It’s amazing what automakers can do when they’re motivated. If they started thinking about booster seats like they think about hybrids and E85 that would make a lot of children safer on the road. According to NHTSA, only 1 in five children between age 4 -8 ride in a booster seat. The government is attempting to boost usage by rewarding states that pass tougher booster seat regulations $25 million over four years. NHTSA will also spend $285,000 on advertising to promote boosters, which are for children too large for baby seats and too small to ride without. That doesn’t sound like much, but at least it’s a start.

All the booster seat money and messaging in the world won’t help stop a car, a failure that has become a growing concern for GM vehicle owners. Last year alone, GM recalled 1.35 million trucks and SUVs in 20 states due to brake problems. The problem, according to GM, is a need to clean brake sensors, which get dirty from road salt which is used in cold-weather states – like Detroit, of all places. The regional recall – NHTSA has yet to announce a national recall -- is threatening to spill into warmer states as well. The malfunction affects the Chevrolet Silverado, along with 7 other vehicles. We’ll keep an eye on developments.

We’re also keeping an eye on Geneva. Yes, we’d love to go – especially in March, when Spring begins and the Geneva Auto Show comes to town. On this week, there are a number of exciting new cars ready to debut, including Porsche’s sixth-generation 911 turbo. Powered by a 480-hp flat-six engine Porsche says that it is 60 more horsepower than the pervious gen model, and that it will go 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds. The 911 Turbo comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

Audi is also planning big things for Geneva, including the premiere of the Audi allroad. Debuted as concept last year at the Detroit Auto Show, the second generation model will have full-time all-wheel drive. The allroad is just one of a few new models cued up for Audi, including an all-new TT.

Dodge is also in Geneva (beats Detroit), and has brought along a Hornet concept car, intended for the subcompact market – the most popular size of car in Europe nowadays. Powered by a 1.6-liter, 170 horsepower engine that makes 165 lb. ft. of torque, don’t be surprised if you see the Hornet in the States, as the small car market is heating up fast with new models such as the Nissan Versa, and revised cars like the Toyota Yaris.

Isuzu could use a Hornet right about now – though at this point, it’s probably too late. GM has pulled the Ascender EXT SUV from the Isuzu lineup (Ascender is a rebadged Chevy) and dealers are closing up shop. Of the 498 dealers in 2004, Isuzu has just 298 left.