Motorcycle deaths rise again; helmet law repeals blamed

Paul A. Eisenstein , The Detroit Bureau – 18 hrs.

Motorcycle deaths rose 9 percent last year, according to new data from the Governors Highway Safety Administration – marking the 14th time out of the last 15 years that there has been a rise in fatalities.

All told, about 5,000 Americans were killed in motorcycle crashes in last year, more than triple from 1997, even though overall traffic fatalities have dropped by nearly a quarter during the same time period.

"This is a bad situation that is getting worse," said Jonathan Adkins, GHSA's deputy executive director.

Adkins is one of many pointing the finger at the ongoing, state-by-state repeal of helmet laws. In Michigan, a state police report found that motorcycle deaths surged 18 percent during 2012 – the year lawmakers repealed the state’s helmet requirement. By comparison, overall traffic deaths increased a more modest 5.3 percent.

The number of Michigan riders killed without a helmet went from five in 2011 to 55 last year, according to the police report, while a study by the University of Michigan indicated 26 of those riders would likely have survived had they been wearing helmets.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Direction David Strickland has warned that “every state” that has repealed its helmet laws has seen a sharp increase in fatalities. The agency reported that in 2008, 822 riders would have survived had they worn helmets – while also estimated another 1,829 motorcyclists survived crashes by wearing helmets.

NHTSA estimates motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a crash than a person riding in a passenger car. It also claims helmets are as much as 41 percent effective in preventing motorcycle crash fatalities.

The advocacy group, ABATE, has tried to counter such arguments by claiming the 2012 surge in fatalities was due to warmer-than-normal weather that had motorcyclists out on the roads earlier and longer. That does not, however, explain why fatalities have risen during 14 of the past 15 years.

Proponents of helmet law repeal have also noted an increase in the number of licensed riders, as well as those riding without a license – or training.

ABATE and other groups have taken advantage of the rising number of Republican-controlled and conservative legislatures to reduce the number of states maintaining helmet laws from 26 in 1997 to just 19 today.

Experts warn motorcyclists to wear helmets even where not required by law. They also note that drinking and riding is particularly risky, 42 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes had a blood alcohol level of over 0.08 percent -- which would qualify as DUI in most of the country.

Meanwhile, motorcycle manufacturers are being encouraged to add new safety features. According to Consumer Reports, bikes equipped with anti-lock brake technology have a 37 percent lower chance of being involved in a fatal crash.

Copyright © 2009-2013, The Detroit Bureau

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After brief respite repo men engaged again may

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 1 day

There has been much talk about the US foreclosure crisis record highs during the recent recession rises. But car buyers also struggled to pay their bills and to prevent that the repo man shows at their door.

The good news is that loan delinquencies fell economic downturn dramatically since the depths of the country and went just as strongly back repossessions have. In fact, says they hit a 12-year low in the year 2012, Manheim consulting. But another study warns that the turnaround could be soon.

For the first time since 2009 the number of 60-day car could credit delinquencies rose in the fourth quarter of 2012, warns Experian Automotive, and with lenders who write risky subprime auto loans, which the industry during the recession struck, repo-man soon employed again.

For the moment, is only 0.46% of the outstanding car loans he fell to his hands repossessions to 27.6% in the fourth quarter, says a new report of Experian. Was that the loans, banks, credit unions, "caught" or financial companies exhibited independently, automaker operated or other lenders.

"Overall our Q4 analysis shows, that the auto market is extremely healthy," says Melinda Zabritski, Director of automotive credit for Experian Automotive. "Of course, never an increase in default rates view, but if you a step back and take a look compared to the market, where it was three years ago, we have still remarkable stability."

For now. But Experians new report raises some flags. This 60-day delinquencies, even slightly, from 0.72% in the fourth quarter during 2011 0.74% of the last three months of the year 2012. This was still the first rise since Q4 2009.

That's enough worry some observers, including Manheim Chief Economist, Tom Webb who repossessions forecast could rise by 26.9% by 2015.

Industry observers say that in this case, that the industry ascribed to themselves, yet can have. In the years before the recession, lenders seemed ready, pretty much any cash offer. Actually broke Japanese automaker Mitsubishi almost went, if it a NINJA-loan program young, first-time buyers aim to attract was burned. This is shortcut for no. income, no. get back a free ride for a year - the key jobs or assets, and many of the people who match this description, when the first payments were due were pleased.

With conventional loans, terms were clearly relaxed as they were by housing lenders, create an industry nightmare, when the economy collapsed.

But car manufacturers not much happier with what followed. Lenders went to the other extreme. Sometimes even potential car buyers with top of credit scores could not loan to align. And the leasing deals that had become a large part of the industry but completely dried for everyone. The lack of lending has helped the U.S. automotive market its biggest crisis since the great depression.

On the positive side for credits signing meant that that the customers only the most qualified and responsible. And in turn, delinquencies fell 31.8 per cent between 2009 and 2012 - last year only 1.3 million vehicles will be taken back, according to Manheim, the lowest level in a dozen years.

But even as repo fell, lenders were loosening the terms last year a factor of the unexpectedly strong recovery of the U.S. automobile market which rose to 14.5 million last year. More credit will be required, to an expected volatility fuel the 15.5 million for 2013 could see.

The question is whether the lender on the practice returns that caught up with them during the recession or more qualified buyers to enter the market. The slight increase in the fourth quarter of repossessions are economists like Manheims Webb, reason to be concerned.

Copyright © 2009-2012, the Detroit Bureau

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Detroit embraced diesel, after 27 years again

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 1 day

The company that all but destroyed the diesel back in the 1980s is hoping to's pump new life into the high-mileage technology with this week introduction of its first diesel-powered passenger car in more than two decades.

But General Motors isn't the only maker that is betting on diesel. After years on the sidelines, the technology is suddenly making major inroads as manufacturers as diverse as Mazda and Audi add diesel options to their line-ups, with still more makers likely to follow.

More than 20 new domestic and import diesel models will be introduced this year to the U.S. market--more than doubling the current product count, according to all Schaeffer, executive director for the diesel technology forum.

Chevrolet wants to pull the wraps off the 2014 Cruze clean turbo diesel at this week's Chicago Auto show. It's expected to deliver a best-in-segment 42 miles per gallon on the highway while also meeting the latest federal emissions standards - as well as the even elements of California mandate.

"Cruze clean turbo diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced," said Jens Wartha, the GM engineer who oversaw its development. "We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers."

While diesel engines are still a minor player in the U.S. market they account for about half of all passenger vehicle sales in Europe, far out-selling high-mileage alternative such as hybrids.

It helps that European manufacturers began with more advanced technology than what American motorists might remember from decades past. High-pressure injectors and turbochargers help maker reduce emissions - while low-sulfur fuels so eliminate the traditional, noxious diesel smell - boost performance and all but banish the noise and vibration that once were a diesel hallmark.

Yet today's diesels remain significantly more reliable than traditional gasoline powertrains, one reason there are still plenty of 1980-era Mercedes-Benz diesels still on the road. The notable exception to what on Oldsmobile diesel that had a tendency to fail catastrophically due to GM's cost and corner-cutting. The maker promises it won't repeat that mistake and points to the performance of its diesel in Europe as proof.

Performance is, in fact, a prime selling point for today's so-called 'clean' diesel engines. In contrast to high-mileage but often snail-slow hybrids, today's turbo-diesels produce massive amounts of torque and often match or even exceed the 0 to 60 times of comparable, conventional gasoline engines.

Audi has demonstrated that for nearly a decade with a series of race cars that have dominated the Le Mans endurance series. Meanwhile, BMW last year introduced a 5-series diesel that's a virtual match for its M5 performance model.

There is a premium to pay, diesel models typically commanding anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 more than a comparable gas model - but in line with similar hybrids. The new Cruze diesel will start at $25,695 - plus $810 delivery charges – compared to $21,685 for the current eco model.

Diesel fuel is generally priced around or slightly higher than premium gas, though it has undergone some significant swings in recent years.

Nonetheless, demand for diesel has been growing rapidly after virtually drying up during the 1990s and the first decade of the new millennium. Sales increased at a double-digit rate during 20 of the last 24 months, according to industry data and should post a similar increase once final figures for 2012 are calculated, according to all Schaeffer, executive director of the diesel technology forum.

The introduction of the Chevy Cruze diesel "is huge," proclaimed Schaeffer. "It breaks new ground for clean diesel by having one of the domestic manufacturers introducing a passenger car diesel."

And if the Cruze succeeds, expect to see more, suggested Mark Reuss, president of GM's North American operations - who says he is "personally" a fan of the technology.

He's not alone. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted there could be more offerings from the smaller U.S. maker if it scores a hit with the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel it revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month.

Mazda, meanwhile, plans to become the first Japanese maker with a diesel in its line-up when it adds that option for the new Mazda6 sedan later this year.

European makers still dominate, however. With some models, diesels now account for more than a quarter of demand and VW Volkswagen Group of America CEO Jonathan Browning believes that would top 30% for the midsize Passat line if he could get enough diesel engines.

Sibling brand Audi scored to upset, several years ago, when its A3 turbodiesel which named green car of the year at the L.A. auto show, besting assortment of hybrids. Audi will add four new U.S. 2014 diesel models.

Britain's mini, one of the few European makers not to offer a diesel, "can definitely envision (a diesel) for the next-generation, though we're not going to confirm it," product planner Patrick McKenna said in an interview this week. And diesel could be in the offing soon from Land Rover, as well.

Inroads in the American market will make major not everyone is convinced diesel. Skeptics caution that even stricter emissions standards are coming and could price diesel technology out of reach. They thus note that diesel fuel isn't nearly as common as gasoline — though Forum director Schaeffer notes 52% of U.S. service stations now have at least one pump available.

The real test is likely to come with the launch of the Chevy Cruze, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda6 diesel models. If demand comes close to expectations, expect plenty of other new models to follow.

For his part, GM President Reuss is confident that "there is, fundamentally, a place for diesel here."

Copyright 2013 the Detroit Bureau

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Alfa Romeos in the United States until the end of the year will be sold again

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

In an apparent turnaround from comments he made just this week, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that Alfa Romeo brand finally launches his long-awaited return to the United States make to the end of the year with the 4 c's new sports car.

The Executive also revealed that Fiat with Mazda has signed a contract, the them a new 2-seat sports car of the Japanese manufacturer factory from 2015 to produce. It serves as a complement to the Alfa line up and a replacement for the ageing Mazda Miata.

"We the car are now completed," said CEO Marchionne about the new Alfa 4 c, "so it here (should be in the United States) by the end of the year."

The message will resonate is expected also in some circles. Alfa Romeo was once one sells the most popular Italian brand in this country, but it abandoned the U.S. market due to a variety of problems, including poor quality two decades ago. It has since then repeatedly tries, but until now no such efforts were able to gain traction.

Marchionne made the revival of the brand Alfa one of his main points during a day-long Conference in November 2009 its plans to things at Chrysler, turning to break the control of the parent who had emerged to Alfa, Fiat SpA from bankruptcy.

