Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The last true Packard from Detroit rolls on this day in 1956
Saturday, June 22, 2013
GM tops j.d power quality survey for the first time
The new study also shows that overall the quality of this year's cars, trucks and crossovers, even a little dropped from 2012 - a decline in largely the result of design problems that cannot be resolved for the most part at the dealership. Issued related to the latest infotainment systems and other high-tech devices are the largest single source of these headaches buyers according to J.D. power.
On the positive side "Manufacturer much do better when it comes, chassis, engines and other mechanical systems", explains Dave Sargent, Director of automotive research for California-based J.D. power and associates.. "Most people now reported problems involved are the latest technology."
Two of every three problems were reported by 83,000 owners and tenants who have participated in the latest study tech-based. While that includes such electro-mechanical devices such as electronic suspensions and cruise control systems, explains most of the complaints involved systems like Ford's much maligned MyFordTouch system, Sargent, pointing out that owners of were particularly frustrated:
User interfaces, which made it difficult to do even the simplest tasks, such as changing the temperature or tuning the radio;
Voice control systems, the commands could not understand or run incorrectly.
Systems that would not associate with a car phone.
Such issues are especially problematic for owners and automakers, as "only a few can be resolved," Sargent said no major Upgrades from the factory.
Problems with electronic systems have in recent years was fast, overtaking of excess wind and road noise than the single biggest complaint of the IQS study. Its makes completely revised survey form for 2013 accounts for this shift - and so consumers can provide more information, which could ultimately help manufacturers to tackle these problems.
The market research company undertook steps make it possible to compare the 2013 IQS results with those from past years and according to Sargent, the rate of complaints - counted as problems per 100 vehicles Surved by more than 10%. The industry average was 102 PP100 in 2012. This time increased on a customized 113 problems per 100.
Between the individual nameplates German sports car manufacturer Porsche the poll topped an average of 80 PP100. In a major surprise, came General Motors truck brand GMC in the second, 90 problems per 100, poked past chart tip Lexus, which had a score of 94 PP100 resistant. Infiniti on place 4, at 95 PP100, followed by Chevrolet, 97 problems.
The five have routinely made of luxury brands, and it was rare that all domestic manufacturers of this elite club to crack. GM, has above all never come near, which do well. And at the automakers, instead of comparing individual brands, which was Detroit-maker rating in 2013 IQS, a statement analyst of described Sargent as "phenomenal."
GM was actually the only manufacturer on average less than 100 PP100, well before Japanese rivals such as Toyota and Honda, the manufacturer, the traditional landing was regarded as quality benchmarks.
"GM has (even) more individual model awards than anyone else by a wide margin," Sargent noticed "eight out of 26 if no one else more than three."
To do so, they were the addition of Buick, a small crossover and the large Chevrolet Avalanche and GMC Sierra pickups - bound. The Chevrolet division alone topped five separate vehicles, also the muscle car Camaro and the full-size Impala sedan.
Other winners are get Honda, KIA, Mazda and Porsche, two awards. Acura, Hyundai, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota model also won awards.
Toyota's high-line Lexus crowned not only premium luxury segment with its large LS, but the sedan scored a record-low 59 problems per 100.
But the continuing difficulties with electronic technologies a dark shadow on the 2013 quality initial survey, suggesting that the industry has some serious challenges ahead.
"Desire, and in some cases more content in their new vehicles, are demanding it, are trying above all technology-related functions, and automakers offer", Sargent said. "While he said" "those who frustrated are the majority of the owners having no problems."
While the real consumers like headache with cooperative Smartphones or tablet computers, they are probably in a relatively short time to replace, said Sargent. But most American drivers keep a new vehicle for at least five years and if there a problem "you are pretty much stuck with it for the lifetime of the vehicle."
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Friday, June 21, 2013
Millennials skip showroom, social use media for the car purchase
Jean pictures blue / Getty ImagesWhen is shopping it to the car, Millennials first hit the Web, not the showroom.
When 20 and 30-somethings car go shopping, they are likely, ask her friends for help - your Facebook friends, that is. The latest generation of car buyers is much more likely to social media for advice as a study Director for the showroom after eBay Motors.
More Millennials--than nine of the 10 so-called "Generation Y" newborns between 1980 and 2000-turn of the eBay research on the Internet when shopping for a new car or truck.
You're not alone. Is a separate investigation found that the majority of buyers go online now to start the car-buying process - and more than half strongly influenced by what their friends on Facebook have to say.
"For dealers to ensure that they reach consumers become more and more important, when, where and how she want to shop for vehicles - that today more than ever, online and mobile," said Kristine Chin, head of the vehicles on eBay Motors.
Main results of the study eBay include:
94 Percent of the thousand-year car buyers gather information online;
Mobile devices use to do, more than a third of that research, compared to 19 percent of older car buyers.
Only 13 percent of Millennials show to visit a car dealer as their preferred method of shopping, while 25 percent of older buyers prefer to visit a showroom.
The study is based on responses from more than 1,000 adults in the United States, also found that the Millennials are more comfortable with portable devices than older drivers through the research for a possible purchase. One of five of these young drivers reported that it goes through the entire purchase on a mobile device open for eBay Motors.
Millennials are not alone. The survey showed that two of three older motorists say that the technology is changing how they buy a car.
Social media and reputation trend study that finds 81 percent of buyers based on the automotive industry read reviews the right car or truck, a figure that has grown significantly in the past six months restricted. The study by market research firm of digital air strike, Cars.com, Edmunds and Yahoo! named the most influential ratings. It has also been found, social media, Facebook, Yelp and Google plus.
Read more: new car apps can find A parking, remote start your car and more
Twenty-four percent of the respondents specified online reviews are the "most helpful" factor when choosing a vehicle. According to a study by digital air strike "gives a 59 percent probability, a consumers confidence that a review from a Facebook friend more than on other sites reviews."
Meanwhile, the 2,000 Shopper survey was that 43 percent said she would use Facebook to seek a local dealer.
While there were a lot of discussions about the effectiveness of Facebook advertising, the automotive social media study found that clicks on dealership show to 39 percent from 16 percent between October 2012 and April of this year jumped.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Thursday, June 20, 2013
The most expensive (and cheapest) States for car repairs
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images FileMechanic Harrison Garcia is working on a Ford Mustang brake and wheel Service Center in San Francisco, California on January 5, 2009
When the "check engine" light, there is a good reason to get worried. Even if it does not leave you stranded an unknown part of town after dark, it is likely to take a bite out of your savings, especially as recent research has shown that car repair costs by about 10 percent in the previous year.
This means, of course, on average, which varies considerably by region. Vermont saw repair costs decline over the past year according to a new study by automotive service site CarMD, making it America's cheapest place to your car. The other extreme was New Jersey, where the typical visit to a workshop almost 50 percent more than in Vermont costs.
The West Coast is traditionally the place where repairs most expensive have been. But in its latest car repair costs annual survey, CarMD California among the top five, with the rest of the will by States on the East Coast, including the Garden State but North Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Repairs in the Northeast increased by 11.6 per cent in 2012, faster than the rest of the country, according to a study by 161,000 repairs.
"In the year 2012, we saw a dramatic shift in the top five most expensive States for average car repairs, how many riders on the East Coast were aftermath rising car repair costs, while they at the same time with Hurricane sandy, claimed" CarMD CEO Leon Chen noted. "Car owners in many States also continue to minor repairs to postpone the cumulative failures with increased repair costs contribute to."
Apparently "Superstorm" was not only the cause of severe, flood-related damage, but led many East Coast motorists to discover other problems, the repairs required.
While New Jersey the most expensive place for repair-was at an average $392,99, including parts and workers-Washington, D.C. saw the largest overall increase in repair costs jump 20 percent in comparison to 2011
"This is the kind of repairs made due to partially" CarMD is noted. "Time-consuming repairs, costs over $1,000 were nearly 10 percent of the D.C. repairs in 2012 as compared to 7 percent in 2011, while five points GAP problems were greater gas."
Although repair costs, were broadly last year, there were a few exceptions such as Vermont. In Wyoming, she sank 17 percent on average.
Whenever you pay the service shop, you, a mechanic filed time will go. Colorado leader there with an average $150,75 per visit. Vermont had the lowest labour costs, on the average at $115.90.
If you need parts, the survey was that you probably a stiff premium in New Jersey, to an average $256,28 paid in comparison to Vermont, which had the lowest average at only $153,82.
The gap State turned out especially when it came to new hybrid vehicle technology. Battery replacement in Nevada ran an average $4.409,94 last year. Jersey motorists actually caught a break here but with the least cost to replace a hybrid battery, on average only $2.005,05.
By the way, two of the States with the lowest average cost of repairs - were found Iowa and South Dakota - in the Midwest, while two in the South or South-East, Delaware and West Virginia were arranged.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
GM slashes Chevy Volt prices to stimulate sales marking
Volt electric car is a Chevy National Lab appear during a tour through the Argonne 15 March 2013 charged close to Chicago by President Barack Obama.
Signs that sales of its Chevrolet Volt battery car unplugged could be General offers motor potential buyers as much as $5,000 in incentives - so the latest manufacturer's to try in a bid to improve the sluggish demand for electric vehicles to price reductions.
Whether the move is works to be seen as GM already hybrid has trimmed the price on the Volt plug-in. But rival Nissan some clear success after cutting the price on its own battery-electric vehicle leaf or BEV, earlier this year.
Both vehicles were introduced nearly three years ago of high expectations, but they have so far consistently missed sales targets. Only a handful of battery-based vehicles came in close to expectations, the especially the Tesla model S.
That might be enough, a manufacturer, pull the plug on the vehicle like Volt to convince. But the manufacturers such as GM and Nissan under strong pressure, their electric vehicle programs a success - at almost any price - partly because pressure, they are all key decision makers are in the largest nation State of California, where regulators require a minimum number of so-called zero-emission vehicles are offered.
A California buyer can now buy a Chevrolet Volt for less than $28,495. The basic price for this plug - in but all buyer is $39,995 model and $5,000 off a 2012 Volt qualify for $4,000 starting in 2013. You can get an additional $1,000 if you are currently a GM vehicle leasing. Meanwhile, the Federal Government offers a tax credit of $7500, while the State in an another $1,500 kicks.
A number of other States now offer incentives for buyers of battery-powered vehicles, as well as qualified.
Chevrolet is also now reduce prices for the Volt to $269 per month for 36 months with a $2,399 leasing deposit.
Demand surpassed Volt rivals after the Chevrolet first nor 10,000 units of U.S. sales target in 2011, and a more ambitious target of some 45,000 missed last year.
For the first five months this year GM sold only 7.157 from what it prefers, an electric vehicle with extended-range call, or E-REV.-may sales, in particular dropped 4.3 percent to 1.607. In contrast, was the General U.S. automotive market by 8.2 percent for the month.
According to a report from the inside of EVs supplies Chevy dealers have more than 9,000 volt plug vehicles needed out delete, before the 2014 models start rolling.
The decline in demand presents other problems for GM. The manufacturer had high hopes for its electrification program and plans to use the underlying platform for other models. So far, only two have been identified publicly. The Opel Ampera, a near twin of the Volt, is already on sale in Europe, China and some other markets.
Meanwhile, GM, rolled out plans to a more complex - and considerably more expensive plug-in version next year, Cadillac ELR. There was an ongoing debate within General Motors on the original decision with a relatively mainstream battery car such as the Chevrolet Volt on the market to go, rather than focus on upscale customers with something like the ELR.
This is the strategy that has made Tesla with the model S, because the demand of the start up manufacturers in the first quarter surpassed, and the Volt is better that now sells as is. A well-equipped model S with a 300-mile battery pack can $100,000-brand has upwards, but Tesla as strong demand for its high-end version, it was the least expensive, 160-mile model recently found.
Established manufacturer price is clearly an object of resistance among potential buyers. The Honda prompted last month rent on his new fit EV by one-third, to reduce up to $259 per month. Nissan, now effectively the price cut of the blade by 18 percent, or $6,000, if there is a new, slimmed-down model at the beginning of the year in the life called.
Then 2012 sales, far short of goal, Nissan fell recognized CEO Carlos Ghosn, dubbed it "a disappointment for us."
Makers such as GM and Nissan have promised to reduce battery car prices as the cost of the underlying technology - especially their lithium-ion batteries - falls. GM officials have hinted that Volt could be "Thousands" fewer next-generation Chevy.
But despite the high price tags for current models, buyers are still a bargain. Industry analysts have actually GM cost as much as $75,000 builds each Volt or nearly twice the price estimated. While the manufacturer is to discuss not such details, has Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne publicly confirmed that at least $10,000 for each Fiat 500e of electric vehicles lose the company, which recently introduced it.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Who is the worst backseat driver? (Note: not the children)
If only all the families could be so happy. It turned out nagging passengers causing an excessive amount of stress on the notion that the drive half the fun.
There are few things more frustrating than driver as a distrusting passenger is plagued. But who makes the worst back seat (or page based) drivers?
According to a new survey, spouses – whether men or women - on the top of the list, usually at least irritating while the children are passengers. That is something that make both men and women, according to a survey by Insurance.com 500 driver.
34 Percent among the women drivers for the survey respondents said their husbands are the worst back seat driver. Mothers came in second with 18 percent, with friends, listed in third place at 15 percent.
The men say 40 percent their wives the pesky backseat drivers, followed by friends (17 per cent) and mothers (15 percent).
Although the children may have known the source of this refrain, "are we there yet?"-Insurance.com surprisingly low in regard to the backseat driver is mapped. Combining the results of both women and men drivers, grown-up daughters were listed by 7 per cent, noted while 4 percent on adult sons as disturbing.
But only 5 percent of the riders cited young sons and daughters, whether teen or child, only 3 percent of the drivers were listed.
Perhaps surprisingly it worst passengers of only 5 per cent of the respondents were rated fathers. "Journey not half the fun" according to Insurance.com, editor-in-Chief Michelle Megna, wrote the story about backseat drivers for Insurance.com. "Micro-management can be a scenic drive in a battle of wills from the backseat critics."
The survey found the back seat are most likely to complain about drivers, the greatest offense to: · Comments on speed, 47 percent; · Alternative directions, 29 percent; · Talk so much, 19 per cent; · An imaginary brake with their feet push 15 percent; · Change acquisition of radio stations, music or band, 10 percent.
Other complaints including SMS and phone calls, sound effects while playing video games, scream and make car sick.
Megna offered a few tips on the back seat drivers, including mapping a route before time, agreement on music and exile opinionated passengers in the back seat too low. It recommends perhaps even deep breathing techniques - backseat drivers, as well as the person actually behind the wheel.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Monday, June 17, 2013
Detroit big three legs, but big risks remain
Paul A. Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau
About two-thirds of the total turnover of GM now come from outside North America, it signals a shift when he the convertible version, which introduced the most, that sport classic of American cars, the new Corvette stingray, in Geneva in March of this year.
General Motors reached a significant milestone last week, rather than the manufacturer, regaining the spot it on the much looked long S & P 500 stock index. The important step came just a month ahead of the fourth anniversary of the GM emergence from Chapter 11, insolvency, which probably would have destroyed the car manufacturer, if not for a $50 billion bailout.
There are other signs of GM the corner including may become sales, eagerly sought increase in its US market share - and the simultaneous rise in the share price, the finally the $33-level set during a November 2010 IPO has surpassed.
And GM not only among three major automakers Detroit. Ford has written a as great jump in sales, stock and share price, while Chrysler has maintained a steady increase in after month on the band, which has continued unabated, since it four years ago emerged from its own bankruptcy. That has helped drive the stock price for Fiat s.p.a., the Italian automaker, which took control of Chrysler in the framework of its own bailout process.
Industry analysts point to a variety of factors for Detroit in strong performance. Union fear workers to their jobs, as the makers at the edge of the abyss, self-serving merging provide a helping hand concessions cut labor costs by more than $70, and less than $50 per hour.
But perhaps there is nothing more important than the product page where the three have dramatically pickup improves the quality and the attractiveness of its individual line ups with new products such as the Cadillac ATS sedan and the RAM 1500-with the North American car and truck of the year, respectively, in January.
This is not to say Detroit big three may not let up on the throttle and blithely assume that success is their birthright, a bad attitude, to whose near collapse during the days, in the run-up to the recent recession - which saw the worst downturn since the great depression in the US automotive market led.
"Even if things are look good, they can not guarantee for a success," warns Stephanie Brinley, auto analyst with IHS automotive.
If anything, competition is more intense than ever, with manufacturers from Europe, Japan and Korea build their own game. In the automotive industry - is both here and abroad - more than ever fragmented. And the cost of doing business the reduction of emissions is constantly increasing as the industry faces pressure to come up with battery cars and other alternative propulsion systems, which can improve fuel efficiency, while.
Typically all sprang from the Detroit makers of the last recession with a unique business strategy, a sharp departure from its historical pattern of largely in lockstep March.
Chrysler has, for example, almost seamlessly merged into Fiat's Empire. In fact, some might say, it's the other way around. The Italian manufacturer struggles desperately like European home market now its worst downturn for decades is facing. In fact, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has signaled that he could move only the combined headquarters of both companies from Turin to Detroit.
In some cases that got Detroit manufacturers work it better - co-opetition, some call it. GM and Ford recently a joint venture for the development of new, highly efficient 9 and 10 speed automatic transmission.
But the domestic manufacturers are also alliances with former adversaries abroad. Ford is working with Toyota, for example on the development of a new hybrid drive, tundra could be used in large trucks like the Ford F-series and Toyota.
Of course, the US market Detroit hasn't hurt the steady increase. If anything, fight back excess capacity during the last recession, paired the creators have now to keep up with the demand, adding tens of thousands of jobs after decades of cutbacks. These streamlined processes - together with work helped cost reductions - enviable margins of around 11% in North America in the last year to reach Ford.
At the same time, more and more have Ford and the inner-city competition recognized that they alone do not count on the U.S. market. GM, which last week announced that it had set yet another sales record in booming China. It is the second largest automobile manufacturer in the today's largest automotive market in the world today. Significantly, about two-thirds of the total turnover of GM now come from outside North America, it signals a shift when he the convertible version, which introduced the most, that sport classic of American cars, the new Corvette stingray, in Geneva in March of this year.
On the flip side as struggling Fiat motors and Ford desperately to undo General of many years of massive losses in Europe. GM recently launched an aggressive new turnaround strategy it but skeptics say that if the latest plan does not keep it might have to sell or even close subsidiary long troubled Opel.
At the moment, investors seem satisfied that what they see from Detroit. But Europe is not the only challenge for the domestic manufacturers. Toyota, for example, this week unveiled its 11th generation of corolla, a car, that might not help its position in the United States but not only companies challenge GM in China.
Meeting with shareholders in the GM Detroit Renaissance Center Central this week, declared CEO Dan Akerson the bailout of 2009 a "Success". Perhaps, but GM and the servants who recognize that success is fleeting can and they have a lot challenges before him.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
About two-thirds of the total turnover of GM now come from outside North America, it signals a shift when he the convertible version, which introduced the most, that sport classic of American cars, the new Corvette stingray, in Geneva in March of this year.
General Motors reached a significant milestone last week, rather than the manufacturer, regaining the spot it on the much looked long S & P 500 stock index. The important step came just a month ahead of the fourth anniversary of the GM emergence from Chapter 11, insolvency, which probably would have destroyed the car manufacturer, if not for a $50 billion bailout.
There are other signs of GM the corner including may become sales, eagerly sought increase in its US market share - and the simultaneous rise in the share price, the finally the $33-level set during a November 2010 IPO has surpassed.
And GM not only among three major automakers Detroit. Ford has written a as great jump in sales, stock and share price, while Chrysler has maintained a steady increase in after month on the band, which has continued unabated, since it four years ago emerged from its own bankruptcy. That has helped drive the stock price for Fiat s.p.a., the Italian automaker, which took control of Chrysler in the framework of its own bailout process.
Industry analysts point to a variety of factors for Detroit in strong performance. Union fear workers to their jobs, as the makers at the edge of the abyss, self-serving merging provide a helping hand concessions cut labor costs by more than $70, and less than $50 per hour.
But perhaps there is nothing more important than the product page where the three have dramatically pickup improves the quality and the attractiveness of its individual line ups with new products such as the Cadillac ATS sedan and the RAM 1500-with the North American car and truck of the year, respectively, in January.
This is not to say Detroit big three may not let up on the throttle and blithely assume that success is their birthright, a bad attitude, to whose near collapse during the days, in the run-up to the recent recession - which saw the worst downturn since the great depression in the US automotive market led.
"Even if things are look good, they can not guarantee for a success," warns Stephanie Brinley, auto analyst with IHS automotive.
If anything, competition is more intense than ever, with manufacturers from Europe, Japan and Korea build their own game. In the automotive industry - is both here and abroad - more than ever fragmented. And the cost of doing business the reduction of emissions is constantly increasing as the industry faces pressure to come up with battery cars and other alternative propulsion systems, which can improve fuel efficiency, while.
Typically all sprang from the Detroit makers of the last recession with a unique business strategy, a sharp departure from its historical pattern of largely in lockstep March.
Chrysler has, for example, almost seamlessly merged into Fiat's Empire. In fact, some might say, it's the other way around. The Italian manufacturer struggles desperately like European home market now its worst downturn for decades is facing. In fact, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has signaled that he could move only the combined headquarters of both companies from Turin to Detroit.
In some cases that got Detroit manufacturers work it better - co-opetition, some call it. GM and Ford recently a joint venture for the development of new, highly efficient 9 and 10 speed automatic transmission.
But the domestic manufacturers are also alliances with former adversaries abroad. Ford is working with Toyota, for example on the development of a new hybrid drive, tundra could be used in large trucks like the Ford F-series and Toyota.
Of course, the US market Detroit hasn't hurt the steady increase. If anything, fight back excess capacity during the last recession, paired the creators have now to keep up with the demand, adding tens of thousands of jobs after decades of cutbacks. These streamlined processes - together with work helped cost reductions - enviable margins of around 11% in North America in the last year to reach Ford.
At the same time, more and more have Ford and the inner-city competition recognized that they alone do not count on the U.S. market. GM, which last week announced that it had set yet another sales record in booming China. It is the second largest automobile manufacturer in the today's largest automotive market in the world today. Significantly, about two-thirds of the total turnover of GM now come from outside North America, it signals a shift when he the convertible version, which introduced the most, that sport classic of American cars, the new Corvette stingray, in Geneva in March of this year.
On the flip side as struggling Fiat motors and Ford desperately to undo General of many years of massive losses in Europe. GM recently launched an aggressive new turnaround strategy it but skeptics say that if the latest plan does not keep it might have to sell or even close subsidiary long troubled Opel.
At the moment, investors seem satisfied that what they see from Detroit. But Europe is not the only challenge for the domestic manufacturers. Toyota, for example, this week unveiled its 11th generation of corolla, a car, that might not help its position in the United States but not only companies challenge GM in China.
Meeting with shareholders in the GM Detroit Renaissance Center Central this week, declared CEO Dan Akerson the bailout of 2009 a "Success". Perhaps, but GM and the servants who recognize that success is fleeting can and they have a lot challenges before him.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Honda airbags are studied by highway for aviation safety
Honda's 2003 / 04 Odyssey will be investigated by NHTSA for defective airbags.
Honda received only a further warning that it has not escaped the problem of defective airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened Honda minivan to an investigation into 320,000 to determine whether she should for airbags are reminded that spontaneously provide.
The Agency said that it owner, 2003 / 04 Odyssey, received six complaints of which three injuries, due to airbags, deployed suddenly reported that, while the vehicles were, but not involved in collisions.
NHTSA received an additional 41 consumer complaints, which claims that the vehicle airbag indicator light illuminates. Airbag problems the Japanese manufacturers have in the past two years is forcing more than 1 million vehicles called back at any time be plagued.
Honda is not the only manufacturer to deal with airbag problems. Several car manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Chrysler, General Motors and BMW, including not only Honda but were involved in a recall this year, involved more than 3 million vehicles. Was linked to earlier recall by a common denominator: TAKATA Corp., a large air bag supplier.
The Japanese manufacturer of airbag gas generators provided components for all companies. Trust the automakers on a single source is a double-edged sword: they benefit from lower prices through economies of scale, but if there is a problem, they all have the same problem and the problems, which is to come, the massive recalls, with him in this case.
While affected multiple decision makers, Honda has the largest exhibition. However, the current investigation shows how tied together the industry, when it comes, this problem.
In the year 2011, NHTSA examined accidental air bag deployments for Chrysler vehicles, when it turned out that the Odyssey uses the same application specific integrated circuit component within the airbag control unit. As a result of the first investigations Chrysler Group 3.660 recalls 2003 / 04 Viper cars to fix airbags that could provide without warning.
In October, Chrysler, more than 920,000 vehicles recalled worldwide over the question of 215 reports of false airbag deployments and 93 injuries - and almost 750,000 in the United States. Remember the legacy included the 2002 / 03 Jeep Liberty SUV and 2002-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Other manufacturers had a positive impact.
Toyota agreed almost 900,000 vehicles recall Corolla/matrix and Pontiac Vibe - 2003 - 2004 cars - for similar airbag problems in January "and similar remedy of the Chrysler consisting of its airbag harness an inline noise filters add to use", NHTSA said.
While Honda has been for several months about the same topic in discussions with NHTSA, the manufacturer believes that the electronic circuits in its airbags are faring better than the others.
"Since no accident or damage to property, caused deployment of the frontal airbags airbag driver was reported, and the occurrence is extremely low, continue to treat these claims on a case by case Honda pro," said Honda NHTSA a letter December last year.
Honda said found 126 airbag deployments in non-crash situations for frontal, side-impact and/or side curtain airbag deployments four cross-disciplinary model and 800,000 vehicles, NHTSA said, but no more than 25 of which are frontal airbags.
Airbag problems are a serious embarrassment for Honda - made more difficult the fact that the manufacturer is already on record last as one of the highest recall sums by any manufacturer in the United States in the years worked.
The last Honda involved recall, about 426,000 subcompact civic models sold during model years 2001 to 2003 43,000 CR-V crossover in 2002 and 2003, offered and another 92,000 of Odyssey minivans in 2002 model year.
In addition, the Japanese manufacturer ordered the recall of 748.000 pilot crossover and Odyssey minivans in January due to missing rivets, which incorrectly deploy airbags in a crash could cause. Has experienced reminded a number of earlier for other airbag problems, which have now added up to millions of vehicles.
Name seems most honda's airbag investigations while callbacks are tied, the manufacturer is not alone. Earlier this month GM began 400,000 additional vehicles for faulty airbags.
Agency investigators are already determine if GM went far, that small enough at the exhibition of two callbacks for airbag problems in October 2012 and January 2013 through a defect in the electrical connectors for the driver's front pocket air in particular 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, and Camaro models as well as Buick Verano vehicles, that the airbags deploy in a crash can prevent.
GM recalled about 7,000 cars, but now NHTSA investigates whether 400,000 2012 should be included Chevrolet Camaros, Buick Veranos, Cruzes and Sonics.
The Detroit-based automaker was initially powered by a service in August, the airbag error in 2012 Cruze and Verano vehicles to attract the 2012 built prior to June 21. After talks with NHTSA decided to GM, the issue as a security callback cover about 3,000 2012 Cruze, Verano and Sonic vehicles from 2 April 2012 to 29 June 2012 built.
After further analysis and discussion with NHTSA, GM led the second callback cover about 3,900 2012 Camaro, Cruze, Verano and Sonic vehicles from December 16, 2011 to February 2012 built.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Toyota recalls Prius, Lexus hybrid for faulty brakes
The 2010 Prius may experience cracks in a key brake system component.
Two of Toyota’s high-profile hybrid models, notably including the best-selling Prius, are being recalled due to brake problems, according to the Japanese maker.
In all, about 87,000 vehicles are impacted, including Toyota Prius hatchbacks and Lexus HS 250h hybrids sold during the 2010 model-year. The maker does not say how many of each model are covered by the recall.
The problem is the result of a brake pressure accumulator that may develop a fatigue crack due to vibration. That would lead to the loss of at least some brake pressure. Toyota said it has received no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problem.
The incident follows an earlier recall of some fourth-generation Toyota Prius models due to problems with electronic brake software programming. That issue impacted the way the popular hybrid melded its regenerative braking system -- used to recapture energy to recharge its batteries – and the car’s traditional, hydraulic brakes.
That earlier problem could create a sense that the brakes would briefly release during an aggressive stop, according to owners who first reported that earlier problem on TheDetroitBureau.com.
While the Toyota Prius has faced a few safety-related issues over its more than a dozen years on sale in the U.S., it has generally proved one of the maker’s most reliable product lines.
It is also one of its better selling models – and the most popular hybrid in the world. In the U.S., it has routinely outsold all other gas-electric models combined. So, the recall comes as a bit of an embarrassment.
The Lexus HS 250h, however, proved to be one of the weaker members of the luxury marque’s line-up despite sharing most of the underpinnings of the Prius.
Toyota plans to notify owners of both hybrid models directly in the weeks to come. It will ask them to visit dealers for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement brake actuator will be installed at no charge.
Prius owners can immediately find out more, meanwhile, by visiting www.Toyota.com/recall, or calling 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners, meanwhile, can check out www.Lexus.com/recall, or call 1-800-255-3987.
Copyright © 2009-2013, The Detroit Bureau
Friday, June 14, 2013
Chrysler taking a big gamble with NHTSA snub
Chrysler has rejected a demand by NHTSA that it recall 2.7 million Jeeps -- including this Liberty model.
It’s not often that recall stories make it above the fold, in that old newspaper parlance, but when one shows up as the lead story on the network evening news programs, you know it’s something big.
And so it is with Chrysler snubbing its nose at a request by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million Jeeps the feds insist are at risk of potentially catastrophic fuel tank fires in a rear-end collision.
For its part, the automaker insists that “the vehicles are safe and not defective,” adding that “incidents…occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operations.” And it insists it has the data to back that up.
But sometimes you can’t win for losing and even if Chrysler is right, there is a serious chance that it may nonetheless lose the battle in the public eye, especially if it is seen as putting profits before safety.
There is little doubt that recalling 2.7 million Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee models would incur huge expense. According to NHTSA, the problem is that the affected models have their gas tanks mounted behind the rear axle where they are particularly vulnerable in a crash. Depending upon what sort of fix might be required, that could add up to $100s, perhaps even $1,000s of dollars per vehicle, so the price tag could jump into the billions at the high end.
The maker has already recalled more than 750,000 vehicles for fuel tank-related problems, including 469,000 Jeeps and nearly 300,000 Ram Trucks and Dodge Dakotas. But NHTSA wants Chrysler to go significantly further, insisting its analysis of crash records shows there is a potentially serious risk.
The agency’s records indicate there have been 15 deaths and 41 injuries resulting from rear-impact collisions and subsequent fires. Independent safety experts claim those numbers are understated. There have been 51 deaths, according to Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, who said that “This will be the biggest recall since the Ford Pinto.”
It is certainly the biggest recall-related news story since Toyota came under the microscope for so-called Unintended Acceleration problems a few years back. The Japanese giant ultimately recalled about 10 million vehicles to deal with sticky accelerator pedals and loose floor mats that could “entrap” an accelerator pedal making it difficult to bring a vehicle to a halt.
Toyota also faced a series of record fines from NHTSA for delaying several runaway car recalls. But once the story went public, the maker took a mostly conciliatory approach, Toyota Motor Co. President Akio Toyoda shedding tears when grilled by a Congressional committee.
Toyota has rebuffed arguments that its vehicles are prone to electronic gremlins, and its position has been backed up by several government studies. Nonetheless, the maker has taken steps to settle a number of lawsuits filed on behalf of those injured or killed, allegedly in Unintended Acceleration incidents.
That has helped the maker keep images of burned and maimed bodies out of the headlines. And while there were many who speculated Toyota’s once sterling image might suffer, it has largely rebuilt consumer confidence in the U.S. market.
German maker Audi also faced claims of runaway cars in the late 1980s, and though it was ultimately redeemed in a federal investigation that largely put the blame on driver error, the maker’s image was tattered as it took a hardline stand, rejecting fault. By 1992, Audi nearly pulled out of the U.S. market and two decades later it still lags its luxury rivals, arguably due to the Unintended Acceleration scare.
Then there’s General Motors which also stared down an order for a massive recall of its midsize X-Cars back in the 1980s. NHTSA insisted they suffered from serious braking problems but GM refused to comply and took the government on in court, ultimately winning when it convinced the judge the proposed recall was unnecessary.
But while GM might have won the battle, it arguably lost the war, many industry analysts realizing that consumers ultimately concluded that GM was simply intent on putting profits above safety by refusing to acknowledge a defect that many reviewers had long written about.
The Chrysler case is a bit less certain. While the federal safety agency contends the Jeep models performed worse than all but one similar model in rear crashes, Chrysler’s analysis of the data purportedly comes up with a very different result. The maker insists its position has nothing to do with cost and everything to do with being reasonable.
The question is how the public will view its no-go stand. The maker clearly has some supporters. During an interview on the debate, influential WJR radio morning talk show host Paul W. Smith referred to NHTSA’s demands as “clearly another example …of government excess,” making less than veiled reference to ongoing scandals such as the one tarnishing the IRS over its investigation of Tea Party groups.
There’s no question there’s a sizable share of the population that distrusts any government action that “unfairly” impacts business. On the other hand, there was also a public outcry when it became clear that Toyota had manipulated NHTSA into canceling an earlier proposed recall for Unintended Acceleration problems.
That backlash has led the agency to take a much tougher stand on safety problems and may be one of the reasons behind the proposed Jeep recall.
So, while Chrysler may insist it “stands behind the quality and safety of its vehicles,” it will have to face off against TV images of burning Jeeps and quotes from opponents like Jenelle Embrey, who watched several friends die in a burning Grand Cherokee, and wrapped up the ABC News report by declaring, “Something has to be done. It can’t be done soon enough.”
It is a risky strategy Chrysler has engaged in and if it loses the battle the costs, in terms of image and lost sales, could far outweigh what it might have to spend to recall 2.7 million Jeeps.
Copyright © 2009-2013, The Detroit Bureau
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Car-sharing industry hits some bumps in the road
Carl Spanoghe rents his 2008 Smart Car whenever he doesn’t need it. He typically makes enough to cover his monthly car payments and insurance. “It’s great because otherwise the car would just be sitting there collecting dust,” he said.
Carl Spanoghe never planned to be in the car rental business. The project manager for a California software company works from his home in Oakland, so he doesn’t use his 2008 Smart Car very often.
Rather than sell it, Spanoghe, 32, joined RelayRides, a peer-to peer car sharing service that brings together owners and renters.
Now Spanoghe rents his cute little car whenever he doesn’t need it. He typically makes enough to cover his monthly car payments and insurance.
“It’s great because otherwise the car would just be sitting there collecting dust,” he said.
Peer-to-peer car sharing is only a few years old and as this new business model expands, it’s running into a few roadblocks. Some states are asking questions about liability issues.
Most insurance companies don’t allow policyholders to rent or otherwise use their vehicle for commercial purposes.
Three states – California, Oregon and Washington – have passed laws that recognize car-sharing. These laws prevent insurance companies from canceling an owner’s policy if they rent their vehicle this way and require these car-share programs to provide liability insurance acceptable the state.
Insurance companies worked closely with California’s legislature on that state’s law.
“Insurers wanted this to work,” said Pete Moraga with the Insurance Information Network of California. “We knew that this was a trend that was not going away, so our goal was to come up with a law that was advantageous to all parties.”
The two big players in the car-sharing market – RelayRides and Getaround – provide a million dollar liability policy for each rental. But this third-party coverage doesn’t satisfy insurance regulators in every state.
Last month, RelayRides agreed to stop doing business in New York after that state’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) said the insurance provided by the company was “illegal and inadequate.”
A consumer alert from the agency warned vehicle owners that under New York State law, renting out their cars this way would violate their auto insurance policy, which would most likely leave them responsible for any damage or injuries that happened during the rental period.
RelayRides said it was “disappointed” with the state’s position on this and promises to work with regulators to address their concerns.
The company could face a similar problem in Washington State. The insurance company it uses is not authorized to do business in that state either. And this hasn’t gone unnoticed by the state insurance commissioner’s office.
“We support the concept of car-sharing programs,” said spokesperson Stephanie Marquis. “Our concern is that consumers be protected should something go wrong. Washington’s new car-sharing law is very specific about the type of insurance these programs need. They must use state-approved insurers.”
Guy Fraker, founder and CEO of get2kno, a company dedicated to growing the shared economy said this is what can happen when a new business model challenges the status quo.
“There is regulatory reaction to make sure people are wrapped in this cocoon of security – whether they want it or not,” he said.
Ready or not, this marketplace is growing
RelayRides is the big player in this new industry. It was started by a Harvard Business student in 2008 and went nationwide 15 months ago. Through its website, vehicles are available for rent-by-owner in about 1,500 U.S. cities.
“There’s obviously a demand for this,” said Steven Webb, director of corporate communications. “We now have thousands of vehicles that are rented by tens of thousands of members.”
Webb said renters can make between $250 and a thousand dollars a month, depending on where they live and how well they market their vehicle.
Getaround is currently in five major U.S. cities – San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Portland, Ore. and Austin, Texas – and hopes to expand. It boasts more than 10,000 owners sharing their vehicles.
“It’s a great option,” said Jessica Scorpio, the company’s 26-year-old founder. “You can find some cool cars that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else, including the BMW 3 and Tesla Roadster.”
The company recently introduced an iPhone app that lets members rent on the spot if they choose a vehicle that’s specially equipped. The customer can reserve that vehicle for an hour, day or longer, and open it using their smartphone – no key handoff required.
Getaround and RelayRides may seem similar in some ways to Zipcar (now owned by Avis), but the rates are typically cheaper. While Zipcars are relatively new, many of those available through car-sharing services are a lot older.
Possible safety concerns?
Getaround and RelayRides “encourage” owners to keep their cars in good condition, but no one is inspecting these vehicles to make sure there aren’t hidden safety hazards.
Both companies also check state records to screen potential renters for major violations. Even so, you never know what can happen when a stranger gets behind the wheel of your car.
Lee Colleton, who works at Google’s Seattle office, is a big fan of car-sharing. He rents his 2002 VW Jetta through RelayRides. Colleton doesn’t worry about it being wrecked or stolen. He trusts the company-issued insurance policy would take care of that.
Colleton did share with me that one renter, “who seemed like a perfectly nice person,” was arrested for DUI while driving his car. He had to pay $350 to get it out of the impound lot, but RelayRides reimbursed him for that.
What lies ahead?
“This is happening. This is real. It’s a new form of mobility,” said Susan Shaheen, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. “I’m confident this is all going to get sorted out, but if it doesn’t get done efficiently, it could hurt these companies pretty badly.”
Get2kno’s Guy Fraker is also optimistic because these ride-share companies are backed by some big names, like Google Ventures and General Motors. If the insurance issues can’t be solved at the local level, the federal government may decide to step in, he predicted.
With the growing demand for this service, which is supported by the U.S. Transportation Department, chances are the current regulatory challenges will be nothing more than a minor speed bump.
Evan Goldin, who lives in San Francisco and rents his 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid via Getaround, is happy with sharing his vehicle and hopes to keep doing it.
Goldin says without the extra income he couldn’t afford his car. He told me he finds himself walking, riding his bike or taking the bus more often now, so he can keep his car available for rental.
“It’s a huge win overall,” he said.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Benz's bright idea: Light up the hood ornament
Let's be honest, for many car buyers the hood ornament or badge on the front of the car is their way of making a statement, especially with luxury brands. Well, Mercedes-Benz is taking its iconic three point star and putting a new shine on it, by offering a Benz badge that lights up.
Make no mistake, this will be the coolest feature some buyers will gladly show off by driving their new Benz to in front of neighbor's homes after dusk. Mercedes introduced the option with a video highlighting the many incarnations of the Mercedes star over the years.
Mercedes is offering the illuminated star on select models including the new E-Class, the M-Class, GL-Class and CLS-Class sedans. In some cases, depending on the model year, Mercedes dealers can retrofit the LED lighting feature. Mercedes described the new illuminated star as, "Bright, but sophisticated. And it's your opportunity to announce to the world: 'This is my Mercedes-Benz!'"
For years, hood ornaments were truly ornaments sticking up and announcing that you were driving a Mercedes-Benz or Cadillac or, if you could really afford it, a Rolls-Royce with the "Spirit of Ecstasy." Over the years fewer cars carried hood ornaments and more transitioned to badges on the front grill. At first, they were fairly discreet, but not anymore. Now they are big and pronounced. Clearly the designers of cars got the memo from the marketing folks about the importance of plastering the brand on a particular model so everybody knows what's driving down the street.
In recent years, as more people worked on ways to customize their cars, adding LED lighting to accent features of the car has mad the badge on the grill a new frontier. Go online and you'll find plenty of kits that let you re-do your badge so it's illuminated, often in a variety of different colors.
Now Mercedes is bringing the feature to big Benz star in the front grill. You have to wonder, what's next? Will other automakers follow the Mercedes lead when it comes to LED accents on the hood badge?
© 2013 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved
Make no mistake, this will be the coolest feature some buyers will gladly show off by driving their new Benz to in front of neighbor's homes after dusk. Mercedes introduced the option with a video highlighting the many incarnations of the Mercedes star over the years.
Mercedes is offering the illuminated star on select models including the new E-Class, the M-Class, GL-Class and CLS-Class sedans. In some cases, depending on the model year, Mercedes dealers can retrofit the LED lighting feature. Mercedes described the new illuminated star as, "Bright, but sophisticated. And it's your opportunity to announce to the world: 'This is my Mercedes-Benz!'"
For years, hood ornaments were truly ornaments sticking up and announcing that you were driving a Mercedes-Benz or Cadillac or, if you could really afford it, a Rolls-Royce with the "Spirit of Ecstasy." Over the years fewer cars carried hood ornaments and more transitioned to badges on the front grill. At first, they were fairly discreet, but not anymore. Now they are big and pronounced. Clearly the designers of cars got the memo from the marketing folks about the importance of plastering the brand on a particular model so everybody knows what's driving down the street.
In recent years, as more people worked on ways to customize their cars, adding LED lighting to accent features of the car has mad the badge on the grill a new frontier. Go online and you'll find plenty of kits that let you re-do your badge so it's illuminated, often in a variety of different colors.
Now Mercedes is bringing the feature to big Benz star in the front grill. You have to wonder, what's next? Will other automakers follow the Mercedes lead when it comes to LED accents on the hood badge?
© 2013 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Car sales rev up in may, pulled by pickup trucks, luxury cars
Budget cuts, still sluggish employment growth, nor a mediocre recovery could save Americans the showrooms in may as it boosted sales of pickup trucks and luxury cars for the automakers.
General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group, all sales for may released.
Leader as its sales increased 14 percent in may, with cars by 9 percent, utilities by 15 percent and truck by 18 percent Ford. Retail sales increased 17 percent, marking the best sales result since 2005 can retail.
"F-series sales - driven by construction growth and catching up to do - their highest achieved in more than six years," said Ken Czubay, Vice President of marketing, United States, Ford Sales and service. The Ford the best month reported also the medium-sized Ford Fusion ever had posting sales 29.553 cars - with its strongest growth in the Western and Southeastern regions of the United States
Ford has surpassed 2013 its previous full-year hybrid sales record in just over the first five months before Latin. The results were by the strength of the product, its new electrified vehicle lineup, including the Ford C-MAX hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Fusion hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi, as well as the Lincoln MKZ hybrid powered.
Chrysler 11 percent increase sales in the United States, compared with sales in may 2012 and the Group best may sales since 2007.
While the brands Fiat, Jeep, Dodge and RAM truck each year compared to the previous year sales gains in May compared with the same month before one year RAM truck brand was 24 percent, the largest increase in sales from each brand of the Chrysler Group in May. Chrysler Group expands its strip of the year compared with the previous year sales profits to 38 consecutive months in May.
"Our best may sales in six years us, our sales team strips for 38 consecutive following months of the year compared with the previous year sales profits to increase", said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales. "We see continued strong retail sales in our product lineup as eight vehicles of Chrysler Group sales figures in may, including best sales ever by the Jeep Wrangler and compass set."
GM also posted a sales increase of 3 percent overcome some weaknesses in the passenger car side, where the reduced Malibu 36 percent and Impala fell 18 percent.
"Cadillac grows faster than it has in nearly 40 years, the pickup rebound is in full swing and we see strong retail demand for our crossover networks", said Kurt McNeil, Vice President of US sales.
"These are all strong indications that the gradual recovery of the economy is created always wider."
GM sales of trucks by 15 percent compared to a year ago, including an increase of 23 percent for large pickup trucks and 30% for large SUVs, the automaker reported.
The strong sales pace increased also sales of Nissan, a two-digit growth rate a may U.S. sales record with 114.457 deliveries, an increase of 24.7 percent over may 2012 reported.
Jose Munoz, senior Vice President for sales and marketing, Nissan Americas said: "we are in the middle of five brand-new, top-selling Nissan models start in 15 months, and the effort is paying off." Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra, the first three of this starts are a combined 64.6 per cent in may, which shows, that our new products hit the sweet spot of innovation, style and the buyer desired value."
The estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was another sign of health for the industry, $31.377 in may 2013, $152 (0.5 percent) from last month and $103 (0.3 per cent) year compared to the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book.
"Modest improvements in the economy, coupled with pent-up demand and world-class product offerings shoppers back to the market bring," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for the automotive industry insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Rising prices present this marketplace consumers for their next new vehicle return before the summer."
Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported a sales decline of 1.7 percent.
"We saw an uptick in our consumer traffic and rates this month, which allows us to include new records for Jetta and Passat," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
"In month a, where strong growth in the segments of the pickup truck, an area in which we compete not saw the industry, we look forward to seeing us diesel healthy consumer demand for our cars, especially the growing demand for our TDI clean and hybrid line-up."
Can Audi, on the other hand scoring may 2013 take on a turnover of 13.228 vehicles, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous rate last year. It was the 29th episode record month for the brand.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Chrysler denies recall of 2.7 million jeeps
Chrysler fights a request the recall Federal Government to 2.7 million Jeep vehicles in a highly unusual step for automakers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asked to recall Chrysler Jeep models in question because of concerns the fuel tank leak and fatal fire contribute, where the cars in a collision from behind can be taken.
Chrysler is still formulating the Federal Government, but already started a formal response, deny the need for a callback in a press release Tuesday.
It is unclear how the dispute be resolved or how long the two sides about the safety of his two favorite Jeep models will fight.
The NHTSA request includes 2.7 million jeeps, specifically, 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models. All vehicles have fuel tanks, which are located behind the rear axle. According to the NHTSA, 51 deaths with impact from behind have associated crashes, where trapped these models on fire, after he hit.
The Federal Agency's letter describes the problem saying: "the performance is defective, that the fuel tanks installed on these vehicles are subject to error when vehicles are struck from behind. Such failure lead leak fuel, which can result in the presence of external sources of ignition in the fire. Is design defect the placement of the fuel tanks in the position behind the axle and how they have been positioned, including their height above the ground."
The NHTSA is not specified, which believe it means, should be pursuing Chrysler to fix the problem, which it claims.
Chrysler has until June 18 to issue a formal response explaining why it the callback request is not satisfied.
In a written statement, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne defended the safety of the Jeep models in question, says: "the safety of drivers and passengers has long been the top priority for Chrysler brands and this commitment firm remains. The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. "All of us continue with NHTSA data confirm the safety of these vehicles continue to work."
The 2.7 million jeeps met Federal vehicle safety standards, as they were made. The NHTSA is this claim in their letter to Chrysler, but don't think that's enough. "The existence of a minimum standard is not necessary for NHTSA, deadly problems to ignore."
So why is the Chrysler the callback challenge?
A source familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, says that the automaker believes that the proportion of fatal rear impact crashes jeeps not greater than the mortality rates for other vehicles crashes involved collision from the rear, which lead to a fire.
Goes like fatality rates for vehicles measured.
If you a look at the number of fatal rear impact crashes per million miles dangers, the Jeep rate according to sources, is low. In addition, the issue without a formal solution is proposed as Chrysler would ensure the safety of the jeeps.
It is rare when a vehicle manufacturers of request for a recall NHTSA locks.
Every year there are dozens of recalls and most of the time of the Federal Government, automakers and parts suppliers hold numerous discussions about the specific problem and how to fix it.
As an industry veteran, there is a healthy and vigorous debate, but finally everyone agrees, a solution.
So unusual, that makes Chrysler response to the callback request. It is compiled by the NHTSA evidence, including images many terrible accidents difficult.
Finally, Chrysler and the NHTSA should to negotiate some sort of settlement. Is this not the case, which could play out matter in a public hearing and be decided in court.
2013 CNBC © LLC. All rights reserved
Friday, June 7, 2013
Muscle question - but also hot rods go green
Shows set to initial expectations of the manufacturer 455 Horsepower, that 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will not only but more muscle than any "base" deliver since she two-seat sports car was introduced for the first time 60 years ago 'Vette.
This news came on the same day that 200 mph Aston Martin ever revealed his fastest model V12 Vantage. In fact, if you like performance, there are many ways how received almost 1,000 HP LaFerrari, from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds.
During spotlight of media may be on green machines - the $20,000 Chevrolet spark EV and Tesla model S, topping out at over $100,000-muscular questions to pay.
Connector-based vehicles are are expected to only 0.5 percent of the entire U.S. market for new vehicle this year a figure, through the sales of the three classic Detroit muscle cars, the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford combined the Mustang, and Dodge Challenger matched.
There is no question that moved the market for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Given the need to save fuel when you are many motorists not to victims, size and comfort, trim their powertrain choices. A considerable number of mid-sized sedans such as the Hyundai Sonata, for example, no longer offer V-6 options.
Only in 2008, 26 percent of all new vehicles were sold in the United States with V 8s, above all in full size of trucks like the Ford F-series and performance cars such as the Camaro and the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. Last year plunged, which however to 19.9 per cent, after consulting company AutoPacific Inc., who expected that the number will continue declining.
That doesn't mean that the performance with the V-8 (or even more muscular V 10s and V12er) disappear. AutoPacific chief analyst George Peterson did not expect the V-8 to disappear altogether. It maintains a strong presence in large trucks and performance vehicles - such as the Corvette. But today's latest "eight banger" is likely a very different machine from the powertrains are found vintage in muscles and power of yore.
Take the brand new LT1 engine found in the seventh generation Corvette, C7 fans called. He takes a variety of new features, which was to achieve, what were once impossible: to improve a better performance in terms of fuel consumption.
These include direct injection, which is sprayed fuel directly into the cylinder to burn faster and more efficiently. Then there are shifts in demand, where some of the motor cylinder when coasting or cruising off the, further reducing fuel consumption. Add you is done in an advanced transmission with more gears to make sure the module, the right pace--either to increase miles per hour or miles per gallon.
These functions to ensure that the new 2014 Chevrolet is Corvette of 26 miles per gallon on the highway - the art could be the number a Chevy Malibu owners over several years ago boasted have.
Although final figures have not been released, but it is expected that the new Porsche revealed better 918 economy - although his 884-HP drive can start it from 0 to 60 in a mere 2.8 seconds, with a top in the triple-digit speed.
Super car based on a hybrid-drive a 608 HP V-8 with two electric motors, to integrate one on each axle. If you search a driver for maximum performance is not, will she get an estimated 18 miles in electric-only mode of the 918-lithium ion battery pack.
The new LaFerrari and the supercar McLaren P1 - both at the Geneva Motor Show in March - use a slightly less complex hybrid drive system, or KERS, derived from the formula 1 race series on maximum performance and even fuel consumption abut themselves during the quieter driving conditions presented.
Acura will be the high-tech route, if it revives the NSX sports car next year. The two-seater is a V6 engine with three separate electric motors, pairs of those two drives the front wheels. By the ever so slightly change the speed of any front engine NSX are torque vector, with variations in performance for each front wheel to curves to improve.
Not all new muscle cars more environmentally friendly. But general improvements in engine and transmission designs not only performance but increase fuel consumption so that the latest model of the Mustang V6-the 300-HP barrier - provision of more muscle than the V8 Mustang GT - crowned during more than 30 mpg to achieve.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Tesla plans cross-country expansion of superchargers
Elon Musk, Tesla's founder says the Superchargers that he intends in the United States, shipping would deliver a fee of up to three hours. Each charge injection would take about 20 minutes.
Battery car motor hopes startup Tesla, a quick-charging "compressor" reach all U.S. drivers — and most of those in Canada – in the next few years put something, the so-called "range anxiety" could eliminate that so far a factor in the limited sales of connector-based "vehicles, such as Tesla model S."
The roll-out of the Tesla compressor network now twice as fast as originally scheduled, come with over twice as many of them are created according to the manufacturer, founder CEO Elon Musk. Quickly recharge the system will also be updated to the survey by almost half compared to the first Chargers now in place, reduce, musk said.
"It pretty much means to mainstream customers, car to drive your (battery), wherever you go... want in an instant," said musk. "So (it is) very important, access to a wider audience" for battery-electric vehicles such as the Tesla model S sedan, which went on sale last summer.
There are a small number of Tesla Superchargers in operation, especially along the West Coast. There are some along the East Coast, the travellers in the busy corridor between Washington, D.C. and Boston.
Tesla says that he is planning to triple the number of compressors up to end of June. A Tesla statement said that six months 'most of the major areas of the Metro in the United States and Canada"in the range of a compressor. Someone driving from Los Angeles to New York to allow only Tesla Superchargers with end of 2013.
Finally, musk, said during a telephone conference media there are "several hundred" Superchargers, the not only highways, but also scenic routes. He said that would allow a tourist exploration of the coast of California, to drive the length of the State on busy Interstate 5 or a leisurely ride along the coasts of US-101 or CA-1 circuits.
Tesla is not the only company that the extension of the fast charging systems, which many advocates as vital for the growing demand for plug-in vehicles to see. EVgo sets Texas based on a number of its fast charging stations in California, Texas and along the East Coast.
One difference is that a Tesla model S owners optional Compressor package (standard of manufacturer's most expensive model) has bought, could insert free of charge. On a cross-border journey of Tesla officials said savings could amount to hundreds of dollars compared to what would be issued to a gas-powered vehicle.
Slow loading times - and the limited availability of public stations - has seen as one of the biggest drawbacks compared to the resulting battery-automotive industry. Depending on the type of unit, a model S in a home or conventional system everywhere could be charged three hours to almost a day. Depending on the version of the sedan the compressor provide up to three hours of driving range in less than 20 minutes, musk promised.
This is a significant improvement over the first Superchargers. They are to be programmed while Tesla their performance from 90 to 120 kilowatts of ups. The systems offer direct DC, while conventional Chargers lower and use alternating current.
Concerns have been raised that so-called stage III charge could reduce the life of a battery pack. The manufacturer also fears the battery moved this year reduce with the announcement of a new "no-fault" battery pack warranty.
To a more environmentally-friendly spin on the announcement, musk revealed that Tesla hopes to position solar chargers on as many as possible of the compressor stations as possible. In fact, as most owners expect charge over the weekend, Tesla, believes that the current through the Chargers "will add more energy than the cars consume," with some of solar generated electricity once again into the regional power grid pumped.
Ultimately about a Tesla should compressor range model S owners all 80 to 100 miles, said musk. Most are probably between urban centres - where conventional chargers are more common.
Experienced require some of the first compressor so much that S owners in line had to wait model. Tesla is said to have more bays available going forward, a minimum of four points, plug into any system, more where demand is higher.
For his part, musk said, he intended, "A road trip I have at school," this time taking his family from Silicon Valley to New York City, relying on the advanced compressor network repeat soon.
Each new compressor station is expected to be around $150,000, he said, costs the price about double, where solar power is used. Tesla's offer last stock - expected to be approximately $1.1 billion--helps to increase foot the Bill. The manufacturer uses the fresh capital infusion, her Department of US energy pay off loans.
While the enhanced availability of rapid Chargers to improve the attractiveness of the battery power, observers point out that the juicy price premium for battery power remains a disadvantage. Manufacturer displayed, but in this matter, as also to work. Honda, for example, is cut by almost a third of the rent for its new fit EV and a price cut for the Nissan leaf this year recorded an increase.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Los Angeles synchronized lights; Traffic increases
ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty ImagesLos Angeles is famous for his car sucht-, whether in their convertibles cruising, or (more commonly) congestion sit in the monster traffic on the highway. But apparently, that traffic record, after planners synchronized traffic lights.
Los Angeles has become a symbol of America's traffic - its streets and paths that frozen still know often during the growing period, as rush hour.
But urban planners believe that they accelerate things can in the few months after completing a project, in the works of nearly three decades since come.
Of the smallest neighbourhoods, the largest downtown intersections, the city of all its traffic light has synchronized. Area of 469 square miles, Los Angeles is the first major city to achieve this milestone and is already a reduction in journey times by around 12 percent in some parts of the city.
"We actually see the flow of traffic. Michael Rose, a freelance film and documentary that so unusual, is what in Los Angeles,"said producer in the vicinity of Los Angeles/Santa Monica border. "It is such a relief."
Los Angeles is a city on wheels, and despite the efforts of the mass transit system, expand, few expect to move that many drivers off the road.
The traffic is so strong that highways - including the core-405 route - much of the day on a crawl to move. Off-highway traffic jams added to commuters know this often limited access roads to give surface streets.
The problem is that a single badly-timed light along a major street to create a massive ripple effect, creating tie-ups, to extend, for blocks, even miles in each direction.
Goal was to synchronize traffic lights so that travel, say a car, Wilshire Boulevard, one of the busiest boulevards of the city extremely freely miles could travel, if they maintain the posted speed limit.
The challenge was to coordinate a network of 4.398 street lights, especially if they contain complex intersections in the three, four, even, that merge more roads.
The project comes from the Olympic Games in 1984 that an event would be feared regional stop many officials of the city. The first attempt at lights focused sync on the area around the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the Olympic key events.
"Due to the success of this system, the City Council asked that we expand it citywide,", said Verej Janoyan, senior traffic engineer with the City Department of transportation.
Part of that challenge came up with the computer capability, the city large traffic light network analyze calculate posted speed limits and then come up with the right timing algorithm. Add the network to control the traffic lights, 350 million increased the price for the project $. In the light of the California recall, the project was stretched for almost 30 years.
The programming is not inflexible. The project was also a network of cameras, the traffic manager a real time look at that happen on the streets of Los Angeles can give. You can quickly change according to shifting daily commute patterns - as well as construction and traffic accidents.
Experts warn that it even if the system is simply overloaded. At rush hour it is often impossible for motorists come close at posted speed limits.
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But for the rest of the day, it signs that up to 12 per cent in some areas will be cut off is time travel.
It remains to be seen how many funds follow example municipalities, especially in the densely populated Orange County, the city. But studies show that millions of dollars in lost productivity to generate traffic Snarls and exacerbate the region's problems endemic to smog.
"You really see a difference" says documentary producer rose. "It is truly amazing. The only question is why they previously does not do this."
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Young women are more likely to die in traffic accidents than men
Young women are more likely die in a car crash as a man her age, because they are much more fragile according to a report this month by Federal safety regulators. That changed when both age, but when men reach less robust and less likely to survive a crash.
The study, authored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was not intended, to determine, what sex is more like text or speed - risky behaviours that lead to crashes, even though research has found that young men more likely to accelerate. Instead, NHTSA is trying, compare how men and women fare, if otherwise similar crashes occur.
Total women were the most vulnerable, 17 percent more likely to be killed.
Between 21 and 30 years, female drivers are 25.9 percent more are killed, based on a study of 50 years to US women who are passengers 29.2 percent even more likely rather die in a plane crash than male individuals - crashes.
349 Pages study it, that young men tend to be brawnier and their bodies are more likely to forces of a potentially fatal accident. The study also says that younger women, to wear seat belts, rather be thrown out of a car, one of the biggest causes of serious injuries.
35 Are women and men even more in terms of the probability of dying in a car accident. Female drivers have retired to a better chance of surviving than men aged 65 to 74 years.
Older female passengers are however still 11.2 percent more likely than men, killed the NHTSA found.
This is not to say that older women of less likely that die in a crash than younger women are: youth has its advantages for both sexes.
Each year by a person life, male or female, 21 years increases the risk of death about 3 percent. Other studies have found that an elderly woman died four times more likely in a crash as a 21-year-old woman.
For men, the increase is even more extreme, that could explain why the gap between men and women later in life. A 70-year-old male driver risk of death increases five-fold.
Proposed federal agency, perhaps simply reflects the fact, that "healthier seniors pursue further, while less healthy senior citizens only as passengers can ride."
The increased risk for older people has caused, auto manufacturers and regulators are looking for solutions. There were proposals for the creation of a separate crash-system of of rating to indicate how seniors in individual vehicles tariff.
Ford Motor Co. has expanded the use of a new system, combines the airbags and seat belts in a unit. The device is now offered on various Ford models including the Flex "People mover". There is an option for the middle row of the seven car, where older passengers are more likely to sit, the company says.
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Regardless of age, deaths have fallen car dramatically in the last fifty years. Dipped after NHTSA highway deaths to 32.367 during 2011. This was minus 1.9 per cent compared with the previous year and was the lowest number since 1949 there was a slight upturn in the last year, although why remains unclear. Experts suspect that SMS might reasons during driving and mild weather.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau
Monday, June 3, 2013
Nissan gets worldwide 841,000 cars
Tokyo--Nissan Motor Co. is remember that about 841,000 vehicles worldwide including the Micra car, also known as the March by a steering glitch, compact Japan said no. 2 automaker on Thursday.
Nissan is recalling that certain models of the Micra compact car in the United Kingdom and Japan between 2002 and 2006, as well as the dice, produced around the same time in Japan.
They are drawn again vehicles in Japan, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, Latin America and Middle East.
Used the bolts in the wheel of these cars may not properly tightened and in the worst case, the steering wheel may not work, Nissan in a statement said that on the Japanese Transport Ministry, filed.
No accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported, said Nissan spokeswoman Noriko Yoneyama will.
Nissan the noise factor is correct, by tightening the screws or the steering wheel is replaced by a new.
The repair takes about 40 minutes, said Yoneyama. She declined to say how much Nissan the callback will cost it.
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
2014 Corvette offers 455 HP
Chevrolot / the Detroit BureauThe 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is powerful "Base" ' Vette ever.
When it comes to the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette stingray, decided General Motors Soni and Mr.
The manufacturer had originally said it expected a fans than the C7, the new sports car to make already-impressive 450 HP, known as soon as the final numbers were calculated. In fact, the Corvette come in at 455 Horsepower, and the optional high performance exhaust package, will be up to 460 ponies came.
This is the Chevrolet Corvette of the strongest base car make in the long and colorful history of the ' Vette, which debuts six decades ago. But he alone is not the whole story of the new two-seater has completely for 2014 remake and the GM now hopes it helps more directly with the European brands to compete, have dominated the global car market.
The heart of the Stingray is its LT1-6, 2-liter V8. The brand new engine has extensive tests and optimizations approaching production, leading GM engineers originally conservative estimates, who spend their last performance subjected numbers. Other manufacturers, the first over promised and under delivered heavy hits on the market - have and even penalties to pay if their production versions were found, had to to less than as promised to produce.
In base trim, the LT1 makes 455 HP and 460 pound-feet of torque. In comparison to the end of 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 430 Horsepower and 424 lb-ft. New C7 can also be ordered with an optional exhaust package, which improves breathing its engine and ups ante 460 HP and 465 lb-ft.
"The 2014 Corvette Stingray LT1 engine is a triumph of the advanced technology, delivers more power and torque than ever with greater efficiency," Jordan Lee, Chief Engineer on the motor program boasts.
"The LT1 performance complemented the Corvette low mass with a tremendous sense of power, which builds as the RPM climbs", he added. "Drivers experience more power and Acceleration than ever, with the standard motor-in fact, its power and torque exceeding many parent modules from competitors offered."
But that is only part of the story. The new C7 is balanced as the outgoing model easier and better. Engineers has a wide variety of light-weight materials, such as roof and bonnet made of the same carbon-fiber, found in many of the most exotic models from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini - for much more money. Meanwhile, the Powertrain as low as possible to improve, has mounted the new Corvette focus.
With a better ratio of "Weight of power" then the 2014 Corvette Stingray will supply Chevrolet is still better off-the-line starts as raw performance around 4 seconds 0 to 60 could be suspect. Now meet his improved weight and balance in better handling in curves and corners translate, if the new model is expectations.
Chevrolet since certainly builds expectations, especially after it, that it would have to delay the introduction of the C7, which it originally hoped acknowledged in a timely manner to the last year's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the sports car will be launching. TheDetroitBureau.com revealed earlier this year, had the program be stopped in fact twice again in 2009 due to financial problems of GM once in the run-up to and during its bankruptcy. Senior Program Manager have joked that this proved to be as advantage, by them the way the original plans to exceed.
Among other things, this allows them to revise, the adoption of a more radical form as originally adopted the design of the edgy new sports car.
"This version almost does not happen," C7-Design Director Tom Peters, discovered during a private conversation.
Despite more power than all previous versions of the Corvette, get best mileage of 26 mpg on the highway according to EPA testing the 2014 model.
The apparent contradiction highlights the adoption of new drive technologies such as direct injection, variable valve timing and active fuel management, which some of the close the eight cylinders when the new Corvette roll off or cruises.
The new sports car is the "Stingray" designation, previously only the most powerful corvettes is reserved provided the first in the coming decades. But Chevy Insider have on the whole, suggested that even more powerful spin-offs, such as the Corvette Z06 and ZR1 ' Vettes follow over the next few years, as well as the convertible version was during the Geneva Motor Show in March
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe will end this summer for a starting price of $51.995 start. The convertible will follow by the end of the year.
Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau