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Five Minute Coffee Break
Protecting ourselves from ourselves
In addition to the trends I discussed in the last issue, another significant automotive trend is the introduction of more and more technological features designed to protect us from each other (and ourselves.) Some call it moron-proofing. Perhaps that's a bit cynical, but as we allow ourselves to be distracted by more stuff behind the wheel, it's become painfully true.
Many of the latest features are simply new and different ways to utilize technology that's already in your car. It's often just more sensors or cameras and some additional computer code. For instance, several years ago, stability control evolved from ABS systems. If the computer could intervene and control all of the brakes on your car, it could also control each one individually to help you correct a spin. The same is true with other features like Blind Spot Intervention. Most of these systems utilize rear sensors and cameras to warn you of cars traveling in your blind spo t. Infiniti just unveiled a new system that incorporates those sensors and cameras with the brake computer and together they will look for pedestrians (i.e. little kids) behind you while you are backing up. Not only will it warn you, but it will stop the car if you don't. The same is true with other cars that will stop your forward progress before you run over someone in the crosswalk.
Most cars being introduced today feature electronic power steering systems instead of the old hydraulic type. They save weight, cost and fuel. To most of you, the difference is invisible, but it means that a computer can physically control the steering system in your car. Combining this with cameras and sensors, certain Lexus and Ford vehicles can automatically parallel park. Other cars utilize the forward sensors and cameras to see if you are veering from your lane, either because you are sleeping, or more likely, texting. The computer will emit a loud warning beep, or send a warning vibration through the steering wheel or seat cushion, or actually physically steer the car back into your lane. (And if you listen hard enough, you will hear the computer scold you for not paying attention.)
I know what you're thinking. If the cameras and sensors on my car can park for me, and keep me safe while I back out of my driveway while checking Facebook and talking to my broker, why doesn't it just drive me to work? Guess what? It's not that far off.
As you know, Google is a leader in charting the surface and roads of our planet. They were just awarded the first "self-driven" car license in the state of Nevada. Using a modified Toyota Prius with advanced laser radar, sensors, cameras, vehicle controllers and GPS navigation, Google proved that their car can safely operate on public streets without human input (but with human backup.) See an entertaining demonstration video here. Scary concept? You bet. But some technologists in the auto industry predict we are perhaps within 15-20 years of seeing self-driven cars in the general public. The technology is basically here - or almost here. It's more the liability issues and public acceptance that will stand in the way.
You've been warned.
Jeff Barron
email me
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Ellis Brooks Leasing turns 48
In 1964, President Johnson was re-elected, Fiddler on the Roof and Hello Dolly debuted on Broadway, Mary Poppins and Goldfinger were on the silver screen, Gilligan's Island, The Munsters and Outer Limits were on TV, and My Guy and Can't Buy me Love were on the radio. A new VW Beetle was about $1800 and the all-new Mustang started at just under $2400. And Ellis Brooks Leasing was incorporated in San Francisco, California with a modest investment and a line of credit from Bank of America.
Forty-eight years later, much is different but a lot is still the same. Our phones have push buttons instead of rotary dials, we use computers instead of ledger cards, and our newsletter arrives via cyberspace instead of Pony Express. But through it all, we have stuck to the principal of providing objective information & advice and friendly, professional service. Many of you reading this are second, or even third generation commercial clients of ours and we appreciate your loyalty and your business. We intend to be here another 48 years, so keep calling. 
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2013 Nissan Altima - much improved
I know, most you were hoping for my review of the new Ferrari or Aston Martin, but alas most of us make do with more basic wheels. Ten years ago, the manufacturers were pouring resources into SUVs large and small because that's what we wanted. Since life changed four years ago and many of us stepped back from life's excesses, the market for high quality mid-size sedans has gotten hot. For what seems like decades, it's been Camry vs Accord, but in recent years, the Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata have opened up the field. Nissan's Altima always played a supporting role but things may change with this all-new version.
Thanks to our friends at Nissan San Francisco, I spent some time in a mid-level SV model (not pictured.) This model has dual climate control, Bluetooth calling and streaming audio, XM radio, Pandora radio, hands-free text messaging, remote start, power seat, and alloy wheels. The one I drove was the 4-cylinder with the (CVT) automatic transmission. If you've been following my newsletters, you'll know that CVTs (continuously variable) are different. They don't have "gears" but the truth is, most of you probably wouldn't know it because many are programmed to feel like they are changing gears. What CVTs offer is a fairly significant improvement in fuel economy. In my city/highway commute loop, I averaged just over 35 mpg. That's pretty impressive for a large 5-passenger car that doesn't say Hybrid on the side. And this is a good sized car. Plenty of rear legroom for adults and a huge trunk, and all for around $25,000.
No, this car won't dance like a BMW 3-series or Audi A4 on the back roads, but it's on par with the others in its class, meaning it provides a firm yet comfortable ride, quiet interior, safe handling, reassuring brakes, and good ergonomics. Two things that stood out were the high quality of the interior materials - much improved over the old Altima - and the really comfortable seats. Nissan modeled the design after NASA's "zero gravity" engineering. I'm not really sure what that means, but the seats are very comfortable and supportive.
If you are thinking of replacing your current Camry-Accord-Fusion but would like a new flavor, consider the new Altima.
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Helpful Gizmos Voice Recognition Flash Drive Do you carry a thumb drive with sensitive information? How about one that uses voice encryption to protect your data instead of a typed password? That's right, it actually listens for your unique vocal signature and verbal password before it opens the files. Click here to order one for $50 at the always-fun Hammacher Schlemmer website.  ______________________________________________________ Don't drown your iPhone Have you killed a cellphone dropping it in a river, or kitchen sink, or just spilled your tea on it? (I have a friend who once dropped his in an airport toilet.) Popular Science recently tested a new process that coats electronic devices in water-repelling nano-polymers and renders them waterproof. Liquipel will take your iPhone (and several other brands & models), treat it, and ship it back. The process starts at $59 but the final cost depends on how quickly you need your phone returned. If you're an outdoorsman, or just clumsy, this may be just the thing. Click here to see the details. 
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Equipment Leasing Sure, we would love to lease you a fleet of delivery trucks and sales vehicles, but maybe you just need a lease for some business equipment. We've been offering equipment leases to our vehicle lessees for over 40 years. We're not interested in funding your navy (ski boat) or air force (private plane), but we would consider other items like:
- forklifts
- commercial kitchen equipment
- manufacturing machinery
- auto shop equipment
- farm equipment
- and more
Small ticket items we carry in-house, while larger-ticket items we refer to one of our large equipment lessor colleagues.
 
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Used Car Corner
We have a gorgeous 2009 Audi A4 2.0 Turbo, Prestige package, All-Wheel-Drive, Harmon-Kardon audio system, Navigation, Bluetooth, and only about 21k miles. Call or email us for lease information.
You can also peruse Ellis Brooks Auto Center's inventory here for other pre-owned vehicles. We can help with the purchase or lease of most of their cars too.
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About Ellis Brooks Leasing, Inc.
Since 1964, we have been providing fleet management and leasing services to businesses in California and the West. Whether you have a fleet of 1 or 100, we can help you select the right vehicles and lease plans to fit your needs.
- High-mileage leases are our specialty (even 100k/year)
- Fuel and Maintenance Card programs
- Fleet pricing
- Local and out-of-state deliveries
- All makes of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs
- Upfitted work trucks and vans
- Pre-owned vehicles
- Professional, personal, no-pressure environment
Call us at (415) 474-1100 and see how easy it is to get started.
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Thank you for reading our newsletter. We don't do much advertising so please pass this along if you know of a company that uses vehicles in their daily operation.If you're an existing client, we really appreciate personal referrals. Jeff Barron
Ellis Brooks Leasing, Inc.
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