But while the turnaround plan has been the most according to plan, a Media Roundtable has instead schedule dropped back, and while Alfa return, while the North American International Auto show was released on Monday, Marchionne is still be signaled a further delay. It shows that the work on the small 4 C sports car was not yet consent meet card and that he not ready to sign "out of reach" in his debut in the United States as the first new American Alfa model.

"This commitment to bring back Alfa is a one shot deal," he cautioned. "Are we not twice."

Very close to the hearts he hinted was the Powertrain, which he stressed had the right feeling and have assigned the correct sound, long last Alfas. Commment Marchionne known become often politically incorrect in the butt, he explained that it had a "Wop"-engine, one usually negatively on something or someone of Italian descent.

But even after warning system reporter, Marchionne came to the conclusion, "Alfa Romeo comes. «»"No one doubts there.»

It is unclear, the practical Executive allow what has happened in the past four days, a relatively specific timetable for the return to announce. But in his commentary today to an industry breakfast, the Marchionne, note that discussions about Alfa 4 c drive train not completed during the choice of the basic vehicle architecture is and the models in the United States are apparently locked in place.

The 4 C is the sports car, the Fiat is one of the most, as it struggles to revive the once vibrant Alfa, but it start only one of nine models that the manufacturer is confirmed, that it plans, by the year 2016. Alfa, Marchionne said, be a list, including Jeep - one of a group of selected brands of Fiat and Chrysler, the transatlantic alliance will take place globally in the coming years.

Most of these products are to be installed in Italy, but the manufacturer now a rear-wheel drive, small sports car in Japan wants to produce. It is the result of a joint development with Mazda, and it on one of the manufacturer's Japanese plants to be produced.

The project is similar, that Toyota and Subaru, the former producer the sports Coupe in the United States as the Scion FR-S, Subaru his version here under the name plate BR-Z bring together marketing. As part of the new joint venture, which is Mazda to replace the aging Miata sports car. There's no word what Alfa will call his model.

It is clear that Marchionne hopes that the news about Alfa future eventually will end speculation about the ailing brand.

In the last few months have the top officials with German rival Volkswagen AG, Fiat should they sell Alfa repeatedly suggested. Marchionne has repeatedly called, Alfa Romeo is not for sale, and on Monday frustrated told reporters, "I have come up with a German version of 'No'" I think they are called 'No'. "

Copyright © 2009-2012, the Detroit Bureau

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Ford recalls escape (again) and new fusion

Paul A. Eisenstein, NBC News contribution
Ford Motor Co. new escape crossover became the subject of a series of another recalls how the automaker warns since mid-year for the first time - and now stands above versions of popular CUV, equipped with a 1, 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine overheat and could catch fire.

The problem also has an impact, the 2013 Ford Fusion. All in all are affected approximately 89,000 of both models - see Ford's best-selling nameplates.

The latest recall could be a setback not only for the models by 2013-fusion and escape, but for Ford itself. The manufacturer has in recent months in a number of surveys have been hammered satisfaction, quality, and reliability.

According to Ford, the problem includes vehicles only with 1.6 liter turbo EcoBoost engine, an optional Powertrain developed in order to better risks and performance improves. Ford says which can overheat the motor and coolant leakage. She in turn could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components such as E.g. the silencers."We have identified a problem and take measures in the best interest of our customers,"Steve said Kenner, Director of Ford's automotive safety Office. "It is important that the affected customers ignore them remember and as soon as possible, please contact your dealer." "While we are creating the callbacks from inconvenience our customers recognize, take these actions on their behalf, to ensure that their safety we."

So far, the manufacturer confirms reports 12 fires, where the escape and one with the merger.

The manufacturer says drivers appear to receive a warning when the problem develops, a message flashes on the instrument cluster consulting, either "Engine power reduced at lower temps" or "engine temp, sure to stop." Red warning lights and sound games can also indicate a problem. Motorists should take the problem seriously and pull over immediately in the case of such warning, says Ford.

Total 73.320 2013 Ford Escape models under the recall, coincide with 15.833 2013 Ford Fusion sedans. About 80,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States.

The manufacturer says it is looking for a solution to the problem and plans to offer loaners can be performed until repairs to owners.

The announcement of the recall comes less than a week after the 2013 Ford Fusion green car of the year, during a ceremony at the LA Auto show is named. A wide range of high-mileage, low-emission Powertrain options, with the two hybrids and two different ways of the EcoBoost contain jurors welcomed providing new Ford sedan.

The problem might be for Ford, a considerable problem dar, especially if it requires to set the manufacturer, manufacturing and distribution of the 1, 1.6 liter EcoBoost for a long time.

The latest recall could further tarnish the reputation of the Ford escape, one of the industry's biggest sellers in the compact crossover segment. The model 2013 migrates to a car-based platform from the traditional body frame, truck-like.

The flight was also the subject of numerous reminded since July. Weeks after debuting the crossover was the subject of a service action due to possible fuel line leak. The situation was serious enough for Ford owners advise parking the vehicle and resellers in soak for repairs. A later callback involves a potential coolant leak-in this case one connector defective coolant tracks.

Ford says that free of charge for owners of the affected vehicles repairs make it.

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Ford recalls new escape again, relying on fire

DETROIT--Ford Motor Co is recalling its newly launched 2013 escape SUV a third time, relying on improperly installed part, that trigger a fire in the engine compartment.

About 7,600 escapes, especially in the United States, is equipped with a 1, 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine, this recall, Ford said on Wednesday. The models were built between October 5, 2011 and 31 August 2012. Ford is the number two on the U.S. automaker by sales.

In few of these models, the Cup plug on the engine can cause cylinder head. This leads to loss of engine coolant, making the engine overheat. The ethylene glycol in coolant combust can in some cases.

Less than 0.4% of the escape models in the United States recalled this problem have said Ford in a document with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filed.

Ford recalled in July 11,500 SUVs escape for a fuel line broken, which could cause an engine fire. The problem caused the rare step Ford owners, say, drive to stop immediately.

The latest recall is less severe and is independent of the fuel-line problem, Ford said. About 6.150 of the falling action of SUVs are in the United States and 1,300 in Canada.

"Based on the facts from our investigation, we really feel that by the previous instance requires extraordinary measures necessary here," Ford spokeswoman Marcey said onions.

The 1, 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine is produced in the Ford Bridgend engine plant in England. In his investigation, Ford found that the Cup plug susceptible to problems manual have been installed.

It was common practice in the work by hand these components install, if there was a problem with the automated systems have been. The case, onion said no longer.

"The plant now only automated machines used for this installation," she said. "Is there not more manual installation of certain part."

The problem came to light last month after a flight on a lot of dealers in Nashville, Tennessee, because of a plug coupled off caught fire. Ford later found that an escape fire reported by a Ford employee had been created on July 11 by a missing plug.

Ford said that the water in the coolant could evaporate in some cases, as soon as it leaked, increase the concentration of ethylene glycol to the point where it could burn.

Ford said in the application that it fires escapes to customers not sold was aware. Spare parts are available from dealers.

The SUV escape, one models sold Ford's best, was for the model year 2013 completely redesigned. It is one of the two critical launches for Ford this year. The other is the 2013 fusion mid-size sedan that will go in this fall in sales.

Also in July, Ford recalls more than 8,000 escape SUVs to fix a carpet problem, the drivers ability to apply the brakes disturbed.

The escape said Ford's fastest selling vehicle on dealer lots, Ford chief Ken Czubay marketing on Tuesday. Two weeks ago, Ford added a third shift in his escape in Louisville, Kentucky, to keep pace with the demand.

Until August, this year, Ford has to 5.5 percent from 2011 about 177,000 escape SUVs sold. About 90 percent of the escape SUVs have sold a 1, 1.6-litre or 2, 0 liter EcoBoost engine.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

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Not again! New callbacks announce Ford, Volvo

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Are that the car manufacturers order more reminiscent of this year? While it will probably end of 2012 before this question can be answered there seems to certainly like more than call a couple of days without an other headline some leading security problem or another a new back - or two, not go through as is the case on Monday.

The latest reminds of come from Ford Motor Co., which out pulls the carpet from under his new escape crossover, so to speak, and seems S80 sedan be course slides by Volvo.

The Ford that will make probably the most headlines memory as it the brand new 2013 a hot escape, sold version of the decision makers long lasting impact sport all-terrain vehicle.

Escape models must be brought to the dealer, Ford said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as padding on the left side of the center console carpet out of place and push could make it difficult, use the brake and gas pedal.

While this is not displayed the potential to the throttle open, as was the problem with some Toyota products, can jam, however, extend the vehicle braking distances have warned Ford.

(Earlier this month, Toyota announced it would almost 150,000 late model Lexus RX models by so-called "Holmes 'Catch up'.") This problem has been blamed for an extensive previous callback after the death of a California Highway patrol of officer, was killed, along with three other family members, when he rode the throttle of a Lexus that was dammed by loose floor mats.

Total 8.266 2013-model Ford escapes by the new callback charged were in the United States, the rest goes to Canada and Mexico sold. It is unclear how the news otherwise affect highly acclaimed cross-over the.

How at Volvo, its dismissal works only 1.469 S80 models from the model years from 2011 to 2013. The manufacturer says that faulty software can be the automatic transmissions in vehicles prevent switching algorithm from the fifth to the fourth course. In turn, could the the vehicle to the stall and may result in an accident after the NHTSA.

The version of 2012 was called back by the S80 recently for faulty wiring.

Both manufacturers plan to inform owners in the coming weeks. Traders will make all necessary repairs at no cost to the owner.

The sudden rush of reminds can just a coincidence but industry observers suggest that they see a pattern, the Toyota can be the result of the scandal security 2009-2010. The manufacturer crowed famous over how it had said NHTSA, from a potentially expensive recall throwing a tongue lashing for both from Capitol Hill lawmakers.

The Federal Agency has treated since less indulgent of defects, the makers traditionally may use fewer steps banner-anchoring, such as secret warranty programs to address problems only if a customer complained is at a dealer.

These problems seem now generate full callbacks.

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GM talking with Facebook about advertising again

By Ben Klayman and Gerry Shih, Reuters
Although the two companies remain far from reaching an agreement, Facebook executives have assiduously courted the world's largest carmaker. One source said Facebook was not pushing for GM's immediate return, but offered to provide data showing the effectiveness of the website's paid ads.

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg sent GM Chief Executive Dan Akerson an e-mail urging the company to reconsider its decision shortly after the third-largest U.S. advertiser pulled its ads in May, a move that undermined confidence in Facebook on the eve of its highly-anticipated initial public offering, according to sources who were not permitted to speak publicly because the talks are ongoing.

At a global advertising conference in Cannes, France, last month, Facebook global sales head Carolyn Everson sought out GM's global marketing chief Joel Ewanick to continue face-to-face talks, leaving open the option of GM returning to the fold, sources said. Facebook offered the same information it provides to all of its big advertisers, but did not offer any concessions.

GM and Facebook declined comment. The news was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Three days before Facebook's May 18 IPO GM said it was dropping paid ads on the website because they had little impact on consumers.

The decision by the carmaker, which spent $10 million on Facebook in 2011, was the first highly visible crack in Facebook's strategy and underscored doubts about whether advertising on Facebook works better than traditional media.

