Month: December 2023

Dec 18

Speeding Scorpio SUV Jumps Divider Inside Gurugram Underpass, Rams Biker

Other vehicles inside the busy underpass managed to escape the crash.

Gurugram:

Five people in a black SUV were going towards Old Gurugram to celebrate a friend’s birthday. They entered the Rajiv Chowk underpass in Gurugram to reach their destination. The speeding SUV, a Scorpio, lost control and crashed into a bike on the other side of the road.

The horrific accident took place last night inside the Rajiv Chowk underpass. The speeding Scorpio with tinted glasses jumped the divider, which is less than a foot tall, inside the underpass and crashed into a biker who is said to be critical. The Scorpio toppled several times after the crash and the five occupants of the car – Three men and two women were injured and the driver suffered serious injuries, the police said.

The post-crash visuals show a poster with a birthday message and photos soaked in blood and the car on one side. The wheel on the driver’s side came off due to the impact of the collision and one of the headrests was under the car. Scorpio’s front glass was completely broken and the roof caved in.

An eyewitness who helped the injured said, “The car jumped the divider and crashed into the bike. The driver suffered injuries to the head and some people came and took him to the hospital. Meanwhile, I called the ambulance for the biker who was seriously injured. He suffered serious injuries and was not moving, but he was slowly breathing.”

Other vehicles inside the busy underpass managed to escape the crash. One of the bikers said his bike was in the direction of the car and he quickly got down and pushed it aside, but the biker ahead of him couldn’t escape and was hit by the speeding Scorpio.

The police said the car was coming from Subhash Chowk and was going toward Old Gurugram. The car belongs to a person from Nakhdola in Gurugram and the matter is under investigation. The cops said they found a birthday poster near the crash site and suspected that the occupants, including the driver, were drunk.

Dec 18

At least 1 dead following 4 vehicle crash involving Sheriff’s SUV in Preble County

At least one person has died Monday morning following a 4 vehicle crash in West Alexandria, involving a sheriff’s SUV.

Preble County officers responded to reports of a crash on State Route 503 around 4 a.m., December 18.

When crews arrived, they discovered 4 cars had crashed, some with heavy damage.

Crews on scene have confirmed that one person has died at this time.

Dayton 24/7 Now crews are on scene and we will update this article as we learn more.

Dec 18

Top 10 Cars of the Year: Navigating Through Petrol, Diesel, and Electric Options

As we reflect on the best new cars of the past year, it’s evident that the automotive landscape is shifting. While the push towards electric vehicles is strong, there’s still a diverse selection of exceptional petrol and diesel cars. This list showcases the top 10 vehicles currently available, combining innovation, style, and performance to meet various driving needs.

1. Renault Austral

The Renault Austral stands out with its unique hybrid system, blending elements from traditional and range-extender hybrids. Although it may seem pricey and occasionally noisy, it offers a stylish design, an impressive interior, and commendable fuel efficiency. Its blend of features makes it a distinctive choice, despite some minor flaws.

Pros: Stylish design, efficient, well-equipped
Cons: Expensive, hybrid system can be noisy
Overall: A compelling option with a few quirks

2. Ford Tourneo

The Ford Tourneo, essentially a Transit with seats, offers a spacious interior and a high-tech platform. With room for up to nine people and versatile seating arrangements, it’s perfect for large families or groups. While it comes at a premium price, its practicality and driving comfort are notable.

Pros: Ample space, high-tech features, versatile seating
Cons: Higher cost
Overall: Ideal for those needing extensive space and comfort

3. Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia has elevated itself above the VW Golf, offering a more refined cabin and a surprisingly spacious boot. Although it’s priced similarly to a Golf, the Fabia delivers excellent value with its improved features and layout. The only drawback is its somewhat cramped rear seating.

