Lawmakers Look to Increase Mileage Standards, NY Says 'Shut up and Drive,' China Bidding to Become World's Biggest Carmaker, Reviews, Spy Shots and More on TheCarConnection.com

    DETROIT, July 2 While gas prices are back to more normal
summer levels, the fuel scare has nervous Capitol Hill lawmakers debating
whether to increase fuel-economy standards, especially for fuel-slurping SUVs
and light trucks.  That's the lead story on TheCarConnection.com this week.
    Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.  That's not just
a good idea, it's about to become the law in New York state, where lawmakers
have approved a ban on driving while talking on a cell phone.  TCC looks at
whether the Empire State has set a blueprint for legislation in other parts of
the country.
    It may call itself a "communist" country, but these days, the People's
Republic of China is open for business.  And these days, the big business is
making cars.  Publisher Paul A. Eisenstein is back across the Great Wall and
reports how China could achieve its goal of making more automobiles than any
other nation on Earth.
    With everyone heading out for the Fourth of July holiday, there'll be
plenty of cops handing out speeding citations.  So check out TCC's strategies
for fighting tickets, then enter our Second Annual Speeders' Excuses Contest.
Tell us the best line that's ever gotten you out of trouble -- or in even
deeper!
    Get behind the wheel with a road test of Chevy's unique new Avalanche ...
is it an SUV, a convertible pickup, or something else?  Plus, look for Volvo's
edgy S60 T5 sport sedan, and Hyundai's luxurious XG300.  This week's spy shot
reveals the 2003 Lincoln Town Car.
    They may not be hip, but minivans remain a kid's best friend.  Family
columnist Carol Traeger tells why.
    Performance drivers: Bob Bondurant is back with more driving tips.  And
check out how to make the V-8 smarter, cleaner and more fuel efficient.
    In business news: get an inside look at how General Motors has reshaped
its product development system -- does it finally have some winners heading to
market?  See how Ford is fighting back in the incentives war.  Meet GM's new
advertising chief, a real "sugar daddy."  And see why our curmudgeon-at-large,
Jerry Flint, says it's "Ford's time in the barrel."
    You'll find the most accurate pricing data on the Internet from Kelley
Blue Book, real-time traffic alerts, help from TCC's Onsite Mechanic and more
on the Web's Automotive Authority, http://www.TheCarConnection.com .
    Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site
http://www.prnewswire.com .