GM emphasized at the time that it would retain its Facebook pages, for which it paid no fees, to market its cars and trucks.

People familiar with a meeting that took place before GM's announcement in May said Facebook officials failed to convince GM's top marketing executives of the value of Facebook's paid ads.

GM, which ranks behind Procter & Gamble Co and AT&T Inc in advertising spending, spent $1.1 billion on U.S. ads last year, according to ad-tracking firm Kantar Media. Overall, GM's spending on advertising rose 5.2 percent last year to $4.48 billion, according to the automaker's annual report.

It spent about $271 million on online display and search ads excluding Facebook advertising, Kantar said.

GM previously said it spends about $40 million on its Facebook presence, but only about $10 million of that was paid to Facebook for advertising. The remaining budget covers the creation of content and the advertising and media agencies involved, the newspaper said.

GM also announced in May it would not advertise in next year's Super Bowl because it was too expensive. Ewanick has led a consolidation of GM's ad agencies globally that is expected to save the Detroit company $2 billion over five years.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

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Bush on auto bailouts: "I would do it again"

"Sometimes get circumstances in philosophy", George W. Bush said during his speech last week in Las Vegas, with reference to its normal state in favour of free trade.

It has one of the rare things, was that the two men that controversial binds car bailout, which started by former President George W. Bush and completed by his successor, President Barack Obama.

The latter defended his actions during the recent State of the Union address, in which he explains "the United States automotive industry is back." Its predecessor used a meeting of the nation's car dealers to defend his own actions, insisting that he had no other choice but to sink the American economy.

"I would do it again" announced Bush Automobile Dealers Association, speaking to the annual Conference of the national.

The bailout, which ultimately amounted to $85 billion, was originally started in the waning days of the Bush administration. The former Commander in Chief decided to tap 700 billion dollar fund approved Capitol Hill for the rescue of Wall Street and the banking industry with a specific rescue attempt by the Congress rejected in a separate.

"Sometimes, circumstances in the philosophy," the former President said during his speech in Las Vegas, with reference to its normal state in favour of free trade.  "If you make a bad decision, you should pay," he said, referring to the collapse of General Motors and Chrysler.

But Bush pointed out that on the failure of Lehman Brothers, the collapse of the banking sector and the collapse of the housing market comes a painful change in policy was required.

"I would like to be not there to 21 percent unemployment," said he, ECHO forecasts at the time the loss of GM, Ford and the automotive industry lenders also covered by the bailout could lead to a loss of 1 million jobs.

The former President has kept a low-key profile since the end of his term in January 2009 - although he "Decision points" - his successor to the much of the criticism of field called book the bailout "the only option" in its 2010, leave.

In this book, the 43rd President, argues that "immediate crash (Chrysler and GM) could be more than one million costs jobs, to reduce tax revenue by $150 billion and set back America's gross domestic product to hundreds of billions of dollars."

Republican President candidate Mitt Romney is among those who have said that she would have rejected a rescue mission.

"My view on the bailout was, whether it was of President Bush or President Obama, it was the wrong way to go," said Romney - whose Vater George Detroit-based American Motors - once last year ran during a GOP presidential debate in November.

All in accordance with the Bush administration goes $25 billion in emergency aid, $13.4 billion to GM, another $4 billion to Chrysler.  The Obama management $60 billion added to shortly after he took office.

Chrysler wrote from the money paid provided under Bush but last year the company the loan in 2009 get.  General Motors, in the meantime $ 23 billion to the Treasury returned partially through the repayment of loans, and also through the sale of more than half of the shares taxpayers in the automaker held.

The Government holds a stake of 26 per cent, however, and GM seem to be civil servants an Exchange recovery wait above offer is based on the production of a second.  $33 While GM November 2011 IPO crashed the manufacturer's shares after the price to less than $20 per share. The stock has recently had a $26 per share rest currently trading at just over.  But to break even, more than $50 per share to the remaining GM shares would have to get the Treasury.

Conclusion of his address to the NADA Convention, Bush said "I want not my successor with an additional economic crisis, saddle," drawing applause from the A- dealers, the Trade Group President Bill Brady, describes the decision as "brave".

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Drivers again faulted over Toyota acceleration

A two-year study looking for possible causes behind Toyota’s rash of unintended acceleration issues has put primary blame on driver error — but the review by the National Academy of Sciences also cautioned that some problems may have been caused by inadvertent interactions involving vehicle electronics — an issue frequently cited by the automaker’s critics.

Though there was no hard evidence of specific electronic defects, the 139-page report cautioned that “the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.” Warning electronic faults may be “untraceable,” it calls for stricter government involvement in setting standards for the use of electronic control vehicle systems.

The new report completes a series of studies set in motion by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which, in March 2010, asked both the NAS’s National Research Council, as well as NASA, to see why there were so many complaints about what the media was referring to as “runaway Toyotas.”

The problem first made headlines in the summer of 2009, when a California Highway Patrol Officer and several members of his family were killed in a fiery crash involving a Lexus they had borrowed. The maker initially recalled several million vehicles due to a problem it described as “carpet entrapment,” but in January 2010 it added millions more due to a potentially sticky accelerator linkage.

Ultimately, more than 8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles were recalled in the U.S. alone. But the NHTSA received numerous additional complaints — with plaintiffs’ attorneys lining up to file lawsuits against the automaker — alleging some unknown electronic gremlin was also at work.

Last February, the NASA panel issued its report, contending it had found no indication of electronic defects. The National Research Council study echoes that, putting the primary blame on driver error. That had been the conclusion of other investigators in a number of instances — in one, police investigators found that a woman driver involved in a crash had been pressing on the gas pedal, rather than the brake, so hard she had bent its linkage.

