Technology has also helped us immensely when it comes to ease of communication as well. Who would have imagined centuries ago that we would have the means to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world in real-time?

Who would have imagined that technology would make it possible for people to switch to working online? Or celebrating the birthday of a loved one in real-time despite living on different continents?

So to connect? Or to not disconnect? Is technology making us more or less social? Researchers have been debating this question for quite some time now. Let’s delve into the up- and downsides of modern tech.

The upsides of technology

Technology is helping us be and feel more social. Compared to decades ago, we now can communicate with hundreds of people every day. It doesn’t matter if we know everyone we interact with or not. And that’s the beauty of technology: it gives us the opportunity to see and explore different and often contrasting viewpoints. It makes us more open to a conversation with people we do not know and welcome change in different areas of our lives.

Social networks also may help us be more proactive and take action. Various political, social, and climate strike movements were made possible and gained exposure and popularity thanks to technology and the power of social media.

The downsides of technology

Nevertheless, there are several downsides to any advances in technology. Remember the discussion on the pros and cons of autonomous cars?

Since social media started gaining popularity in the last decade, discussions on its positive and negative effects are still ongoing. As social networking apps pop up every day, borderline addiction to these networks, as with any type of addiction, is becoming more and more harmful.

While we might be mindful that social media is wasting our precious time, at the same time, it may be hard to stop the infinite scrolling. We’ve all been there. Sometimes even on auto mode without even paying attention to what we are looking at.

Technology has the power to draw us back in and “force” us to pay less attention to our real, physical world and the real people in front of us.

Have you ever asked yourself if it is more important to reply and socialize with the person or people next to you, in real-time, or respond to that message, to that email, or that sweet comment on your Instagram feed? Are the people sitting at the same table with you more important than anonymous social media followers or strangers on the internet? To whom do you pay attention first? Who and what gets the priority in your life?

Finding the golden middle

Being responsive on social media at all times is tempting. Checking your notifications is tempting. However, it is essential to be mindful of these actions and limit online time as much as possible. It is the only way to make space for real-life interactions. Enjoying nature, exploring new places, connecting with fellow human beings, making plans and creating projects, and completely forgetting about checking our handheld devices are also important for our wellbeing.

Yes, technology is enriching our social relationships. We are being more social than we ever were before. But at the same time, we are being less social and communicating less with people we know and meet in person.

Taking a break from our devices from time to time is also recommended. It might be refreshing and give you the chance to come back with a new perspective and take back control of how you spend your valuable time on a day-to-day basis.

The post Is technology making us more or less social? appeared first on Altered Steel.

What data does your car gather about you?

Try to remember your actions the last time you were in your car. Did you connect your phone to make and receive calls, or listen to music and news? Did you use the different temperature options or navigation system?

Probably, now that I am asking these questions, you are realizing how much your car might know about you. And by your car, I mean the auto manufacturers and possibly other entities as well. They have information on your interaction with other people, your music taste, regular routes you take, and even health conditions.

Now imagine driving an autonomous vehicle. Yes, it may be convenient not to worry about the actual act of driving. But the price you pay is giving up terabytes of personal data. Autonomous vehicles need more devices that capture information on the inside and outside of the car in order to operate smoothly without a driver.

For example, Tesla has already received criticism about the potential usage of the amount of data it is gathering from the in-vehicle camera monitoring services. These cameras are running even when the autopilot is off, gathering information on driving habits and even the frequent charging places used. This is quite an extensive range of personal information that Tesla collects. Being aware of this fact is only the first step towards addressing the issue.

How can your car be a surveillance tool?

The classic issue with collecting private data circles around the entities that own it and the way they use it. Continuing with the case of Tesla, how the company uses the collected data is still unclear.

On the one hand, the automaker can be using the data to improve the existing tech. But on the other hand, the company may even be sharing it with other interested parties.

All can happen, as long as there is no current federal law that can regulate this type of data usage. The legislative loophole implies that the data can be shared with insurance companies, telecommunication companies, or even the police.

The next time you apply for car insurance, you might get a higher premium because you have driven faster than usual a couple of times, or because your blood pressure was up during the last week. This may sound dystopian, but it is increasingly becoming more realistic and probable.

The surveillance concern has gone beyond the individual level, to the point when it is a matter of national security. The most recent case is with China banning Tesla vehicles from entering its military facilities due to concern about the vehicles’ built-in cameras. Even though Tesla has stated that the data from cameras overseas are not collected by the company, the scrutiny remains at high levels.

What is the ethical concern about the use of AI in the auto industry?

The function of the car has changed dramatically during the last couple of decades. Before it was perceived simply as a transportation means to take people from point A to B. However, with technological progress, the concept of a car has shifted to a set of offered services, where transportation is just one of them. You may think that you have privacy in your car but as we have shown in this article, the privacy line is blurry.

Does it have to be this way, though? Do we have to sacrifice our privacy for the sake of progress or is there a more ethical way to balance both? I think that the key to managing this issue lies in establishing stricter laws on disclosure of data collection and usage. These laws should be strictly enforced and followed by penalties when violated.

After all, information, like any other tool, can be very useful or can become a weapon in the wrong hands. If there is an already existing legislature on confidentiality in traditional business settings, why not raise awareness and push for high standards in information security in the automobile sector? What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to initiate a conversation below.

The post Could you car be a tool for surveillance? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Now, if we trust Hollywood, reindeer power does not translate directly into horsepower, so our comparisons may fall short. Several propaganda movies have been made to show how old school reindeer just get the job done better than an engine, for example. But come on – you and I both know that Santa loves his tech. After all, he keeps on leaving brand new smartphones for kids all over the world.

