Word: gm
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...into the same one-line classified ad as the rest of us. The site's internal search engine is the kind of leveling tool Karl Marx never conceived of. Ask for an automobile and eBay is just as likely to turn up your neighbors' five-year-old Pontiac as GM's latest top-of-the-range four-wheeler. The effect is as pleasing as browsing in a bookstore where new and used titles mingle democratically on the shelves, arranged by their content and not by the glossiness of their covers...
Telematics Driving Along in My Automobile Driving is becoming an increasingly luxurious experience for those who can afford the frills. Owners of GM vehicles can press a button and tell a live adviser to make hotel reservations or send flowers, thanks to Onstar's Concierge service. Later this year the U.S. company will offer voice-activated cell phone calls and a personalized website, and eventually traffic reports. Mercedes drivers can help themselves to text-based weather, sports and stock updates from U.S. company ATX, watch TV or bark orders to their radio, thanks to Mercedes-Benz's own Linguatronic system...
...Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers: Even if he doesn't win it, he can buy the trophy from whomever does 2. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees: Does everything magnificently except clear the yard. Like Steinbrenner cares 3. Pedro Martinez, P, Red Sox: He's the guy every GM would start a team with, yet writers won't vote...
Virtual Advisor--available by year's end in 32 of GM's 54 cars (as well as some Lexus, Acura and Saab models)--is an extension of GM's OnStar system, which when introduced in 1996 was touted mostly as a luxury option for drivers who could use it to get directions, make restaurant reservations and buy theater tickets over a speakerphone from the comfort of their Cadillacs. This year the selling point is safety first; the pampering will cost you extra...
Soon enough, GM owners will have the power to do more than just access information. Last week the company announced that, come summer, its Virtually-Advised drivers will be able not only to monitor their stock holdings but also through Fidelity Investments make actual hands-free trades while attempting to negotiate traffic. They may thus be able to dodge a market sell-off by unloading shares on the fly and at the same time stay focused enough to avoid a real crash--say, into the car up ahead...