Monthly Archives: June 2016

FAA Fines Amazon $78K for Shipping Hazardous Materials

Amazon has a history of violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations. From February 2013 to September 2015, Amazon was found to have violated the Hazardous Materials Regulations 24 other times. Continue reading

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All-Time Record of 3,700 MPG Set by Canadian College team

I can’t count the number of hours we put into this. Overall, I think we had a good idea, good design and good team,” said Julien St. Hilaire, a Université Laval team member. Continue reading

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FAA Belatedly Issues Rules for Some Drones

The rule’s provisions, allegedly, are said “to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground.” Continue reading

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Children Added to Virtual Crash Testing at Toyota

It is used for the development of safety equipment such as airbags. THUMS is also being used by NASCAR to set regulations for seat shapes to reduce the likelihood of rib fractures sustained by drivers during racing accidents. Continue reading

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Le Mans Footnote – Renault AK Grand Prix Car

Renault entered 3 AK Type vehicles with 13-liter 90 horsepower engines. An AK had a top speed of 93 mph, notable 110 years ago. Continue reading

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Diesel Coffin Nails – California Court Decision on Diesels Smacks Small Fleets and Farmers over Money

A decision by the Superior Court of California in Fresno earlier this month agreed with the California Trucking Association’s request to erase a range of amendments to the state’s major rule to clean up diesel trucks and buses. Continue reading

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Kia Recalls Sedona Minivans for Suspension Failures

In a move approved by NHTSA – but much decreed by critics – it’s a regional recall. Continue reading

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Ford Wins Le Mans in GT Class. Ferrari Second

The win comes 50 years after Ford’s 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966 – then in the fastest class. Ferrari, also no longer running in the fastest class – finished second with its #82 488 car. Continue reading

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Porsche Wins Le Mans. Toyota, Leading, Breaks at 3 Mins Left

With a Toyota TS050 leading the Le Mans race by running fast laps, the LMP1 hybrid stopped on the track during the penultimate lap. Just three minutes of the race remained.Thus the Toyota losing streak at Le Mans continues. Continue reading

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GM gets $2 Billion Credit Boost from ‘Too Big to Fail’ Banks

It’s a classic example of banks lending money when the borrower doesn’t need it. This gives GM flexibility – liquidity to ride out another downturn such as the one that led to its bankruptcy, or increase its acquisitions of mobility companies such as Lyft, or fund the development of new products. Continue reading

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Porsche 919 Hybrids Fastest at Le Mans Qualifying

Porsche 919 Hybrids took first and second in the first of three qualifying sessions for the Le Mans 24 Hours this weekend in France. The best lap time for the field of 60 cars was achieved by Neel Jani last … Continue reading

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Newspapers Dying as Technology Companies Grow?

The implications for automotive coverage of labor, manufacturing, quality and safety issues, among others, are dire. Continue reading

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LEGO Ford GT Race Car on Display at Le Mans

Ford said it took three weeks, 40,000 bricks to build a pint size version of the #66 race car. Details include the same green wing mirrors and screen top visor as the full-sized car. Continue reading

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Eightieth Anniversary of the Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’

How appropriate, the little mouse in the automobile business is celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the Fiat 500 “Topolino.” Events at FCA in Turin from June 16-19 will commemorate it. The tiny car was part of the motorization in Italy … Continue reading

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Amazon Under FAA Scrutiny for Shipping Hazardous Materials

Amazon has a history of violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations. From February 2013 to September 2015, Amazon was found to have violated the Hazardous Materials Regulations 24 other times. The FAA is continuing to investigate Amazon’s compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to air transportation. Continue reading

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