With that in mind, today we are taking a look at some of Santa’s sleigh upgrades throughout the years. He might keep showing his reindeer off, but let’s see what he is driving when no one is looking!

Santa loves luxury

The bearded jolly old man may like to give children toys and gifts, but he treats himself as well. And no, I am not talking just about those cookies and milk next to a Christmas tree. He just likes having a comfortable ride in a reliable vehicle. Which is why he has a Lexus in his arsenal!

With that said, I would not call his Lexus sleigh exactly imaginative. I mean, for a luxury brand you would expect more attention to detail. Instead, they just slapped on a red LED for a nose and added some rails to call their LC model a sleigh.

Still, I have to give it to the automaker in terms of power – with 800 reindeer power and a hybrid engine, this thing travels fast. Plus, it shows they care about the polar ice caps, which Santa also adores. So while in terms of design Toyota (and Lexus) do fall a bit short, they make up for it in all the other important aspects!

Santa’s daily workhorse – A trusty pickup truck

Before Santa had the resources to go into luxury cars, he had to make do with cheap, but trusty alternatives. And what better to replace a sleigh than a pickup truck?

Truth be told, I cannot just give you a single model, because Santa has a few of them. He understands pickup truck classes and likely has one of each to fit his needs. From the smallest half-ton Chevrolet of the ’40s to the heavy-duty GMC Sierra, Father Christmas knows what to choose for his yearly hauling needs!

In my opinion, if Santa has to ever bet on a single vehicle, a pickup would be the obvious go-to. Though he might want to consider something with a bit more presence. Perhaps the F-350 Raptor?

Honorable mentions

Prior to revealing my all-time favorite Santa machine, we should also note some other vehicles in the (in)famous North Pole garage.

• Jaguar F-Type (and F-Sleigh)

Naturally, many companies want to get on Santa’s “nice” list. Because of this, they make up prototypes for him to try out (though I am sure bribery counts as “naughty”). Of all the prototypes though, Jaguar F-Sleigh actually takes a different route. They made it out of ice! So, yes, not exactly operable, but props to Jaguar for thinking outside the box.

• Mercedes GLK (or GLSleigh)

For all we can tell, Saint Nicholas looks like a humble person. That being said, sometimes people judge your presence by the type of car you drive. Thus, for occasions where looks matter, Mercedes-Benz has gifted Santa with a proper luxury off-road machine. Not sure if he brags about it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it just in case!

• Ford Fusion/Mondeo Sleigh

Since Ford knows it cannot compete on the luxury level, the carmaker has chosen a different strategy. Its version of Santa’s sleigh bets on practicality. Over the years Ford has offered Kringle several versions of its affordable sedan, but whether Santa actually drives any of them… no one knows.

Muscle and looks – The best sleigh in Santa’s collection

If you have been following our blog for a while now, you know the love we have for muscle cars like Ford Mustang. That being said, Santa prefers Dodge. More specifically, he likes to ride around in a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Express.

Let me tell you, this beast blows away all of Santa’s reindeer and then some! With its 786 hp, the car-sleigh is almost 100 times as fast. Okay, I get it, those reindeer might be getting some special juice to bump their power-up, but even so, they are no match. The only drawback to the Hellcat version of the sleigh? Santa gets so pumped up about it that he actually forgets to do his job on Christmas Eve. So, reluctantly, he leaves this one in the garage for the time being!

With all that said, considering how many sleighs Father Christmas has, that toy manufacturing business turns out to be raking quite the profit. Who knew! But which of the engine-powered sleighs in this article do you like the most? Or would you rather Santa stick to his trusty old reindeer?

The post Santa’s sleigh reimagined appeared first on Altered Steel.

Imagine a vehicle that knows you as well as you know it – a car that seizes to be just a car, it becomes your partner. Imagine that it knows your driving habits and daily routine and uses that information to suggest routes; it knows your music preferences and is capable of holding a conversation. This is also the path towards fully autonomous cars.

However, as you expose more personal data to your car, you may want to be aware of what happens with that information, and who ultimately owns it.

Join me as I explore this subject and learn how we can protect ourselves from revealing too much.

What information is my car gathering?

The car’s onboard sensors and computerized systems gather information on your driving patterns such as speed, routes, and destinations, and keep track of your climate control preferences. Furthermore, if you connect your phone to your car, then you have automatically shared your contacts, emails, music, messages, browsing history, and sometimes photos and financial information too.

Interestingly, we are aware of the huge amount of personal information that platforms such as Facebook or Google collect and store. Many would agree that their control of our digital lives undermines the very essence of privacy. Thus, we demand accountability from the tech giants, as well as ownership of our private data. Yet, when it comes to the information that auto manufacturers are obtaining from the vehicle infotainment systems, by offering highly connected cars, we still have to work on spreading awareness among car drivers.

What happens to the information collected by my car?

Often times, we think that once we disconnect our phones from our car’s infotainment platform, we automatically erase all the data from it. However, this is wrong! The car computer systems continuously record data – on average, 25 gigabytes every hour. This data is processed and stored in the cloud afterward, becoming a matter of interest for other businesses.

Moreover, as cars are converting into big data centers, automakers have many incentives to further monetize this data. For example, information on your driving patterns helps insurance companies determine your premium. Data on the most frequented streets can be helpful to coffee chains, gas stations, or other stores for their marketing and network expansion strategy. Online purchasing data can further indicate your spending behavior pattern and be of use for fintech companies or other businesses to give you personalized offers.

Who owns the data my smart car collects?

Ideally, this data should be yours, and yours only. After all, it is private information, and you need to be aware of what your car knows about you and how it is used. However, unfortunately, there is no specific federal legislation that regulates car manufacturers on data processing and sharing.

