Lincoln aces test of dealerships; Audi safety technology puts camera on drivers

(Ford)

Lincoln aces test of car dealerships
A host of mystery shoppers sent to critique dealerships across the country last month gave luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Lexus high marks and put Ford and Lincoln above the industry average. Now in its fourth year, the study by Pied Piper Management aims to help automakers and dealers determine how to boost sales. Lincoln's score jumped 4 percent, more than any other brand, compared with its rank in 2009. Lincoln's salespeople were more likely to talk about a vehicle's features and ask why the shopper considered the brand.

--New York Times News Service

(Audi)

Audi technology puts cameras on drivers
Audi is adding a new type of safety technology -- cameras that face the driver -- to a large range of its vehicles in the next year. The Adaptive and Cooperative Technologies for Intelligent Traffic system uses video cameras aimed at the driver to determine if he or she is paying attention, while external cameras watch traffic. If it's determined that the driver is not paying attention when a crash is imminent the vehicle will warn the driver and then make an evasive turn or apply the brakes.

--Wheelbase Communications