Developing a Seamless and Safe Connected Car Podcast

Cars are getting more connected, though drivers may be feeling less connected with their cars. David had a chance to listen to some industry luminaries discuss where they see things going for radios, data and distracted driving at the Connected Car Conference.

One thing that leaves many drivers disconnected is getting their car stolen, and vehicle thefts are on the uptick across the U.S., but particularly in agricultural areas.

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Jalopnik's map of the top selling new car by state.

Another dissatisfying experience is being had by folks related to their car insurance, which may relate to the amount of advertising that they are getting exposed to.

July 4th is the deadliest day for drivers in the U.S., and we explore the connection between hot dogs, apple pie, beer, fireworks and driving.

Many people will be driving to and from their 4th of July picnics and barbecues in a new Ford 150, according to this map created by Jalopnik. And the F-150 also took the top spot among American-made cars from Toyota's Camry.

That could change in the coming years as Tesla finds more support and success in change the way that people buy -- auto makers sell -- vehicles.

We Hover Through This Totally Satisfying Automotive Podcast

Vehicle satisfaction is rising and people who buy Lincolns, the few that there are, remain the most pleased with their purchases. Least satisfying are Chryslers.

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Chatty cars.

Car enthusiasts are hoping that the new rear-drive sporty cars from Subaru and Scion will satisfying them, even though they aren't totally practical.

Talking cars aren't practical or particularly pleasing, but a new federal test in Michigan will unleash a fleet of cars that communicate with each other to improve safety.

That's because driving is dangerous, especially for people who drive for a living. It's the eighth most dangerous profession.

Speaking of danger, if you own a 1994 Honda Accord be prepared for it to get stolen. It's the most-stolen car for the fourth year in a row.

We rarely talk about recalls, but BP's issues with a batch of gasoline are really interesting and concerning.

Finally, check out this video of a hover cycle:

We're Driving This Podcast Into the Ground -- Like Our Cars

Home builders buy trucks. And thanks to a reviving housing market in the U.S., pickup sales are rebounding. That will be a relief for the many people who have hung on to their aging trucks for a long time, but that looks to be the norm going forward, according to a new study.

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GM hopes to kickstart sales by introducing a new program that allows buyers to return their cars and not haggle over the price. Meanwhile, Dodge is hoping a plethora of options and combinations will draw buyers to the its new Dart.

One reason to buy a newer car: They are harder to steal. Meanwhile, here are four things to avoid doing to prevent your car from getting stolen.

Traffic deaths are soaring this year, perhaps thanks to better driving weather. Or fewer angry women driving. A new study found that women suffer more from road rage.

Perhaps more coffee will help. Fiat has put an espresso maker in it's 500L. Maybe Mercedes airbag seatbelts are safer.

Finally check out Seinfeld's car, coffee, comedian video and some Florida police officers' career-ending prank.

Podcasting by the Seat of Our Pants

Welcome to our 2011 end of year car sales extravaganza. We talk about:

• December U.S. auto sales
• 2011 full-year sales
• Top selling by category
• Top selling vehicles
• Chevrolet Volt vs. Nissan Leaf

Other than sales, we also look at the decrease in recalls during 2011.

Ford Concept

Next week is both CES and the Detroit auto show and in addition to interesting vehicles from Ford, Chrysler and others, vehicular gadgets will be on display, including a slew of new apps for Ford's SYNC.

One piece of technology that might be too wacky even for CES is a system that uses people's behinds to identify them.

Perhaps HiGear could use that system to prevent the vehicle thefts that is leading the peer-to-peer auto rental to shut down.

Speaking of criminals, Jimmy Hoffa is apparently buried under GM's headquarters in Detroit. Not Giants stadium.

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