It means that the whole picture on who ultimately gets to use your data, and even monetize it, is still blurry. There are some privacy policies that you sign at the time of the car purchase. However, the language is too technical, and usually, people do not bother to read and understand them fully.

How can I protect my smart car data from unauthorized sharing?

In the absence of a well-defined legal framework, it is up to you to follow a more proactive approach in protecting your data.

• Increasing your awareness is a good first step in making you more cautious about what you share.
• When you connect your phone to your car, try not to have saved passwords on your phone or make any online purchases.
• If you rent a car, avoid connecting your phone to it. However, if you decide otherwise, take some time to delete whatever information you can on the car computer, before returning your rental.
• If you decide to sell your car, take it to an authorized maintenance shop and ask for help permanently deleting your data from the car’s systems.
• When you buy a new car, get as much information as you can on the manufacturer’s data security policy and how to turn off certain data connection features so that you can control what gets stored.

Even though these tips can help you minimize the risk of unauthorized data sharing, they still won’t fix the privacy issue.

Proper fully-developed cybersecurity legislation should be implemented on a federal and state level in order to limit data mining applications within the auto industry and increase transparency.

However, until that time comes, the only thing we can do is grow awareness of our private data usage and try to preserve it as much as we can.

What is your stance on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post What your car knows about you appeared first on Altered Steel.

No wonder then that a road trip serves as a great example of an iconic American adventure. A country so vast just makes you want to explore it from end to end. Some people take it a step farther and start living the vanlife, roaming the States.

Today we are hopping on an adventure of our own. Join me as I explore some epic rides to take you on a trip across the US. With them, the thrill is certain!

What is the best vehicle for a road trip?

Before I share my favorite picks with you, we should discuss some criteria. That being said, they will differ from person to person. Here is my list of requirements:

• Comfort – The longer the trip the more important it becomes. Sure, you can roam around in a small city car, but I doubt you would enjoy the experience. That makes comfort my number one criterion.
• Reliability – You do not want your car to break down in the middle of nowhere. And in the case that it does, you want it to be easy to repair.
• Utility – The ride you pick has to cover all of your needs. If you have a big family, a coupe will hardly make sense. However, if you are just with your significant other, a grand tourer offers plenty of utility. Yet a race car would likely offer you close to zero in that regard. This is why I have a variety of picks for people in different situations.

Of course, we can add tons of other necessities. Still, I think I have mentioned the most common for all people, while others would be on a case-by-case basis. Now that you know what I am looking for, let’s see our choice of epic cars for an epic road trip.

Volkswagen Minibus – The staple pick

Okay, this may be a bit cliché, but no road trip list would be complete without the VW Minibus. So, I decided to be open and put it straight at the top.

Nevertheless, I have a twist for you. While finding an old Minibus is a tough job, the gem will be revived sometime soon. But you have other options as well. Some VW Transporter vans are available on the used market, so maybe try those out. They would make for an awesome road trip experience.

Audi RS6 Avant – For the luxury enthusiast

All luxury brands advertise high comfort. What do they lack? They often do not have a lot of utility, and reliability also tends to be on the bad side. Not with the RS6!

This wagon offers a lot of space, tons of comfort, luxury extras, and… speed! Yes, this is the Swiss Army Knife of sports cars. Even its reliability is above average in the luxury segment. You can have a truly epic road trip, especially if you plan to stick mainly to the interstate. If you want to veer off track, I have a different option for you!

Jeep Cherokee XJ – Have an off-road trip

One of the greatest things about the US is that one moment you can be on the road and then cruise along off-road routes the next. To do that effectively though, you would need a proper vehicle. For a couple, Jeep Wrangler YJ would be great. However, there is a more versatile choice – Cherokee XJ!

Used Jeeps make for the perfect road trip vehicles because you can do whatever you want with them. You can mod them to suit your needs, and mechanics all across the US can work on them. Plus, the XJ has plenty of space for you to load it up and take your kids if you wish!

Ford Mustang – The truly epic road trip experience

Muscle cars and road trips go together so well because they both feel a very US thing. And what better car to experience that than the Mustang? Of course, you can also go with a Camaro or a Challenger, but I prefer Ford for this kind of thing.

Is it comfortable though? Quite a lot actually! Even older versions offer a superb driving experience. Of course, it is not meant for a family trip, but a couple can have an amazing experience in this beast. Almost as if you have taken the idea out of a movie.

Toyota Tundra – The all-in-one solution

Most folks do not associate pickups with road trips. However, the Tundra is an epic vehicle that can actually make your trip as exciting as it gets. For starters, it can handle some rough terrain. Then you can also fill it up with stuff for different activities. And if you do not mind modding it, you could have a camper on your hands.

Honestly, if I had to pick one car, I would likely go with the Tundra. Comfort? Check. Reliability? You bet! Utility? Hey, it’s an off-roadworthy pickup! Summer, winter, the interstate, or rough terrain – you name it, the Tundra handles it!

What car should you pick for a road trip?

One thing lacking in my list is any kind of recreational vehicle. Why have I omitted them? Because while you can have an awesome vacation in one of those, they are simply not as versatile.

That being said, you can still have a great road trip with them. If you do not care about off-roading at all, and having a sportsy feel does nothing for you, by all means, buy or rent an RV for your trip. Still, I just do not feel they are “epic” enough to include them here.

Anyway, let’s put my picks to the side. Yes, I have given you some options, but maybe you have something different in mind. Do you have a specific car that you dream of taking on a road trip? Be sure to mention it. While you are at it, tell me about what makes a road trip “epic” for you!

The post Epic wheels for an epic road trip appeared first on Altered Steel.

Infrastructure? Practically non-existent. Not even the most developed cities were EV-friendly.

Today, the general picture has changed significantly. Not only can we name six EV brands, but we also have the luxury of selecting the best six out of numerous other options.


The outlook for electric vehicles seems to be highly positive today.

Car manufacturers worldwide have been investing in developing and perfecting electric models. And companies like Tesla and Hyundai have proudly revealed more than one electric vehicle model.

What has changed? What trends accelerated EV production and spiked market demand?

Cars going green: key modern trends

• Extended driving range: through better battery technology, today’s EVs can traverse over 300 miles on a single charge. An impressive range like this enhances the feeling of independence while driving. No more looking for charging stations. And the best part is that automakers are continuously looking for ways to improve the range. Maybe someday, “Go electric, go free” will be the marketing slogan used by EV manufacturers.
• Faster charging time: Overnight charging is quickly becoming a thing of the past. You can now charge your EV as quickly as 30 minutes. It seems like enough time to enjoy a good cup of coffee nearby. Again, all that thanks to better, more efficient batteries.
• Mass-market production: Electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream. It means that the number of EVs on the market is increasing, and, as an economist would say: once the supply goes up, the price goes down. Indeed, these cars have become more affordable. As you’ll see below, EVs are sold at a wide range of prices to fit different budgets.
• Better green technology: According to the BloombergNEF research, “the volume-weighted average battery pack fell 85% from 2010-2018.” It means that the price went down along with it. Cheaper and longer-lasting Li-ion batteries ultimately significantly lower the EV production costs.
• Better infrastructure: As EVs’ market has been growing, the network of charging stations has expanded. California remains the leading state with the most private and public electric vehicle charging stations, followed by Texas and Florida. EVs are also strongly encouraged in places that generate clean electricity through renewable resources.

Best EVs you can buy today:

2019 Nissan Leaf – $29,990

The Nissan Leaf is among the most affordable EVs on the market. The 2019 model is significantly better than the previous versions in terms of range and battery charging time. The 2019 Leaf Plus can last up to 215 miles on a single charge. Depending on the voltage, the charging time can vary between 7.5 hours and 35 hours. I know this is a big difference, but unfortunately, the range and chargers are not the strongest qualities of the Nissan Leaf.

The performance is very decent in terms of acceleration and horsepower (147-horsepower electric motor). Yet, the interior design looks a bit on the cheap side and is far from luxurious. A big up for Nissan is that each year it brings improved and better-looking EVs at affordable prices.

2019 Volkswagen e-Golf – $31,895

The e-Golf does not look much different from the manufacturer’s non-EVs. Also, driving it does not feel much different either. Thus, if you are looking forward to driving an EV, but worry that it will not feel like driving a “real car,” then this is a perfect fit for you. The interior is of premium quality, and there is enough space to make your driving experience pleasant.

The main drawback of the e-Golf is a low range. It can drive up to 125 miles on a single charge, which pretty much makes it a city car. If you plan on traveling longer distances, you should make sure to locate charging stations along the way.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt – $36,620

With the Chevrolet Bolt, you can go farther than you think. While still being in the affordable range, it can take you as far as 259 miles on a single charge. If you use the DC fast charging, you can charge 100 miles in 30 minutes.

Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the roomy interior, infotainment system, driver assistance technology, and generous cargo space. The driver screen shows you the percentage of energy used at each car process and activity. Getting real-time information about your driving efficiency definitely adds value to the whole EV experience.

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric – $36,990

This EV offers a great balance of good performance, upscale interior, and price. The range is the generous  258 miles. No wonder it has been voted as the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Hyundai has publicly declared its long term focus on e-mobility, aiming to reach a leading position on the EV market globally. Even though the South Korean auto manufacturer may not be the most popular choice among American drivers, its U.S. sales have been increasing. So, you might want to keep an eye out for Hyundai’s upcoming EV models, not only for more innovative features but also for good value for money.

2020 Jaguar I-Pace – $69,850

Oh, the Jaguar! I am personally happy that even luxury auto manufacturers have their electric models. The Jaguar I-Pace could not be any different in terms of premium interior and exterior design when compared to its non-electric versions.

The all-electric SUV has a 234-mile range and promises to take you from 0 to 60mph in 4,5 seconds in style –  part of the Jaguar magic. This is costly magic, though, as this EV costs almost double the previously mentioned Hyundai Kona. But if you give it a chance, you will see it as a good investment in no time.

2020 Tesla Model X – $86,190

Of course, Tesla could not be absent from this list. The reason why we mention it last is its cost. Tesla S and especially Tesla X are among the most expensive EVs on the market today. Yet, for an EV enthusiast, Tesla model X remains the greenest car with the best performance and the highest range – over 300 miles. This model also comes in AWD, meaning that you will be able to drive it safely, even in bad weather conditions.

The interior cabin is spacious, fitting up to seven people, and has a decent infotainment system. The best part for a speed lover: it can reach 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Driving fast and green in a high-end car. A dream of any environmental and car enthusiast!

What’s your favorite EV?

The six options above are proof that EVs are rapidly growing in popularity. And as the prices are lowering, ultimately, the demand for EVs is going up. As a female EV enthusiast, I can happily say that the cycle is getting reinforced at an exponential rate. More people buy EVs, there is more incentive for manufacturers to go electric, there is more competition, and ultimately, higher-quality cars.

So, after browsing through our top six EVs, which one do you see as a good investment? Would dive into the whole EV experience head-on, or do you prefer an EV that looks more like a regular car? I personally cannot wait to see the 2021 models. Maybe electrifying our mobility is not such a distant dream, after all!