Nonetheless, the latest study does not rule out electronic issues, which it cautioned can result in “untraceable faults,” with no physical evidence — other than a crash — to show when there might have been a problem such as a momentary software glitch.

“Some failures of software and other faults in electronics systems do not leave physical evidence of their occurrence, which can complicate assessment of the causes of unusual behaviors in the modern, electronics-intensive automobile,” the report cautioned.

Nonetheless, Louis Lanzerotti, the chairman of the panel and a New Jersey Institute of Technology physics professor, said during a conference call that, “All the data available to us indicated the conclusion that there was no electronic or software problem” that may have caused the Toyota unintended acceleration reports.”

The new study called for a number of steps to be taken to reduce the likelihood that electronic hardware and software do cause problems in the future – a critical issue considering the increasing use of digital technology in modern automobiles. Among the recommendations:

NHTSA should convene an advisory panel to set uniform industry testing standards for electronic systems; New vehicles should be equipped with aircraft-style black boxes to make it easier to trace and identify defects; Regulators need to continue research on pedal design and placement.

The study also called for closer cooperation between NHTSA’s researchers and the Transportation Department’s Office of Defect Investigations.

While some critics questioned the latest study — as they did earlier NHTSA and NASA findings, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that in his eyes the latest report “does close the book” on the Toyota scandal.

At one point, following the second unintended acceleration recall, LaHood had said owners of Toyota vehicles involved in the recalls might think about parking those products until they were repaired.

The NHTSA ultimately levied a series of record fines against Toyota, including one for $33 million for delaying action on the sticky accelerator problem.

The maker, long known for seemingly bullet-proof quality, also recalled products in 2009, 2010 and 2011 for a variety of other issues, ranging from electronic brake issues with its Prius hybrid to excessive corrosion that could cause metal parts to fell off while driving the Sienna minivan.

As a result, Toyota had more recalls than any other maker in the U.S. market in 2009 and 2010, and with 3.5 million vehicles involved in service campaigns in 2011, came in just behind Honda, which last year recalled 3.7 million vehicles.

The long-term impact to the company’s reputation is unclear. Toyota — along with Honda — was one of only two major makers to suffer a sales decline in 2011. Analysts put most of the blame on the March earthquake and tsunami that severely limited global production for much of the year, but they also note cool consumer response to the latest update of the Toyota Camry at the same time as competitors like Ford are becoming increasingly aggressive in market segments long dominated by Toyota.

A new study by KBB.com shows that Toyota has regained its long-standing position as having the highest loyalty rate in the industry. But the maker is still heavily dependent on “conquesting” buyers from other brands. That, many analysts warn, could become more difficult in light of the hits Toyota’s reputation has taken.

Copyright 2012 The Detroit Bureau. All rights reserved.

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Car veteran Bob Lutz again GM

Whether you know him as "Maximum Bob," "Captain Lutz, USMC retired" or few executives had simply "Bob" Lutz as long or as an impact on the automotive industry as Robert A..

Now - almost two years after he seemed reluctantly willing, fade into a wealthy retirement - that blunt, chomping a cigar Mr Lutz is back.

In a press release that weekend to go holiday yielded many in the long labor day General Motors it 79-year-old Lutz has signed as a consultant. While certain details were withheld, suggest sources the unique marine pilot will offer advice on a variety of topics relating to product and marketing.

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His appointment could be for General Motors is crucial. The automaker pushes hard to make more profits at the expense of Japanese competition still struggling with product deficiency caused by the earthquake and tsunami, the Japan in March of this year hit.

The compact Chevrolet Cruze, one of the products of Lutz before leaving GM's end of 2009 championed such long-standing distribution leader as the Toyota Camry has significantly, and crashed the Honda Civic, to the best selling car of the country in recent months. GM challenge, that to keep momentum.

"It's no surprise," said David Cole, Lutz asked return.

The Chairman Emeritus of the Center for automotive research or car, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says Cole Lutz "has a so deep passion for the product." It is probably better, it works for you, than to work somewhere else because he dies not in retirement, until he. "

Lutz began his nearly fifty years in the automotive industry with General Motors, shortly after his retirement from the Marines login. He later jumped BMW and Ford, ultimately go to Chrysler, where he on the top Lieutenant of the legendary Lee Iacocca. It was to a stormy relationship, and Lutz to shoot the Swiss born banker son in trouble often of the lip tendency.

The eventual successor once seen as Iacocca, Lutz sour his chances two decades ago, when he helped to derail a merger of Chrysler with Fiat to. When he was asked whether Chrysler would need to find an alternative partner, Lutz said that "a bridegroom can find you, if the bride is on its deathbed."

After leave in 1998 from the short-lived "merger of equals" between the US carmaker and Germany's Daimler Chrysler, Lutz was clearly unwilling retirement. He helped to finance a short-lived effort to revive the Cunningham sports car company and then automotive battery Exide got a short job as CEO of the company.

But then came the call from Rick Wagoner, who at the time was General Motors Chairman and CEO. Recognizing that the car companies market, could not the way out of trouble realized Wagoner, that it was time to reorganize GM legendary product development program. And Lutz was asked to take over, known as Deputy Chairman and "Car czar".

A process was slow and torturous. By 2002 GM product line an industry joke, Lutz ridiculous get become models like the Pontiac aztek as "evil appliances."

But every year the product line-up to improve. As GM, finance reduce the automaker landed two important victories: the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu then one after the other North American car of the year named.

How GM bankruptcy in 2009 overthrown, Lutz seemed more important than ever for the company product capabilities. But his bluntness helped, especially since he took on controversial issues such as global warming (a theme that he regularly dismissed as a fantasy). In the last few weeks of 2009 GM new Chairman and CEO Texans "Big Ed" Whitacre, announced that Lutz would leave.

Lutz of GM could came, but the septuagenarian soldier had no intention of fading. He was more clearly than before, if possible, advice start and add different boards, including the British carmaker Lotus sport. And he announced plans to write a new book.

The latest Tome, "car of guys vs. bean counters: the battle for the soul of American business," takes where Lutz earlier of book, "Guts," stopped, argues that the rise of MIT and Harvard wunderkind in recent decades, armed with MBA degrees, really is a threat to the US operations.

Ironically, trained and best known for his role in product development, Lutz actually in marketing.

"What he could do is add in the role of customers and unleash, design and engineering of the business page to passion in the product," so the car Cole.

And this is probably the role that he continues to play as a part-time consultant for GM sources say that Lutz with a number of senior executives, including Mary Barra, the first woman, head of product development for a large automotive company works.

"I would be someone like Maria I someone like Bob would like to me in the ear whispering", Cole said.

But Lutz is probably also advise you on the marketing side of the business. With the latest products win improve ratings, particularly difficult, has been found to it import-oriented buyers, particularly along the coasts to win for GM. The question is whether a 79-year-old "Child" as the connection with still a further generation of buyers, Lutz said a GM source that is allowed a little bit skeptical.

There are a few, his swan song mark the latest Lutz map GM expected. Despite what 80 February of next year, he has the full head of silver white hair and the ramrod bearing, a man, years younger would suggest. The voice can smoke Heiser from a lifetime of Cuban cigars, but his energy and drive are legendary.

Lutz is, if nothing else, dangers to compete. And the man, the, which he most directly competes with, his own father, who worked until six months before his death at 94. The Lutz has suggested, was too young.

Be not surprised, then, to see, Lutz still on call with GM - or anywhere else - when he is approaching 100.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

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Struggling Saab says it wages and payroll again Miss

AMSTERDAM - struggling Swedish automaker Saab said on Tuesday, that it can pay almost half of its employees this month, because there has been no means expected revival had fears about its precarious finances.

Saab has finding means lurched out of a cash crisis to another in the last few months, so that it can restart production.

Assembly plant was halted in April, if suppliers refused to deliver until they were paid, and Saab only just out declared a demand after one of its units, parts be averted bankruptcy last week.

The company suffer deepened Tuesday when Saab said that it had delayed payment of wages to its employees employees because some were paid the funds committed by investors in a timely manner.

Saab spokesman Eric Geers said the decision affects about 1,600 people of 3,640 employees, around 45 per cent of the staff, but refused to say when they will be paid out or how much money still used Saab so that it could pay wages.

"The money has been committed, the only thing is, it has been delayed." This very, very unhappy is for those who are affected, "said Geers."

Shares in Saab were to fall as 20.8 percent before partially restore for trade to 11.6 percent 1.485 euros, the biggest Decliner on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

The company said it will take all necessary steps companies, to collect money and continue to get talks with several parties about additional short-term financing.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

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The Buick is back again! No, really...

During Butler University long-shot bid Monday night against the University of Connecticut in the NCAA title game collapsed, basketball fans got a look at an another Cinderella story, which can have a better chance of success.

Buick, the long struggling General Motors brand, before recently signed a three year sponsorship deal with the NCAA, highlighted by the debut of a new "hymn" in the last few days March commercial madness.

"Our intention is the flag and inspire a re-evaluation of the Buick," said Craig Bierley, brand marketing chief.

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Not many Americans is aware that Buick is still around, admits Bierley. In fact, many analysts have long prompted GM, Buick to give up, and it was expected that one of the first brands to go, when the giant automaker in Government-controlled bankruptcy be overturned in the year 2009.

The US Government forced cut GM four of its eight North American brands. At the end, Saturn, Hummer and Pontiac were closed while Saab was sold. Buick survived along with the Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC.

Buick not only survived, it begins to thrive now. The dominant in the luxury long United States already for the first two months of the year sold the sign, which is positioned as a mid-luxury brand, Lexus, a vehicle make.

Lexus were surpassed in turn by BMW in the first quarter, again his leading role in the March and the two automakers. However, Buicks sales which easily surpassed industry as a whole recovery. The Division of GM sold 15,663 cars and crossovers in the last month a 20.9 percent increase over the same month a year earlier. For the first three months of the year, sales 39.2 per cent over the previous year amounted to 44,739 - a jump.

Just as important the fact that these increases came is trimmed as Buick - back on sale in distributors long the dumping ground for the brand unwanted offers.

Of course it helps, to a large extent new line-up to have. The still strong enclave is Buick's oldest model, introduced for model year 2008. The crossover was the first sign was modified slightly in Buick. It has won not only several awards, but also began the younger, wealthier and better educated buyers, is the way the Buick had seen in decades.

Since then a procession of new car offered was sedan, 4-door shelf, one long for product, including the great LaCrosse and Buick line starved added later in the year of the compact verano. On the upcoming Shanghai motor show Buick will draw now expected the packs from a show car morphs in a completely new compact crossover.

To reveal Buick's decision the concept vehicle in China instead of at April's New York Auto show is important, yet not really surprising. In fact, Ed Welburn, GM global design Director, takes note of the fact that Buick is probably only exist "because of the China."

The last emperor had a curious twist of fate a Buick that later become the Communists only at the cost of ownership of Mao's long-time lieutenant Zhou Enlai was taken prisoner. As GM Chinese officials approached a dozen years with plans for a factory in Shanghai, it was said, had to produce Buicks instead of a stronger brands of the company. Since then, GM has turned to China's largest automaker and Buick of one of its largest foreign brands.

