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Category Archives: customer satisfaction
GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.
“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged Akron Rubber Development Lab, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM fire recall N242482680, Ken Zino, Kodiak Controls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 25V390 or 25V-390, X @KenAutoinformed
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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released
The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, design and styling, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality
Tagged 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Hanley, j.d power, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~93,000 Vehicles with Sunroofs
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling ~93,000 model year 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant’s head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior,” MBUSA told NHTSA. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MBUSA panoramic sunroof recall, MBUSA safety defect recalls, nhtsa, NHTSA Recall 25V379 or 25V-379, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss – 11,000+
Volvo Car USA is recalling all 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In some driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using “B” mode or “One Pedal Drive,” the vehicle may lose brake function, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 11,000 Volvo electric vehicles are affected by the potentially deadly safety defect. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, mobility company, quality, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 25V392 or 25V-392, R10329, Volvo Car recall, Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss, X @KenAutoinformed
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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Offroad Vehicles recalls, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo
Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.
“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Leonardo Ferragamo, P911.DE, Pietro Innocenti, Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and Porsche Taycan 4S, Porsche Italia, Porsche Italia and Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo, X @KenAutoinformed
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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross
“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen vehicles, Ken Zino, physical disabilities and driving, Rachael Zaluzec, Torsten Gross, Volkswagen Inclusive Environment Workforce, VW Driver Access program, X @KenAutoinformed
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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List
“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, people
Tagged American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cliff Holtz, Honda USA Foundation, Jennifer Thomas, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bring Your Own Bronco Optional at Off-Roadeo
Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it is now offering Bronco owners who have attended the complimentary Bronco Off-Rodeo – an immersive driving school available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners the chance to bring their own Bronco to an advanced dirt driving program so to speak.
“Ninety percent of Bronco Off-Roadeo participants say they want to return and learn even more,” said Kelsey Gerken, Bronco consumer strategy manager at Ford. “Bring Your Own Bronco gives them that chance, expanding the Off-Roadeo experience to two unique, four-hour courses that further grow a Bronco owner’s skillset.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, mobility company, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bronco consumer strategy, electronic locking differentials, Ken Zino, recovery techniques, Rock Crawl Camera, Trail Control, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford and Lincoln Add Zoom App Meet on the Move
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that it is launching the Zoom app Meet on the Move. It is built and customized specifically for vehicles in the U.S. equipped with the all-new Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience.* With the new digital cabin, customers can bring along things they use in their so-called digital life, including their favorite apps to be entertained or to stay productive on the go – all without a smartphone – Ford said in a release. This is unique because it offers an immersive experience built directly into the vehicle, which is different from using smartphone projection. Whether this is a distinction without a real difference remains to be seen. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, distracted driving, electronics, marketing, news analysis, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2024/2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Ford Expedition, 2025 Ford Explorer, 2025 Lincoln Aviator, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed, Zoom App Meet on the Move
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Ford Motor Recalls – Seat Belts, Instruments, Lost Steering
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects. Included are Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, Transit and F150 Lightning models, according to filings made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Among the group of the latest Ford Motor recalls, the most potentially deadly safety defect appears to be loss of steering control caused by “Front Control Arm Separation” covering 2024-2025 model F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles.
“Certain vehicles may have an improperly torqued nut on the ball joint which secures the front upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. An improperly torqued nut on the ball joint can result in separation of the front upper control arm from the knuckle assembly,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2024-2025 F-150 Lightning Safety Recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor Safety Recalls, Ford Transit Safety Recalls, Ken Zino, Lincoln Aviator and Corsair Safety Recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
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Autonomous Vehicles – Skepticism Rules Consumers
Virtually all automakers now have some type automated driving system categorized as Level 2 or Level 2+ on the SAE Autonomous Driving Levels standard. These include General Motors’ Super Cruise; Tesla Autopilot; and numerous Mercedes, BMW and Stellantis systems in Europe and Nio in mainland China. More options are becoming obtainable each year.
“The choice between Level 3 automation [conditional] and Level 2/Level 2+ systems [partial automation] often divides the industry, resulting in notable differences in strategies among autonomous vehicle companies,” said Vivek Beriwal of S&P Global Mobility, a distinct part of S&P Global. “A key assumption of Level 3 systems is that the automaker assumes liability for its safe operation in “autonomous mode.” This has caused some automakers to focus on expanding functionality within Level 2+ while delaying any potential Level 3 upgrades,” Beriwal observes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, S&P Global Mobility, SAE Autonomous Driving Level 2, SAE Autonomous Driving Level 3, SAE Autonomous Driving Levels, Vivek Beriwal, X @KenAutoinformed
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More IndyCar Cheating Penalties Coming to Detroit
IndyCar this morning announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the entries of No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing and No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing According to Rule 16.1.6.1.2., the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Sunday, 1 June on the Streets of Detroit. Ironically the violations are both on Honda powered cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, Chip Ganassi Racing, Colton Herta, Graham Rahal, IndyCar cheating, Ken Zino, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, X @KenAutoinformed
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EV App Gap Frustrates Growing Number of Users
“The report includes apps from the top 28 award-eligible brands that sell EVs in the United States; 10 profiled EV brands in China; and eight profiled EV brands in Europe. Brands from China and Europe are included in this report given their expanding presence in the EV marketplace. Additionally, 1966 EV owners in the United States were surveyed in March-April 2025 to gather insights on app usage; feature desirability; and app overall execution for the 2025 report,” said Power. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, j.d power, Ken Zino, mobile app satisfaction, mobile apps, Violet Allmandinger, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive
Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence. Continue reading →