Perhaps the best known systems are the Sync and Ford MyTouch. Sync allows easy control of entertainment components via voice command and allows the integration of a mobile phone. The system includes a tiny LCD screen that helps the driver control aspects of the entertainment system. Ford’s more advanced system is called MyTouch. Two small LCD screens flank the speedometer, putting them in easy visual range. A large 8 inch touchscreen sits in the center console. Drivers can use the screen to see and control practically anything in the car, including the temperature controls, mobile phone, and navigation and entertainment systems. Entertainment includes not only the standard AM/FM radio and CD player, but also satellite radio and media which can be plugged in via an SD card or thumb drive. It also allows you to play video through a portable DVD player or iPod into the car’s entertainment system so that you can view the video on the center console screen.

Microsoft partnered with Ford to create the MyTouch. In order to simplify the operation of the system, Microsoft has divided the control functions into four groupings — entertainment, phone, navigation and climate. The touchscreen in the center console is divided into four sections, each of which holds one of the four groups. Each group is easily identifiable by its color scheme. So you know what you are able to control according to the color on the screen.

It sounds like it could be somewhat complicated to use. And it is. Ford actually asked its dealers to provide lessons on how to use the system after an article in Consumer Reports said that it could not recommend the Ford Edge or the Lincoln MKX because the cars included the Ford MyTouch system which was too complicated and distracting to use.

Nissan’s version of the Ford Sync is called the Entune and includes the ability to access apps stored on a smartphone so that you can use Internet features like Bing; iHeartRadio that allows access to more than 750 local radio stations across the country; Pandora, a personalized feature that allows you to create your own radio stations that play only the songs, artists and genres you want to hear; MovieTickets.com which provides you with information on what movies are playing where and at what time as well as deliver movie reviews and it allows you to purchase the tickets for the movie without leaving the car. The system also allows you to get the latest sports and traffic information as well as the news and weather reports. You can even use it to find the nearest gas station with the cheapest price of gas.

Hyundai’s system is called Blue Link. Much like General Motors’ OnStar system, it offers features like emergency assistance. The driver or passenger can call for help simply by pushing a button. GPS technology provides the location of the car. Its Alarm Notification feature alerts the driver via phone, email or text message if the car’s alarm has been tripped. The Stolen Vehicle Recovery feature helps police recover the car if it’s stolen, much like Lojack. Drivers can even start their cars using a smartphone application. There are many other features in Blue Link, including monthly e-mail reports with updates about the vehicle’s status.

Chevrolet has its own infotainment system called MyLink. It allows you to control the stereo system and it can use apps from the Blackberry, iPhone or Android smartphones. These apps include Pandora; Stitcher SmartRadio, which streams audio off the Internet; and a Navigation app.

Blue and Me, Fiat’s infotainment system, provides voice control of the stereo and cell phone. Integration with TomTom is also available. Blue and Me also allows records driving habits and allow users to download this infomation to a thumb drive and upload it to Eco:Ville, a Fiat website that uses this information to provide tips on how to save fuel.

Chrysler’s Uconnect system integrates a mobile phone using Bluetooth, allowing the user to use voice control for the phone. It also includes GPS technology, a 30-gigabyte hard drive so that you can store up to 6,700 songs from CDs or USB memory devices and photos. When the vehicle is in park, it can show movies on it’s screen. Uconnect Studios is an optional feature allowing the user to access Sirius Satellit Radio and Sirius Backseat TV for family friendly television programs. Cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi allow the user to access the internet from their car.

UVO is Kia’s voice controlled and touch-activated infotainment system. The 4.3 inch screen displays data about the car as well as the entertainment features. When the car is put into reverse, the rear-view camera is activated. Up to 250 songs can be stored in its 4 GB hard drive.

Finally, MINI Cooper has an infotainment system called the MINI Connected which connects with the iPhone and allows access to web radio functions. Its Mission Control function provides the driver with information about the vehicle and road conditions.

Try out some of the infotainment systems at this St Louis car dealership.

Unfortunately they panicked and overreacted. The result? Only the most well qualified buyers with stellar credit could get a loan. There were many people who could afford to pay car payments, but they couldn’t get financing at decent rates, so they didn’t buy a car. As buyers disappeared, car dealerships started offering spectacular incentives, including low and even zero interest rate loans. But those are only available to those same well qualified buyers.

The next problem in the downward spiral was about the stability of auto manufacturers who weren’t selling cars. What happens to your warranty if General Motors goes under?

On Monday, President Obama announced that the federal government would stand behind car warranties. That removes that hurdle.

Today GMAC announced that they will extend credit to car buyers with credit scores below 620. If you are one of the many people who could almost buy a car, now is your chance. GMAC has committed to making $5 billion available over the next 60 days.

Maybe this is the beginning of a recovery for the auto industry, or maybe we have a ways to go. Either way, if you’re planning to buy a car or truck any time soon, this is probably the right moment. You can even contact the Financing Department of your local GM Dealer by phone or email to see if you can get a loan on that car you’ve been thinking of.

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