The post The six best EVs to buy in 2020 appeared first on Altered Steel.

The number of women in general and female executives in the automotive industry has gone up during the last decades. However, that number is still too low considering the fact that women make up almost half of the US labor force. Why is it so? 

In this post, we will take a look at some of the reasons why women are not fairly represented in this industry. We will also explore a few solutions that may help women be more present in this industry and get more important roles within companies. 

Let’s start with some of the reasons why women avoid the auto industry: 

Not every girl’s dream

Being a female leader in the industry dominated by men is not something any girl dreams about growing up. The number of girls fascinated by cars since young is not very high. And some women end up in the auto-industry by mere chance.

Some grow up with a father who is a mechanic or a dad who is a key player in the auto industry. Hence, their interest in the automotive world is fostered from a young age. And this is what makes it “easier” for these girls to choose the auto industry. 

But most women do not come from the same background and they are not attracted to this industry as much as men are. 

Less interest in the industry 

Another reason why women avoid the car industry is simply a lack of interest. This type of environment is not appealing to them. There’s also not enough encouragement for women to pursue a career in the automotive industry. And they know that if they choose this path, they will face a lack of advancement opportunities compared to their male counterparts. 

The need for work-life balance

Some women avoid a career in the automotive world because of their need for work-life balance and flexible schedule. The auto industry is demanding. It can take a great chunk of your day, leaving little to no room for life outside of work.

Being a female trucker, for example, and spending most of your day on the road, away from your family and friends, is not something every woman can do. Women know the importance of maintaining work-life balance and they try to position themselves in industries that allow it. 

The need for safety 

Women also want to work in a place where they feel safe. Not that the car industry is not a safe place to work for women. But conscious and unconscious bias that women face hinders their advancement and often pushes them out of the industry for good.

According to a survey by Automotive News which asked around 900 women at all levels and in all segments sexism is “well and alive” in the auto industry. Even though this industry is trying to include women as much as possible, at the same time it is also pushing them away due to high rates of sexual harassment and sexism. 

Women in the C-Suite

Let’s find out how the C-Suite picture is looking for women in the auto world. Globally, when it comes to gender diversity among executive teams, the automotive industry is not showing great progress.

The total percentage of female executives in the top 20 motor vehicle companies went from 7% (in 2014) to 8% (in 2018). The vast majority of the top 20 companies (56%) don’t have any female directors. Any. And this tells us a lot about the current situation and how slow it is moving toward inclusivity and gender equality. 

Empowering women in the auto industry

There are several steps we can take to improve the current situation and increase the number of women in the auto industry as well as the number of female executives. 

The power of encouragement

If more women already in the auto industry start helping, coaching, and supporting each other, more women will feel like they belong in this field. They will be more inclined to continue advancing their careers as well. 

If you are a man or woman working in the auto industry, encourage your female coworkers, inspire them, help them get their voices and opinions heard. In the long run, this will not only result in more women choosing this profession but will also advance the careers of women already working in the industry. The more females hired in this industry, the higher their chances of reaching executive roles. 

Hiring more women

We have seen time and time again how many professions are only targeted towards men, and only men are expected to apply. But we are moving towards the world that is more inclusive and open. Professions nowadays are not as sexist. Women excel at jobs that are “supposed to be done by a man” and vice versa.

When companies use gender-neutral wording in job listings, they leave the door open for women, thus promoting the culture of inclusion and equality.

Not only will this lead to women being more aware of these jobs. It will increase the number of qualified female talent within the auto industry. It is a win-win scenario. 

Final thoughts

Even though the percentage of women in the automotive industry is still relatively low, those who are part of it – are totally rocking it. From fixing and designing cars to planning and managing vehicle production – they are passionate about what they do.

Their profession may be hard and challenging, but that is what propels these women forward. Leading, creating, and designing new things. Adding their feminine and creative touch. And at the same time, inspiring other women who have decided to follow the same path. 

Women are reshaping the automotive industry. Female leaders specifically have shown the world that, after all, in this conventionally male-dominated field, gender is losing its importance.

What matters is the impact your work leaves. The projects you manage to complete successfully. And the sheer joy you feel when you know you have surpassed everyone’s expectations. First of all – your own.

The post Being a female leader in the auto industry appeared first on Altered Steel.

Now every time my family and I recall these memories we laugh it off, of course. But at the same time, we realize how much the toys we received as children have affected us and our choices as adults.

A fair mistake

Since most cars are built and designed by men, from Henry Ford to Elon Musk, we make the common mistake and generalize by thinking that all cars are designed by men. It is a fair mistake, and if you do think that, we forgive you. But the truth is, not all key figures in the history of the automotive industry are men. 

So many women have been and continue to be outstanding innovators in the car manufacturing world. From the early days of the 20th century to modern times, women have pushed the industry to higher levels and have added a feminine touch to so many cars that in our eyes may look like “macho” made beasts. 

Maybe to you, it doesn’t matter who has designed your car. But if you own a vehicle, take a good look at it. Can you tell if it was a man or a woman who designed it? I for one, cannot tell.

Today, we are going to take a look at some of the most popular cars designed by women. And who knows? You might even find out that your car was also designed by a woman. Let’s dive right in, shall we? 

2015 FORD Mustang

Let’s kick off with the ultimate muscle car: The Ford Mustang. Who would have thought that a woman was responsible for redesigning this iconic car in 2015? Yet again, Marcy Fisher was asked to recreate the Ford Mustang for its 50th-anniversary edition. And man, did she do a great job!

Being the vehicle line director, Marcy Fisher has shown the world that women can succeed in an industry dominated by men. She is also coaching other women to follow her example by being more involved in the automotive industry. 

NASH 600

When Helene Rother joined the interior styling staff of General Motors in 1943, she became the first woman to work as an automotive designer in the US. But it was Nash Motors that allowed her to grow and launched her career even further. Rother was responsible for the styling of elegant interiors of most Nash Motor cars from 1948 to 1956. 

Nash 600 was the first vehicle she worked on, and that is why we have chosen this particular model to mention one of the key people in the automotive industry. In 1953, Rother even helped Nash Motors win the Jackson Medal for outstanding design. In a world that appreciated functionality and masculinity in a car at the time, she added a touch of warm and chic comfort. We hope to see more women like her join this challenging industry!

BMW Z4

And here’s another car designed by a woman. And what car! Back in 2009, the BMW Z4 roadster was first introduced to the world at the Detroit Auto Show. The car looked like a dream come true for many, many men. But what they didn’t realize at the time, and maybe even nowadays, was that the brains behind this stereotypical sports beast were two women. 

Juliane Blasi did the exterior design of the car, while Nadya Arnaout was responsible for its interior. These two women proved once again that women can design sleek masculine cars with strong edges. 

NISSAN Titan

Maybe it’s just the feminist in me saying this, but every time a woman invests her soul into something, that something turns into gold. And that is the case with Nissan Titan. Diane Allen was responsible for leading the design team of the first Titan that launched in 2002. Since then, she was looking forward to re-designing the full-size pickup truck and finally got her chance to do so in 2015. 

The pick-up truck, indeed, looks neither stylish nor feminine. It has a “macho” look. And that’s exactly the look the automaker was aiming for with Nissan Titan. 

VOLVO YCC

Swedish multinational manufacturing company Volvo is well known for catering not only to men but also to women. In 2002, five women at Volvo Cars took the initiative to create the Volvo YCC (Your Car Concept) targeting professional women. The car appeared at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. All the decisions for this project were made by women, and the three chief designers were also female. How did they manage to develop a sporty luxury car to meet the needs of the independent female professional? 

They understood that women, like men, want the same thing when it comes to style and performance of the car. But they took a step further when designing Volvo YCC. They always kept in mind a woman’s perspective. 

As women, they knew other women desire to own a car that offered smart storage solutions, a car that is easy to get in and out of, a car that is easy to park, and easy to maintain. And the result was just marvelous, don’t you think?

ACURA NSX

This expensive sports car was manufactured from 1990 to 2005. When the company decided to relaunch the second-generation NSX, they trusted Michelle Christensen to work on the interior. Acura NSX was first introduced to the world at the North American International Auto Show in 2015. 

Christensen had been working for Acura since 2005. She has mentioned in several interviews how she grew as a designer with Acura. For the NSX she had to create a design that would not only make the car look stylish, but also enhance its functionality. 

CHRYSLER 200

We are closing this list with Chrysler 200. Did you know that Winnie Cheung was responsible for the redesign of the Chrysler 200 sedan? This female automotive professional is currently the Interior Chief Designer for the Jeep brand at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Throughout the years she has designed the interior of many sleek FCA Fiat Chrysler vehicles. We think Chrysler 200 is one of her best works.

If your car didn’t make the list, that does not mean that a man MUST have designed it. You know better than that! The number of cars designed by women, be it the exterior or the interior, is immense. 

Do you own any of these cars we have mentioned? Or did you know that any of them were designed by women? If not, we encourage you to dig deeper and research other cars that you haven’t realized were designed by women. In the meantime, read more about women who rock cars and the Damsels of Design. 

The post Is your car designed by a woman? appeared first on Altered Steel.

The main reason we teach people to appreciate history is because of our species’ collective struggle. Freedom, inventions, discoveries – these things came at a cost. It would be disrespectful not to bow in reverence to the sacrifices made. What happens then, when our history is no longer written in pain? When no sweat goes into art, no craftsmanship into machinery?

Let’s explore how the pace of innovation will have us pay a different price. For that, we will use the automotive industry as our case study. Let’s see if our technological progress will not rob us of our ability to appreciate technology altogether!

The price of easy development

We are at the turning point where new inventions do not cost us much. They do not require sacrifices anymore. And that should be a good thing, right? Yet the mass production of innovation has left us disconnected from our modern history.

The automotive industry serves as a perfect example of this. Think about it – why do we care about cars? We cherish classics now because they are pieces of art just as much as they are machines.

On the other hand, with modern cars, it is a whole different story. For most of us, they are more of a tool. Being factory-made with little to no human input has made them better technically, but worse sentimentally. Where does this leave us?

The last generation of old-timey classics

We seem incapable of appreciating something, when there were no tears poured over it. This is why some people believe that the classic market is going to get flooded by cars, which no one actually likes.

That being said, there still are current models, which will deservedly take up the “classic” mantle. Cars like Bentley Continental GT are the perfect fit for that. They come in a style that will not fade through the years. Chrysler 300C also seems like a good candidate. Volvo has many recent models that would become worthy classics too.

But we are still talking about “old generation” cars. No matter how we slice it, their days are numbered. EVs are the new kids on the block and they are here to take it over. Faster? Check! More technologically advanced? Check! Easier to maintain? Check! Cheaper to run? Check! More character? Uhm…

That is the wall we are just about to hit. We get seemingly better cars, which look soulless nevertheless. I have no idea why most manufacturers think that EVs have to appear incredibly futuristic. Firstly, you will not win over “regular car” fans with such designs. Secondly, the lack of imagination makes them all look pretty much the same.

There is a glimmer of hope with designers like Pininfarina, who try to make actual artwork out of cars (even modern ones). Sadly though, most manufacturers fail to impress. Which begs the question – if their cars look bad today, how will they be regarded 25 years from now?

The challenges of future classics

If I ask you to name a few vintage cars, what will they be? The old Mustangs and Chevies always come to mind. We also have the German classics with the likes of Porsche, Mercedes, and even the VW Beetle.

What is the most notable thing about these vehicles? They have memorable aesthetics, reliable builds, and have stood the test of time. Many classics also have an important history behind them. If we try to apply the same criteria to recent vehicles, things get a bit tough. We have already taken a look at possible future classics from the 2000s in another article. To sum it up though – there are not that many candidates.

While design can be subjective, reliability is not. Unfortunately, most cars nowadays are not built to last. The car parts market has become a lucrative niche, so I will let you connect the dots yourself. I do not want to imagine what will happen when the new cars get old and parts are no longer manufactured for them.

That gets even worse with the next generation of cars, most notably the EVs. We are not talking about cars being mechanical things anymore. They are computers with the ability to drive you around. When their systems fail you do not go to a mechanic, you wait for a team of programmers to fix the issues. And last time I checked, old technology always has a due date on its software maintenance. What problems may that bring?

The classic car crisis

I think the future of automotive history is in danger. If we want cars to get better from now on, we have to give up on their constant reliability. A similar thing happened to watches. Yes, mechanical watches can last you a century, but they will never be as precise as modern digital ones. Guess which we regard higher though.

With time, car manufacturing will only get cheaper, EVs will be the norm and new systems will be developed. Driverless cars are just around the corner too. This is great if we look at cars as mere tools. However, it also means that fewer and fewer of them will be worthy of the classic mantle.

Can we then say that vintage cars are a truly finite resource? Are we about to see a gradual cutoff when new vehicles will simply never become classics? To be honest, this may be quite likely. The market itself can evolve into something different though. That leads me to look at a few possible solutions for the classic car crisis.

How can we save the future of classic cars

We have to remember that people change. Kids that are growing up today will be the car collectors of the future. They will definitely have quite the different idea of what the automotive industry is. It is entirely possible that they consider today’s weird-looking EVs as priceless history gems.

However, even if that does not happen there are a few other ways that can ensure the continuation of the classics. Here are some of them:

• Restore the oldies – We have an article about classic vehicles with modern engines. Whether you like them or not, this may just be the future. It has implications beyond reviving the old classics though. For example, it may not be farfetched to simply buy a 30-year-old EV and update it. That way in 2050 you can drive a Tesla Model 3 (which will definitely be a classic by then).
• Just manufacture them old – You can buy a new mechanical watch nowadays. It is going to be more expensive (especially if it is handcrafted), but you know, it will have character. I believe the same can be done with vehicles in the future. Take the design from the ’80s, slap modern machinery, take out some features to make it look more authentic, and there you go. This may sound sacrilegious now, but as I told you – people change.
• Give up on driving them – Even now some collectors do not want to drive their classics. If we all give up on wanting our classics to be operational, the whole hobby can still live on pretty much as is. Alternatively, maybe we could drive them only at designated places (like tracks). This seems rather feasible.

These are the solutions that seem the most plausible to me. I am not saying that they are great, but we may not really have a choice. Regulation and innovation will seriously change the market, even in ways we cannot predict. Maybe the whole niche will go away.

Will the classic car market disappear completely?

Of all the conceivable outcomes, the end of the classics as a whole is the bleakest one. Is it likely though? To be honest, it is entirely possible that personal cars will cease to exist altogether. At that point, the classic car market will definitely change and become even more niche.

No matter how you look at it, you would not be able to drive your classic in the future. At least not on the streets. The progress towards automation and fewer emissions will have old cars banned. In one way or another, we will have to bid them farewell. The very experience of driving them can become something that only a few people will have in their lives.

Let me know what you think though. Will we see the end of the classic car as we know it? Or are you convinced that they will live on one way or another?

The post The future of automotive history appeared first on Altered Steel.

That being said, micro-mobility is now making a lot of noise. Some flaunt it as the solution to the world’s transportation and environmental problems. Others see it as nothing more than a gimmick. In a world of differing opinions, you face quite the trouble sorting them out to find the truth. Well, let me see how we can actually go about it then.

In this article, we will dive through the facts together. Our goal is to make sense of the whole micro-mobility niche, figure it out and see if it holds any merit. This new technology may not be the ultimate solution to anything, but then again it is likely not all that bad either. Hop right on!

The basics of micro-mobility

First, we need to get our terminology straight. Micro-mobility sounds vague enough to fit a whole bunch of things, so we have to see what it really means.

Wikipedia mentions that any vehicle under 1100 lbs (or 500 kilos) falls within the micro-mobility category. Funny enough, no one knows who has set this standard, and why the arbitrary measurement even exists.

If we want a more useful description, we should simply look up some examples. Electric scooters and skateboards, as well as electrically assisted bikes, are all part of the micro-mobility world. So to me, it seems that “micro” would be a small vehicle with a motor. Basically, anything that freely transports a single person around town.

That being said, the motor is not strictly necessary. Shared bikes also count, even if they are not motorized. Obviously, the whole definition is a bit blurry. But still, you get a general idea. Now we should see how it all came to be!

The origins of micro-mobility

Non-electric push scooters have been around since the Stone Age. Okay, maybe not as far back, but they do feel quite ancient. Yet someone figured out they could be motorized, and voila – a giant industry pops up all of a sudden.

