also be easily identified by the police when they're reported stolen.

Let's Get Down To Business...
Obviously, cars that are protected with the DataDots system will be able to command a premium. In today's society, security-obsessed consumers are willing to pay more to ensure that their assets can be kept safe and secure from thieves. We recommend that you invest in the research and development of technologies that can protect consumers' assets or incorporate some form of a security feature into your products, especially if they are very precious to your customers!

Related Ideas & Trends
Spot-On Solution for Car Thefts [Wired News]
DataDots Document
Cars For The Playstation Generation

Four inventors working for Toyota in Japan have filed a patent for a car that can express all sorts of emotions: cry, laugh, wink, anything. It can, for example, express its anger at another car cutting into traffic by crouching low on its wheels and beaming out red headlights like an offended lion.

The car they envision also has an antenna that wags, an adjustable body height, headlights that vary in intensity and hood slits and ornamentation designed to look like eyebrows, eyelids and tears. These components of the car can glow with coloured lights to simulate moods and physical features. It comes with a computer system that detects road and vehicle conditions (like steering angle, braking and speed) and combine the driver's input about his/her mood to express a certain emotion.

What will we have next? A whining aeroplane? A sulking train?

Read: Patents: An Automobile With Feelings [The New York Times]