For decades, Consumer Reports has been at the forefront of advocating for automotive safety, collaborating closely with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to continually elevate safety standards in cars.  In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the IIHS auto crash test facility in central Virginia. Our experts talk with David Aylor, the Vice President of Active Safety at IIHS, discussing the significance of crash safety and detailing the collaborative efforts between IIHS and Consumer Reports in advancing automotive safety standards.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:49 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

01:04 - Side Impact Crash Test

02:21 - How CR incorporates IIHS Data into the rating

03:16 - What is Car Safety

04:42 - Crash Avoidance Systems

07:25 - What is HLDI

08:47 - How CR and IIHS are raising the bar for car safety

10:05 - How our work benefits consumers

10:41 - IIHS ratings

12:05 - Understanding CR’s safety ratings

13:04 - Difference between IIHS and NHTSA

13:53 - How we are all working together for the consumer

15:08 - Looking forward

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Our experts share their first impressions of the 2024 Tesla Model 3. For 2024, the Model 3 gets a major freshening with updated styling, acoustic glass for all of the windows, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, and a softer ride. While these are all good changes, we also talk about how the controls and updated blind spot warning system leave us wanting more. We also answer audience questions about the lack of van-like vehicles on the market and which safety systems we'd design for future vehicles.

For more information on the Tesla Model 3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 

Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Tesla redesign vs. refresh

2:39 - First impressions

3:45 - 2024 Model 3 updates

8:26 - Regenerative braking

12:58 - New features/controls we’re on the fence about

22:14 - Features we still like

23:30 - Tesla Supercharger layoffs

24:41 - Why we bought the Full Self-Driving capability

27:03 - CR/Tesla Histroy

30:46 - Question 1: Where did all the vans go?

35:43 - Question 2: What vehicle safety system would you design?

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LINKS:

First Drive: Refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Improves Upon Its Winning Formula: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-tesla-model-3-review-a1206367267/

Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-superchargers-open-to-other-evs-what-to-know-a9262067544/

Best Bike Racks: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/

How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

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We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT