[bwilson4web]

Every now and then, I read a car article and my first thought is "What were they thinking?"

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...REEN/110319958

. . .
The first step in that process comes this summer, when Audi begins testing A1 E-tron subcompacts in Munich. Using smart phones, Audi will track the "typical mobility behavior" of project participants before they get the A1, then assess changes as they use the car.

"We monitor their mobility behavior in the car, by bike, by foot, subway, whatever," van Meel said. "Then they change to the A1 E-tron, and we have a look to see if they still have the same mobility behavior or it if changes."
. . .

Suddenly the prospect of having a 'smart phone' doesn't seem so smart. One might as well have an ankle bracelet. Now if they made it in a dog collar . . . Oh they are planning a series hybrid:

. . .
The A1 E-tron is a range-assisted EV that has a small internal combustion engine, which serves as a generator that recharges the battery. Audi showed the car at the 2010 Geneva auto show, referring to it then as "a near-series production vehicle."
. . .

Ok, I understand requirements analysis but using a smart phone for this function is more a kin to a voluntary, ankle bracelet.

Bob Wilson