Micro-mobility is one of the fastest-growing niches ever. It has surprised many even in the world of technology, where people are used to quick growth. Think about it – a few years ago Uber was all the rage, now people are driven mad by electric scooters. They have flooded some cities where you cannot go outside without stumbling into one. Even pop-culture makes fun of them now.

While e-scooters do make the majority of micro-mobility, the niche did not start there. Bikes have been a popular mode of transport in the EU for a while. People in China have also used them extensively. But not everybody wants to own a bike and take care of it, not to mention figuring out a way to store it (including at work). So bicycle-sharing systems have popped up to solve these issues, at least partly.

The actual origins take us all the way back to the Netherlands, 1965. Some 30 years later the UK and US also developed bike-sharing programs for certain places. The biggest development though happened in China. Initially, they were regular bikes, then motorized versions came. At some point, people figured you could scale the bike down and motorize a scooter instead.

This is pretty much how micro-mobility started out. The cheap scooter price, coupled with little actual regulation propelled the industry forward. The micro-mobility boom that we are seeing now in the States mimics what has been happening in China for quite a while now. Is that good or bad though? A bit of both!

The benefits of micro-mobility

While the world loves to focus on negativity, I figured we should first look at all the positives that micro-mobility can bring. Here are some:

Micro-mobility may allow you to escape the rush hour

Nobody likes being stuck in a jam. It is obvious how e-scooters can alleviate that a bit. However, they can also help you to cut down on travel time altogether. It is common for people to get to work faster riding a bike than driving a car during rush hour. An e-scooter then is not far behind, and you will not get sweaty riding it.

Small vehicles are cheap to maintain

This is not exactly your concern if you do not plan to own one. However, it makes the investment into a higher quality micro vehicle quite worthwhile. If you live somewhere where the climate allows it, you can save yourself a lot of trouble with a good e-scooter.

They often end up the cheaper alternative

Most people have not yet transitioned to EVs, so gas prices still matter to them. However, with the occasional use of an e-scooter (or an e-bike) they can cut down on transportation costs.

Micro-mobility can fill in the gaps

Have you heard of the last-mile problem? That is the distance to work, which is too close to drive, but too far to walk. It is a problem for commuters, who do not have a convenient bus stop. They are often forced to account for an additional hour of commute just because of inefficient travel options. This is where e-scooters can help many folks by literally closing that gap.

Other notable micro-mobility benefits include:

• Reduced pollution – The less gas being used the less pollution there will be.
• A potentially healthier option – Standing up, keeping balance and pedaling (in case of bikes) all require you to be at least a little bit more active.
• Accessible for financially-challenged people – E-scooters are cheap enough to provide a way of transport for people, who cannot otherwise afford it.

As you can see there are some clear pros to micro-mobility. It is no wonder why certain people make such a big deal about it. However, not everything is as clear-cut and as beneficial as some would want you to believe. Let us explore the cons right now!

The problems with micro-mobility

Even if you support the niche of small vehicle transportation, you still have to accept that some folks find them problematic. The key is to figure out what the problems are, and if they are fixable at all. After all, since micro-mobility is probably here to stay, we should make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some glaring issues to figure out first:

Too dependent on weather

Though it may seem a small thing, weather can actually be quite the issue. Most places do not have excellent weather throughout the year, which means that e-scooters will go through periods without use. But people are creatures of habit, so if they stop using scooters, working them back into their routine will be a challenge.

Micro-mobility does not scale well with distance

Riding a scooter for a couple of miles is cool. You can probably have an e-bike trip of about 5-7 miles too. However, going above that gets daunting. If you live very far away from work, a scooter will not solve your issue. Nobody wants to ride these things for hours on end. Not to mention that the longer you are on a scooter the bigger our next issue gets.

Safety concerns

I did not even have to research this before it popped up in my head as a potential issue. Every biker will tell you how important it is to keep your head safe. Some would go as far as protecting the whole body. Yet you will not see anyone on a shared scooter or bike with protective gear on. This raises some concerns. For example, if seatbelts are enforced, should micro-mobility protection not also be?

Clutter and trash

Dockless scooters (the ones you can leave anywhere) have already become quite the issue for city dwellers. They have flooded the sidewalks, blocking them, especially during times when they are not heavily used.

Additionally, electric scooters last less than a month. That means companies need to supply new ones regularly. Such a thing only serves to saturate the streets even more. Sadly, there is no clear solution either. For instance, China saw similar issues, only in their case, it was bikes, not scooters. Do you know what happened to all the extra bikes? They became mountain-sized trash piles. A good counter-argument to the environmental benefits, right?

All these issues may not seem too big right now, but how long until they become unbearable? How many people need to get hurt? How high should the trash piles get?

Of course, some would say that you are technically required to wear a helmet. You are also required to park scooters nicely and not drive on the sidewalk. Is that enforced though? Not really. These are rules, not laws. With so many scooters, little regulation, and not enough personnel to monitor everything, we need better solutions that can actually make e-scooter users follow the rules.

This is what makes micro-mobility so interesting right now. On the one hand, it holds the potential to alleviate a lot of traffic issues. On the other hand, it raises concerns people did not have beforehand.

So is micro-mobility really a solution?

The short answer – it can be. If companies (and users) are smart about it, micro-mobility can revolutionize the way we travel. More people may become commuters because many are already eager to ditch their cars. Scooters will just make the transition easier.

Conversely, micro-mobility may become a bigger issue if we are not quick to act. Regulations are necessary because safety and clean streets are important things to stand for.

What about you though – are you excited about micro-mobility? Or is it just another nuisance that you want to see fade into obscurity?

The post All you wanted to know about micro-mobility appeared first on Altered Steel.