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Category Archives: customer satisfaction
Chevrolet Bolt EVs Recalled for Fires
In the required National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing made public today, GM said, “This recall will be launched in two phases, under bulletins N222383790 and N222383791. Notification to owners of vehicles that require only installation of the foil barrier is estimated to begin January 30, 2023.
Owners of vehicles that also require installation of the pretensioner cover will begin receiving interim notification on January 30, 2023. GM will provide an owner notification estimate for this second phase once availability of the pretensioner covers can be estimated.” Continue reading
Ford Motor Recalls Bronco and E-Series Vehicles
Ford Motor Company is recalling some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle. Ford is also recalling 2022-2023 E-350, E-450, and 2021-2022 F-59 vehicles. The paint along the weld seam of the fuel tank may peel and lead to corrosion of the exposed metal, which can result in a fuel leak.
Both of the latest recalls were made public this morning by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Safety First – NASCAR and RealResponse to Provide Participants with Anonymous Squawk Tool
This appears to be a response to the critics of the Next Gen car introduced for the 2022 season, which injured some during rear impacts – either being hit from behind or spinning off backwards into a wall. It clearly poses image problems for NASCAR, if drivers or fans or media think safety is not being, well, emphasized. The next Gen Car did in our view result in some positives. There were 19 different race winners, 20 adding the All-Star Race Ryan Blaney won, five first-time winners, and a strong championship fight. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, news analysis, people, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, Meghan Miley, NASCAR next
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Ram Recalls 1.3 Million Pickups for Sudden Tailgate Openings
Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling more than 1.3 million 2019-2022 model year Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Customers, however, will not be notified until January 2023. Stellantis advises owners to secure cargo in the beds. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multi-function tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, nhtsa, ram pickup recalls
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EPA Automotive Trends – 2021 Fuel Economy at Record High. Emissions at Record Low.
Without question advancements in technology and government regulations are prodding industry to reach these carbon reduction achievements. In model year 2021, hybrid vehicles reached a new high of 9% of all production. These vehicles can use a larger battery to recapture braking energy and provide power when necessary, allowing for a smaller, more efficiently operated engine. Continue reading
Ford Expands Escape, Bronco Sport Engine-Fire Recalls
Ford in the required filing made public today by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the safety defect concerned prior under-hood fire reports from oil separator inspections associated with NHTSA Recall 22V-19. Ford reviewed two under-hood fire reports from a 2022 model-year Escape and 2022 model-year Bronco Sport vehicle with the 1.5-liter ‘Dragon’ engine. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls
Tagged 22V191, 22V859, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, ford dragon engine fires, Ken Zino, nhtsa
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Stellantis Overhauling European Dealer Network in 2023
In essence, electrification is a challenge facing all global automakers. Currently in the US Ford Motor is facing a major dealer revolt over its proposed electrification model. At Stellantis – the mega merger of FCA and PSA companies – the problem is acute – with its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall automotive brands, as well as Free2move and Leasys services – the multi-brand distribution network is, well, complex. Continue reading
SEC Charges Goldman Sachs for Ignoring ESG Investment Policies, Procedures
To make the charges go away, GSAM agreed to pay a $4 million penalty. AutoInformed notes with no insider knowledge of this matter whatsoever or holdings of Goldman products to the best of its knowledge, that this is a minor parking ticket. Could it be that the SEC was perhaps lagging in its regulatory duties under the previous administration, and is now using this as a public relations ploy as it plays catch-up monitoring such investments? Continue reading
Ford Recalls 2021-22 F-150s for Wiper Motor Failures Again
Some of the vehicles recalled were previously recalled for the same problem. NHTSA appears to have played a strong part in the latest recall because of complaints from people to NHTSA* The newest NHTSA Campaign Number is 22V842000. Continue reading
DOT Imposes Millions in Airline Fines for Cancellations. Paltry Penalties for an Abundance of Abuses
In a mumbled ‘two cheers for US flag carriers,’ only one of the airlines fined – Frontier – is a US airline. Collectively, the airlines were only fined $7.25 million in total much to the dismay of the many consumer groups critical of airline practices. Frontier at a $2.2 million penalty paid the largest fine. Continue reading
Loss of Steering Latest Tesla Model S, X Recalls
The latest recall was made public in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public today. Teslas built in Fremont CA and in use in North America, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau and New Zealand are covered by this safety defect. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, EPAS, Ken Zino, nhtsa, Tesla Recalls
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Another Kia Sportage Recall for Fires in ABS System
Kia “strongly urges owners of these vehicles to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures until their vehicles have been repaired.” Continue reading
Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe
The sale is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks following approvals from the authorities, which sure looks inevitable since it’s being sold to the Russian government. The terms of the sale are hedged. It would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years. It’s the latest example of global automakers shutting operation in a totalitarian state. Will China be next? Continue reading
Rivian Recalls 2022 Vehicles for Suspension Failures
The fastener connecting the front upper-control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened on 12,212 vehicles. An improperly torqued steering knuckle fastener could cause excessive wheel camber or a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, EDV, Ken Zino, nhtsa, R1S, R1T, revian recalls
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Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla
“This EV Amendment simultaneously amends the terms of your rental from Budget with respect to the terms herein only. All other terms of your rental remain in full force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this EV Amendment and your other rental terms, the terms of this EV Amendment shall govern,” Budget said. In other words EVs are singled out. Continue reading →