Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates

Have you heard of Siri? It's Apple's virtual personal assistant, currently only available for the iPhone 4S. If you haven't, you will soon. Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it will use the technology in its new "Drive Kit Plus" electronic system, which works in tandem with the brand's Digital DriveStyle. With these technologies combined, drivers will be able to access their iPhone apps, change the music, send texts, and make calls using only the sound of their voices- no hands required. "Drive Kit Plus" will be available in several 2013 Mercedes-Benz models and will be the first in-car system to incorporate Apple's technology.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is already an amazing vehicle, but it's about to get even better. Mercedes-Benz showed off the 2013 SL-Class model earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show, held in Detroit , MI, and it seems to have made one of its most drastic changes since its introduction in 1952.

Yes, this is the billion dollar question. Why is there legislation waiting in the wings to be voted on, that could cost U.S. taxpayers this much money? Well, fuel-efficiency.

Representative Dan Lungren, a Republican, of California's 3rd Congressional District has proposed a bill that would award the first U.S. domestic car manufacturer that makes 60,000 mid-sized sedans that run completely on gas and get at least a whopping 100 miles to the gallon.

As the legislation reads, hybrids and plug-ins are invalid for the cash prize. Personally, I think this is a great opportunity for car manufacturers, the government, and the U.S.'s occupants in general. The ROI on this billion dollar investment could be incredible. Advancements of this kind of nature could propel U.S. automakers back to the top of the world car market. This could put our people back to work creating innovative products.

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