Pros: Excellent value, spacious boot, refined cabin
Cons: Tight rear seat space
Overall: A better option compared to the Golf for many

4. Opel Astra

The Opel Astra is a solid hatchback with a stylish design and engaging drive. The 1.2 petrol engine is efficient and enjoyable, while the upcoming all-electric version promises an impressive range. The estate variant remains the top choice due to its practical boot space and sleek appearance.

Pros: Attractive design, fun to drive, efficient engine
Cons: Some cabin quality issues, PHEV is less practical
Overall: Great as a petrol model now, with electric options on the horizon

5. Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 competes with the Tesla Model 3 but falls short on long-range efficiency. The new rear-wheel drive version, arriving next year, promises improved range and performance. Currently, the Performance model offers an exhilarating drive, though it does suffer from range limitations.

Pros: Stylish design, enjoyable to drive, high-quality build
Cons: Limited range, current efficiency issues
Overall: Worth waiting for the updated rear-wheel drive version

6. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage stands out with its distinctive design and broad engine options, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It offers a good balance of roominess and style, although its hybrid version may be less efficient on the highway. Its appeal lies in its combination of quality and uniqueness compared to its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson.

Pros: Stylish, spacious, high-quality interior
Cons: Hybrid can be thirsty, SUV might be unnecessary for some
Overall: A stylish alternative to the Tucson with minor trade-offs

7. Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross offers a practical size with better rear seat space than the standard Yaris. Its 1.5 hybrid engine delivers decent performance and excellent fuel economy. Though not the quickest, it provides a compact, efficient option for those needing more space than a typical small car.

Pros: Compact yet spacious, excellent fuel economy
Cons: Basic interior, not very fast
Overall: A top choice among small crossovers for its efficiency and practicality

8. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E competes well against the Tesla Model Y with its impressive range and driving dynamics. While it’s more fun to drive and better built, its high price may be a drawback. Future affordable versions with lower costs are anticipated.

Pros: Enjoyable to drive, well-built, attractive design
Cons: Expensive
Overall: An appealing option if price is not a primary concern

9. Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is popular for its long range and access to the Supercharger network. It offers practical features and a solid driving experience, though it suffers from some quality issues and a less comfortable ride. Despite its flaws, it remains a top choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

Pros: Excellent range, spacious, advanced tech
Cons: Ride quality, inconsistent build quality
Overall: A leading EV choice with some room for improvement

10. VW ID. Buzz

The VW ID. Buzz brings a nostalgic design to the electric MPV market. Its retro styling and practical interior make it a charming alternative to typical SUVs. However, its high price and limited range might deter some buyers.

Pros: Unique design, spacious, comfortable
Cons: High cost, limited range
Overall: A nostalgic and practical choice if budget allows

Dec 18

The Hidden Dangers of Chinese Electric Vehicles: Real Threat or Overblown Concern?

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), a contentious debate is unfolding about the potential risks posed by Chinese-manufactured cars. Professor Jim Saker, a respected voice in the automotive industry, recently sounded the alarm, suggesting that EVs from China could be weaponized to disrupt the UK’s economy. According to Saker, these vehicles might be equipped with spyware that allows remote immobilization, potentially transforming them into modern-day ‘Trojan horses’ on British roads.

Critics, however, argue that the idea of Chinese EVs as tools of geopolitical warfare is far-fetched, pointing out that the capability to disable vehicles remotely isn’t unique to Chinese models but extends to nearly all contemporary cars. This counterpoint hasn’t exactly comforted the British public, leaving many to ponder the real intentions behind such technological capabilities in our cars.

The implications of these claims stretch far beyond idle speculation. If true, every minor mechanical issue could prompt panic, blurring the lines between a simple vehicle malfunction and the onset of international espionage. It conjures up absurd scenarios where breakdown services like the RAC or AA could become the unexpected front line in global defense strategies, transforming roadside assistance into a national security service.