Now the challenge for Buick, to reproduce their success in China, here in the United States is lamenting "where is the perception [the Buick brand] with reality" Chris Perry, GM's North American marketing director.

The NCAA campaign-, include basketball, football, hockey and women's football - plays for the newly create Buick's push-to-image.

Meanwhile, the GM brand can also benefit from the effects of 11 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which have crippled the Japanese automotive industry.

Michael Jackson, CEO of the giant AutoNation retail network, this week warned that Japanese vehicles supply will be probably short in the coming months. It could be true in particular for Lexus, because all the Toyota luxury brand are currently mounted products in Japan. Toyota is just the beginning of assembly lines locked by the March 11 disaster restart. And the ongoing nuclear crisis, which has left the country behind the power, is expected to automobile production for some time limit.

Buick's long-term success is still far from guaranteed, cautioned automotive analyst Dan Gorrell of car Strategem, a Southern California-based market research company. The Buick brand is still an older, less wealthy buyer - although, that begins to shift. And Buick - like the rest of GM - still sees sales lag in coastal key markets.

The brand has a smaller cast than main competitors such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But is optimistic that with less divisional mouth GM feed now can afford Bierley, Buick more give what it takes. The new Verano, in particular "the playing field gives us," specifically a compact luxury segment long dominated brand overseas imports.

As March Madness fans know, there are plenty of long-shot teams, you give to the annual tournament only their dreams, such as Butler's, see shot down. But Buick is betting that it has to go all the way the staying power. Whether it has a Cinderella team remains to be seen, but Buick is so far, defying the odds.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

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Muscle cars hit the road again

ALT: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Ford was not the only one with a track-centric Pony Car, which debuted in 1969. Chevrolet rolled out the Camaro ZL1 in the same year.

This car was more the result of ingenuity as a planned intention. In contrast to the boss, not the ZL1 someone was to do designed. Instead, it was the result of a creative Illinois Chevrolet dealers ordered, that 50 Camaros of the company's aluminum block 427 cubic inch racing engine ZL1 with the code name.

A few other retailers idea caught on and was 69 cars were rated then engine officially 430 PS, but more than 500 produce tested was built hp.

The $4,200 racing engine doubled the price of the Camaro, so that she are not terribly popular in regular customers, but drag racer car's ability to rocket down the Strip in just 11 seconds estimated.

ALT: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

In the early 1960s American automakers agreed not officially back racing with "Factory" team. But the company had customers who wanted to drive even their cars, and so wanted to win for this team.

Sports car racing team wanted the fastest Corvette, Ferrari and Carroll Sheby Cobras and Chevrolet commits, offers regular production option code Z06 Corvette challenge. Select this option to the ' Vette's order form gives the factory install a 360 hp 327 cubic-inch V8, M21 4-speed manual transmission, stiffer Springs, shocks and AMG, racing-grade drum brakes (the Corvette have nor have disc brakes), alloy wheels and a huge 36, 5-gallon gas tank for endurance racing.

At $5,975 Chevy 1963 found only 199 customers for the Z06.

New: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

In 2001, Chevrolet was ready to defend a more powerful version of the Corvette of the car call roll-out, which March had claimed performance against the Dodge Viper. The company achieved in their archives and dusted off the Z06 moniker. This meant the usual steps of the installation of a more powerful engine and stiffening the suspension, track performance, while the base model with softer springs and available automatic for the Boulevard cruiser to update.

Today, Chevrolet offers even the Corvette Z06, but its position as the apex of the Corvette performance since replaced the supercharged Corvette ZR1. So the 2011 Z06 Corvette is model with a 427-cubic-inch V8 (7.0-liter) loads 505 HP, one driving the car the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine top speed of 198 mph. the Z06 carves widespread use of lightweight carbon fibre and magnesium mass 3.175 a sum, the outrageous in today's crop of Porky is lbs performance models. If that's not enough, one brings in available performance package wheels, tires, shocks and brakes the ZR1 for maximum handling and braking.

ALT: 1968 Dodge Charger R/T

Dodge debuted the fastback designed medium-sized charger 1966 with a design originally intended for Chrysler turbine car, which has reached not production. But an updated design in 1968 tripled charger sales, and together with the new sheetmetal, a new high performance option, the R/T came for road/track stand.

The R/T base engine was the 375 hp 440 Magnum but the optional 425 bhp 426 Hemi with two four barrel carburetor was the legendary pinnacle of the line, with a top speed of 156 mph, a test of the car magazine car and driver.

With modest changes in the following year the charger 1969 later fame won in garish citric acid as the street of running racecar "General Lee" in the popular weekly 1980s TV series "The Dukes of Hazard."

New: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T

Widespread dismay of enthusiasts return of the Dodge Charger to the company's lineup, was it not as a swoopy Coupe, but as Pug-faced 4-door sedan. Dodge soothes ruffled feathers with a model of R/T the charger fidelity to the original performance, if not look to confirm.

For 2011, the charger R/T powered a 370-hp 5, 7-litre Hemi V8 which in a nod to modern realities, in which a fuel-saving cylinder mode changes, when all these horses are not required. Another modern reality is customers lack of interest in manual transmissions, in a departure from the original so shocking as the new car block there are styling, so no manual transmission available.

But there are all-wheel drive, give their first realistic chance to have a normally rear-wheel drive American muscle car as the year of Snow plagued driver. And for those, the current R/T feel lack of power compared to the original, there is always the 425-hp 6.1-liter SRT-8 version.

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