pet connection

These are definitely turbulent and exciting times for the auto industry. The Big Three (GM, Ford and Chrysler) are now joined by innovative and ingenious companies like BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Mercedes (recently divorced from Chrysler), Toyota, Suzuki, and Volkswagen, who have turned the car-making industry on its ear by being way ahead in all facets of style, economy, performance and reliability.

In short, it’s a great time to be an automotive journalist. In the 13 years that I’ve been writing about cars from a father’s perspective, I’ve seen mind-boggling innovations — such as ear-blasting surround sound music systems, full-color back-up cameras and multi-functional global positioning systems (GPS) — become so ho-hum commonplace that I feel cheated when a vehicle doesn’t include them. Satellite radio, which I recall just a couple of years ago wondering why anyone outside of the trucking industry would want to buy, is now something that I can’t live without.

And don’t even think about taking away my heated seats. What would I do without warm buns on a cold winter morning?

Now that my kids are growing up — my son turns voting age in December and my daughter is just three years behind him — I am turning my car-review eye toward kids of the canine variety. Instead of counting cupholders and testing infant seat anchors, I’m now measuring the capacity to house wire crates, how easy it is to clean up muddy paw prints and the ability to traverse tough terrain in a vehicle that’s fully loaded with furry friends.

I also pledge to provide a little insight into the future of the automotive world. What’s coming out of the collective brain trusts of this new — highly competitive and innovative — global transportation industry.

Yes, the times they are a-changin’. So hold on tight to your puppy, we’re in for a great ride!
(Pictured: 2008 Toyota Highlander)