Moreover, the scenario begs the question: if causing massive traffic disruptions is a strategic move by a foreign power, one might wonder if they’ve seen the perpetual gridlock that plagues parts of the UK. The humor in the idea that Britain might not even notice such disruptions due to its already chaotic traffic conditions is both ironic and unsettling.

This discussion opens up a broader conversation about the integration of technology in vehicles and the potential vulnerabilities that come with it. As we navigate the complexities of modern automotive technologies and their global implications, it’s crucial to discern between legitimate threats and sensationalized fears.

Dec 18

Car collides with Biden’s motorcade SUV; president, first lady safe

In a security scare, a sedan rammed into the Secret Service vehicle guarding US President Joe Biden’s motorcade in Delaware on Sunday night, causing a commotion. Biden was talking to reporters in downtown Wilmington after having a meal with members of his re-election team outside his campaign headquarters when the collision occurred.

Both Biden and first lady Jill Biden were safe, the White House said in a statement.

The sedan ploughed into the motorcade SUV that was used to close off intersections for the President’s departure. The silver vehicle with Delaware license plates then tried to continue into a closed-off intersection before Secret Service personnel surrounded the car and pulled weapons on the driver, who held his hands up.

Videos doing rounds on the internet showed Biden looking surprised at the incident before the agents ushered him into his vehicle.

A statement by the Secret Service later said that the crash was accidental and the driver did not know the President was at the event. “There was no protective interest associated with this event,” The New York Times quoted the statement. “The President’s motorcade departed without incident,” the agency said in the statement.

However, an investigation is on. David Karas, a spokesman for the Wilmington Police Department, said investigators are also working to “determine if impairment was a factor.”

Dec 18

SUV runs over three-year-old toddler while playing outside the apartment in Bengaluru, driver held

The autopsy report raised several questions on the accident and Bengaluru police have cross checked the CCTV

A three-year-old toddler was crushed to death after an SUV ran over her while playing outside the apartment in Bengaluru’s Bellandur. The shocking incident had reportedly happened on December 9 but came into light on Saturday after police checked the CCTV footage.

SUV runs over three-year-old toddler while playing in Bengaluru, driver held

The toddler was playing outside the apartment and her parents found her lying with injuries all over. She was rushed to the NIMHANS hospital immediately and was admitted in the emergency ward. The treatment was in vain, and doctors declared her dead the next day.

However, the autopsy report raised several questions on the accident and Bengaluru police have cross checked the CCTV which was installed in the adjacent building from the place of the accident. Police found shocking visuals where an SUV that was coming out of the apartment ran over the kid who was playing.

“The driver failed to notice the kid who was playing and ran over her while taking his car out of the apartment. He also stays in the same apartment. A case has been registered and we booked the driver under IPC section 304A for causing death due to negligence. We advise drivers to be more careful in the premises of residential areas and parents must not leave their children unattended,” said Whitefield DCP Shivkumar Genare to The Times of India.

Last month, four people were injured after an SUV rammed into three bikes near the Hulimavu area of Bengaluru. the incident took place after the car driver identified as Abhishek Agarwal lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the bike-borne riders.

Dec 18

Security Breach: Vehicle Strikes Secret Service SUV in President Biden’s Motorcade

On a quiet Sunday evening in Wilmington, Delaware, a sudden disturbance rippled through the calm as a car collided with a Secret Service SUV assigned to protect President Joe Biden’s motorcade. The unexpected crash not only disrupted the tranquility of the night but also raised immediate concerns about the safety protocols surrounding the President.

The incident occurred just as President Biden was concluding his activities and preparing to depart, highlighting the ever-present risks even during routine security setups. The parked SUV, strategically placed to safeguard the President, served its purpose by absorbing the impact of the unauthorized vehicle, ensuring the President’s safety.

This event underscores the critical importance of stringent security measures for high-profile figures and sparks a broader discussion on the potential vulnerabilities in motorcade security. As authorities investigate the specifics of the crash, it prompts a reevaluation of security strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The integration of advanced surveillance and quicker response techniques could be pivotal in enhancing the protective measures that shield not just the President but all individuals under such high security.

