DWI: Driving While Intoxicated . . . by This Amazing Podcast

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan has had a huge impact on the auto industry, idling assembling and parts plants across the world, and now even limiting color supplies. Black Fords are on hold as are some reds. The Prius is back into production but the larger Prius V has been delayed.

Cars are getting more connects and Ford's coming Focus Electric with have its own mobile phone plan thanks to AT&T. The wireless service will allow the vehicle to communicate with it's owner through an app that will provide charging information.

Drive happy, and safely

Sprint is hoping that users will pay them for a service that limits phone access when it detects driving, but we're skeptical of the $2 per month charge will catch on with drivers.

Some Senators are skeptical of some new apps that provide drivers with information on speed traps, red light cameras, speed cameras, school zones and most importantly DUI checkpoints. They have asked the apps be removed and RIM has already complied.

That might not be helpful, but Cambridge, Mass., by installing bicycle repair stations. Maybe they can also add some of the things that drivers should keep in their trunk for emergencies.

Finally, Facebook allows you to find our what your old girlfriend or boyfriend is up to, and now Check My Ride from AutoCheck allows you to find out where your old car is.

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Distracted While Driving on Glass Roadways With Spiders and Slippery Key Fobs

We hope we don't distract you while you are driving with this podcast, because apparently there is a growing number of people who are using the Web while driving. We debate the validity of this study and distracted driving in general. After all, Americans traveled 3 trillion miles last year, most without incident, but with lots of traffic.

Buick tops Lexus on the lot

Buick has cause to celebrate after topping Lexus, the current luxury-car brand champ, in sales during February. Is it a blip or a trend?

Some weird recalls caught our eye, including spider webs in Mazda fuel tanks and “inadvertent ignition key displacement” in Chrysler minivans.

A new app aims to connect electric car drivers who would be willing to let other electric-car owners charge their rides at their homes.

And finally we debate the feasibility of an inventor's idea for glass roads with solar panels and LED messaging built in.

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Rated Best Value Among Midsize Free Automotive Podcasts

Comparisons to bad times certainly help when it comes to auto sales, but February was a good month all around for car makers, with U.S. sales rising significantly. Of course, GM, Toyota and tiny Saab had terrible numbers in 2010 so things looked very bright.

Car sales are reliably crushing last year's numbers.

Auto-parts stores might see sales dim in coming months as new-vehicle sales pick up.

When you rent your next car, you should check that it has had it's recall work done before heading out on the road because reliability is especially important when borrowing a car.

Of course its usually as important when buying a car, so if you are in the market, and we always are, then you should go out and buy the new Consumer Reports autos issue which has the best and worst vehicles, best brands and best values.

Tires are getting more reliable, and confusing, which is why Michelin is rolling out a warranty and roadside assistance program.

Back-up cameras might reliably help people avoid rolling over people, but NHTSA needs more time before finalizing rules to make them mandatory in vehicles.

Finally, the Geneva Motor Show reliably has some of the most interesting new models and crazy concepts. We discuss some of the designs unveiled at the show and follow more coverage at Autoblog.

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