Factory Nav, MM, - WHy not on Sky

**Ahnuld** · 10-28-2007, 01:37 PM

At the first Mecca tour, I had the opportunity to ask the car's chief engineer (Bruce?) why the sky did not have a Multi-media option (Touch screen, GPS, DVD player, MP3..ect) option. Heck..integrate the AC controls, and the console area of Radio and A/C heat controls is a huge area for a Screen.

Anyway... the engineer said that the NHTSA is looking closely at these options... not really wanting them in cars (driver distraction)... that Saturn was getting some push-back from the NHTSA so Saturn backed off it so as to not delay the car.

So can someone explain to me why every other stinkin car on the market seems to have a Multimedia Screen option?
Here is the page for the new Dodge Nitro...
http://www-5.dodge.com/en/2008/nitro.../infotainment/

Why the issue with the Sky??

marlboromike · 10-28-2007, 01:41 PM

because they have embraced computerization in their marketing...nothing more...there is a market for comsumers to buy buy buy anything electronic...remember, u r paying for all of these toys...and of course, more to go wrong...the worst thing that has happened to the automobile industry, in my opinion is embracing these toys...

MidniteBlues · 10-28-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlboromike

because they have embraced computerization in their marketing...nothing more...there is a market for consumers to buy buy buy anything electronic...remember, u r paying for all of these toys...and of course, more to go wrong...the worst thing that has happened to the automobile industry, in my opinion is embracing these toys...

WOW Mike, a BOLD statement to say the least.

Never thought I would ever disagree with ya on anything,

since we think so much a like on many things. On this one tho, I think you made ahh, an ahh, error IMHO. Electronics is the wave of the future and if you think about it, it is already here in many things we use today in life. It will only continue IMO and pick up more speed as electronics miniaturizes even more.. IN fact, the Air force is talking about future fighters planes being without a pilot--

can you imagine that? I find Saturn's reason for not at least offering it as an option was silly at minimum, and loss revenues for those that would by it at a maximum. Most vehicles that have it love the GPS functions for example and ALL that offers it is in the front dash. It'll happen, watch--Look at all the kappa owners who have ripped out our "invisible" head units--AND gone on and installed a "decent" unit, like the Pioneer one everyone raves about..

**Ahnuld** · 10-28-2007, 02:44 PM

Mike.... I'm not saying make it part of the standard package, but offer it as an available option

All of what you say is true.. but these fancy options are helpng keep the car companies afloat!

"more to go wrong..." that could be applied to all of the car's electronics.. and if that were the case, we'd all be driving in cars built like the 72 Chevy Nova.

coopcj7 · 10-28-2007, 02:53 PM

i really enjoy a lot of these new electronic devices on car. I think that they should only be able to work when the car is at a complete stop. Meaning that when you are driving you cant change anything on them epecially the nav unit. Nothing wrong with pulling over or at your next stop making an adjustment herer and there. Most cars have radio controls on the steering wheel so the radio will still be usable through that.

this would eliminate people trying to read a screen or type when they are driving

1Man1Sky · 10-28-2007, 03:03 PM

Its a young man's world...

coopcj7 · 10-28-2007, 03:11 PM

i'm 24 am I old

mbeardsley · 10-28-2007, 05:10 PM

I friend of mine just bought a new Lexus with the whole touch-screen GPS thing.

Everytime he starts the car, he has to hit "I accept" on the screen to say that he won't look at it while driving. It's got to be the silliest thing that I've seen.

I guess some lawyer at Lexus was paranoid about being sued by people who say "You didn't warn me that I might have an accident if I wasn't watching where I was going..."

marlboromike · 10-28-2007, 05:17 PM

I admit I am old school...and what was wrong with the Chevy Nova...I once saw someone take a water pump out of that Chevy on the street in less than 5 mins...I couldn't believe it...I would like to see someone do that today...

MidniteBlues · 10-28-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlboromike

I admit I am old school...and what was wrong with the Chevy Nova...I once saw someone take a water pump out of that Chevy on the street in less than 5 mins...I couldn't believe it...I would like to see someone do that today...

Musta not had A/C, Power Steering, and a bunch of belts in the way--

1Man1Sky · 10-28-2007, 05:45 PM

Age is a state of mind...

Kustomkaps · 10-28-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlboromike

I admit I am old school...and what was wrong with the Chevy Nova...I once saw someone take a water pump out of that Chevy on the street in less than 5 mins...I couldn't believe it...I would like to see someone do that today...

Find me a Nova...and we'll talk

marlboromike · 10-28-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

Musta not had A/C, Power Steering, and a bunch of belts in the way--

No AC...but the old cars, u could stand inside the engine...u had enough room to do all the work yourself...we used to do oil changes in the street pour the oil down the sewer...no pollution back then...

marlboromike · 10-28-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kustomkaps

Find me a Nova...and we'll talk

That is GOOD...i liked that.

SKYtime · 10-29-2007, 12:28 PM

Two things I want in my next vehicle: Sirius Satellite Radio and an integrated DVD navigation system.

Rick Tinley Park · 10-29-2007, 12:34 PM

OnStar

OnStar has turn-by-turn directions - GM wants us to use that. They cite that it is safer (the directions speak to you as you drive) and "easier to use". Of course GM owns OnStar so they also make some $$ from it.
Watch for many lines of GM cars to "lose" the optional Nav Systems

MidniteBlues · 10-29-2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

OnStar

OnStar has turn-by-turn directions - GM wants us to use that. They cite that it is safer (the directions speak to you as you drive) and "easier to use". Of course GM owns OnStar so they also make some $$ from it.
Watch for many lines of GM cars to "lose" the optional Nav Systems

OnStar costs money, a monthly fee to be exact, turn-by-turn increases cost over the basic plan, for something that is rarely used locally. A GPS system is free basically once the initial costs are paid for the what ever device purchased. Over the long term, a much better solution IMO--

dengel · 10-29-2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlboromike

because they have embraced computerization in their marketing...nothing more...there is a market for comsumers to buy buy buy anything electronic...remember, u r paying for all of these toys...and of course, more to go wrong...the worst thing that has happened to the automobile industry, in my opinion is embracing these toys...

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

WOW Mike, a BOLD statement to say the least.

Never thought I would ever disagree with ya on anything,

since we think so much a like on many things. On this one tho, I think you made ahh, an ahh, error IMHO. Electronics is the wave of the future and if you think about it, it is already here in many things we use today in life. It will only continue IMO and pick up more speed as electronics miniaturizes even more....

Not a statement of my personal views in any way, but I just got this quote in an email, and it made me think of this thread...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Sagan "The Demon-Haunted World"

"We've arranged a civilization in which crucial elements - transportation, communications, and all industries: agriculture, medicine, education, entertainment, protecting the environment, and even the key democratic institution of voting - profoundly depend upon science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster."

Definitely something to think about. I know that I am much more willing to head out on the road to meet folks for Sky/Solstice events in strange and distant places, knowing that I have my GPS to rely on if I get lost 1000 miles from home, and I have a great time at these events. But I also recently spent over 1/2 hour in a tiny little town in Virginia trying to find a car charger for my cell phone when the battery died. I couldn't stand the thought of driving the five or six hours home alone on the road without the cell phone - "just in case of an emergency." That feeling of panic would not have happened 10 or 15 years ago before "cell phone dependency" set in.

As with most things, there are both good and bad aspects to the addition of these kinds of devices to our cars.

MidniteBlues · 10-29-2007, 02:44 PM

dengel: Which brings me to say this to you: If ya had OnStar, and "activated" the phone portion with your Sol's Private" phone number, who needs a cell phone battery? What is the cell phone in the Sky? OnStar! We don't need one seperate cell in the car, keep portable cell phone in purse "shut off", then turn it on when away from the car--

I insist on it on my OS vehicles, (2 so far), especially IF a my wife, daughters, lady, woman is driving a car alone--nowadays a MUST HAVE IMHO--

Rick Tinley Park · 10-29-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

OnStar costs money, a monthly fee to be exact, turn-by-turn increases cost over the basic plan, for something that is rarely used locally. A GPS system is free basically once the initial costs are paid for the what ever device purchased. Over the long term, a much better solution IMO--

The fact remains that is why you may see less and less nav systems offered on GM cars. OnStar wants the money and since GM owns OnStar they will most likely not offer add-on nav systems.
However you can get the turn by turn by the month so you'd pay for it when you need it not all the time.
You can always purchase your own -- I am only commenting on why GM does not offer one on the SKY - my feeling are that they are moving away from eyes-on nav systems. Personally I'd offer both, but I'm not a carmaker

10-28-2007, 01:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ahnuld First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ-TP: Exit 3 Posts: 1,454 My Photos: (1)	Factory Nav, MM, - WHy not on Sky At the first Mecca tour, I had the opportunity to ask the car's chief engineer (Bruce?) why the sky did not have a Multi-media option (Touch screen, GPS, DVD player, MP3..ect) option. Heck..integrate the AC controls, and the console area of Radio and A/C heat controls is a huge area for a Screen. Anyway... the engineer said that the NHTSA is looking closely at these options... not really wanting them in cars (driver distraction)... that Saturn was getting some push-back from the NHTSA so Saturn backed off it so as to not delay the car. So can someone explain to me why every other stinkin car on the market seems to have a Multimedia Screen option? Here is the page for the new Dodge Nitro... http://www-5.dodge.com/en/2008/nitro.../infotainment/ Why the issue with the Sky?? __________________ Photos below taken at Dover Airforce Base

10-28-2007, 02:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ahnuld First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ-TP: Exit 3 Posts: 1,454 My Photos: (1)	Mike.... I'm not saying make it part of the standard package, but offer it as an available option All of what you say is true.. but these fancy options are helpng keep the car companies afloat! "more to go wrong..." that could be applied to all of the car's electronics.. and if that were the case, we'd all be driving in cars built like the 72 Chevy Nova. __________________ Photos below taken at Dover Airforce Base

10-28-2007, 02:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
coopcj7 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: My Very Own Trunk Monkey Posts: 910 My Photos: (0)	i really enjoy a lot of these new electronic devices on car. I think that they should only be able to work when the car is at a complete stop. Meaning that when you are driving you cant change anything on them epecially the nav unit. Nothing wrong with pulling over or at your next stop making an adjustment herer and there. Most cars have radio controls on the steering wheel so the radio will still be usable through that. this would eliminate people trying to read a screen or type when they are driving __________________ Chili Pepper Red #3060 3 Stainless Pedals 1 plastic foot rest Black Top/Leather Interior LSD 6 Disc Monsoon Flowmaster Dual Exhuast Redline Gauges Bullet Door Locks WERKS Stage II Turbo "FOUNDER OF CENTRAL OHIO CUSTOM KAPPAS"

10-28-2007, 03:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
1Man1Sky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 303 My Photos: (0)	Its a young man's world... __________________ ' '08 Chili Pepper Red/Black Leather Red Line/Auto Monsoon w/6 Disc Changer Chrome Wheels LSD Add Ons: Lil' Chromies Windrestrictor got sky? Decal Opel GT Antenna Tinted Windows 50% RED LINE Third Brake Light Overlay

10-28-2007, 03:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
coopcj7 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: My Very Own Trunk Monkey Posts: 910 My Photos: (0)	i'm 24 am I old __________________ Chili Pepper Red #3060 3 Stainless Pedals 1 plastic foot rest Black Top/Leather Interior LSD 6 Disc Monsoon Flowmaster Dual Exhuast Redline Gauges Bullet Door Locks WERKS Stage II Turbo "FOUNDER OF CENTRAL OHIO CUSTOM KAPPAS"

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10-28-2007, 01:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
marlboromike First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Marlboro, NJ Posts: 7,126 My Photos: (6)	because they have embraced computerization in their marketing...nothing more...there is a market for comsumers to buy buy buy anything electronic...remember, u r paying for all of these toys...and of course, more to go wrong...the worst thing that has happened to the automobile industry, in my opinion is embracing these toys...

10-28-2007, 05:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
mbeardsley Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Allen, Texas (just north of Dallas) Posts: 801 My Photos: (6)	I friend of mine just bought a new Lexus with the whole touch-screen GPS thing. Everytime he starts the car, he has to hit "I accept" on the screen to say that he won't look at it while driving. It's got to be the silliest thing that I've seen. I guess some lawyer at Lexus was paranoid about being sued by people who say "You didn't warn me that I might have an accident if I wasn't watching where I was going..." __________________ 2008 Red/Red/Redline Auto, Single Monsoon, Spoiler Deposit Placed 05/26/07 Order Number Received 06/08/07 Built 07/20/07 Delivered 08/07/07

10-28-2007, 05:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
marlboromike First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Marlboro, NJ Posts: 7,126 My Photos: (6)	I admit I am old school...and what was wrong with the Chevy Nova...I once saw someone take a water pump out of that Chevy on the street in less than 5 mins...I couldn't believe it...I would like to see someone do that today...

10-28-2007, 05:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
1Man1Sky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 303 My Photos: (0)	Age is a state of mind... __________________ ' '08 Chili Pepper Red/Black Leather Red Line/Auto Monsoon w/6 Disc Changer Chrome Wheels LSD Add Ons: Lil' Chromies Windrestrictor got sky? Decal Opel GT Antenna Tinted Windows 50% RED LINE Third Brake Light Overlay

10-29-2007, 12:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
SKYtime First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,126 My Photos: (0)	Two things I want in my next vehicle: Sirius Satellite Radio and an integrated DVD navigation system. __________________ Silver Graphite 2.4L Prem Trim/Blk Lthr/Blk Top Manual Trans. 6-disk Monsoon System Chrome Wheels LSD Pre-Order: 4/06 Order Date: 9/27/06 To Dealer: 10/17/06 Picked up: 10/18/06 VIN: 14489 No mand. add-ons/MSRP Codename: JUSTICE

10-29-2007, 12:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,819 My Photos: (11)	You forget ONE thing OnStar OnStar has turn-by-turn directions - GM wants us to use that. They cite that it is safer (the directions speak to you as you drive) and "easier to use". Of course GM owns OnStar so they also make some $$ from it. Watch for many lines of GM cars to "lose" the optional Nav Systems __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

10-29-2007, 02:44 PM	#19 (permalink)
MidniteBlues Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,586 My Photos: (0)	dengel: Which brings me to say this to you: If ya had OnStar, and "activated" the phone portion with your Sol's Private" phone number, who needs a cell phone battery? What is the cell phone in the Sky? OnStar! We don't need one seperate cell in the car, keep portable cell phone in purse "shut off", then turn it on when away from the car-- I insist on it on my OS vehicles, (2 so far), especially IF a my wife, daughters, lady, woman is driving a car alone--nowadays a MUST HAVE IMHO-- __________________ 2.4L Midnight Blue, Premium Trim Package, Automatic, Monsoon Pre Audio 1-CD, Std Rear. GMPP CAI, 3M Clear Bra, Splash Guards, Black Top, Fiam Frwy Blastr 2-horn Opel Ant - WR V2 - Flux Capacitor - Last edited by MidniteBlues : 10-29-2007 at 02:47 PM.