Dec 18

SUV sales near double of sedans in S. Korean market

Sport utility vehicle sales in the South Korean market are projected to surpass 900,000 units in 2023 for the first time, marking a significant milestone as SUV sales rapidly approach double that of sedans.

There were 856,362 new SUV registrations, including recreational vehicles, in the first 11 months of 2023, data from the Transport Ministry analyzed by the CarIsYou data lab showed Monday. This exceeds the 837,948 SUV units sold throughout 2022 and represents the highest annual total since 2014.

SUV sales have overtaken sedans in market share since 2019 and the disparity has widened each year — from 7.3 percentage points in 2020 to 16.2 percentage points in 2021 to 23.72 percentage points last year. Annual SUV sales until last month were 1.86 times greater than sedans, compared to 1.69 times in 2022.

Given an average of 77,851 monthly SUV sales this year and typically heightened fourth quarter vehicle purchases, December registration figures should propel the 2023 total over 900,000. Consequently, SUVs are also projected to account for over 60 percent of the passenger vehicle market share for the first time.

Just a decade prior in 2014, SUVs only had a 33 percent share, with total sales of 464,470 units — nearly half the projected figure this year. The rapid rise in popularity began with 30 percent year-over-year SUV sales growth in 2015, fueled by the success of KG Mobility’s compact SUV Tivoli, coupled with a newfound interest in “chabak,” or car camping, made more viable with SUV cabins.

Sales continued climbing over subsequent years, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic that spurred a 13.9 percent SUV sales increase in 2020.

The top 10 domestic models year-to-date reveal seven SUVs, the report showed. The Hyundai Grandeur sedan topped the list and was followed by the Kia Sorento, Kia Carnival and Kia Sportage SUVs.

Dec 18

SUV smashes into Joe Biden’s motorcade in US: President, First Lady Safe Videos

A tense moment unfolded in Wilmington, Delaware, as a collision rattled President Joe Biden’s motorcade post a campaign event departure with First Lady Jill Biden. Both emerged unscathed from the incident involving a beige Ford attempting to breach a closed-off intersection. Swift action by Secret Service personnel saw the vehicle surrounded, and the driver instructed to raise hands. Biden was expeditiously ushered into his waiting vehicle, where the First Lady was already seated. The Secret Service has refrained from immediate comments on the Sunday collision reported by the Associated Press, adding an unexpected twist to the President’s Delaware visit. Despite the scare, the President and First Lady continued their journey, ensuring a safe departure from the scene.

Dec 18

Vehicle Incident at President Biden’s Motorcade Raises Security Concerns

In a startling incident in Wilmington, Delaware, a vehicle collision involving a parked SUV in President Joe Biden’s motorcade briefly disrupted a quiet Sunday evening. The event occurred while President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were leaving the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign headquarters after a holiday gathering with staff.

The sequence of events unfolded rapidly when a silver sedan with Delaware license plates collided with the SUV designated for motorcade security. This happened shortly after President Biden addressed the media, responding to inquiries about his poll standings against former President Trump. His light-hearted dismissal of the poll concerns was sharply contrasted by the sudden loud crash that followed, leaving bystanders and the President himself visibly startled.

Secret Service agents responded with immediacy, surrounding the sedan and drawing their weapons as a precaution. The driver of the sedan complied immediately, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. Meanwhile, security protocols were efficiently enacted to ensure the safety of the President and the First Lady, who were quickly escorted into their vehicle and transported safely back to their residence by 8:20 pm.

This incident not only highlights the constant vigilance required in presidential security but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current protocols in unexpected scenarios. Enhancing surveillance measures and possibly revising approach strategies at public appearances could be critical steps in preventing future occurrences. The seamless coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement during the incident demonstrates the robustness of existing security measures, yet the event is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of public engagements.