Category Archives: safety

DOJ – Cruise Deferred Prosecution for Pedestrian Crash

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

GM’s Cruise autonomous vehicle company* based in San Francisco, fixed a criminal charge in federal court for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation of a crash involving one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. Cruise has agreed to resolve the charge through a deferred prosecution agreement and payment of a $500,000 criminal fine.

“Federal laws and regulations are in place to protect public safety on our roads. Companies with self-driving cars that seek to share our roads and crosswalks must be fully truthful in their reports to their regulators,” said Martha Boersch, Chief of the Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, quality, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NHTSA Fines Ford $165M for Flouting Recall Law

Posted on 14 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced a consent order with Ford Motor Company for failing to comply with federal recall requirements. The consent order includes a civil penalty of $165 million, the second-largest civil penalty in NHTSA’s history after the Takata airbag fiasco and the Takata airbag consent order.

“Timely and accurate recalls are critical to keeping everyone safe on our roads,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “NHTSA is committed to ensuring manufacturers comply with the laws designed to keep our roads safe. When manufacturers fail to prioritize the safety of the American public and meet their obligations under federal law, NHTSA will hold them accountable.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, milestones, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NLRB Rules Against Anti-Union Captive-Audience Meetings

Posted on 13 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Labor Relations Board today issued a decision in Amazon.com Services LLC, ruling that an employer violates the National Labor Relations Act by requiring employees under threat of discipline or discharge to attend meetings in which the employer expresses its views on unionization. Members Prouty and Wilcox joined Chairman McFerran in issuing the decision. Member Kaplan – a Trump appointee – dissented. Continue reading →

Posted in labor issues, litigation, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Recall for Wheel Lockup on Diesel Pickups and SUVs

Posted on 13 November 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~462,000 pickup trucks and large SUVs with diesel engines because the rear wheels can lock, increasing the risk of a crash, according to a required recall report made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The huge U.S. safety defect recall covers 2020-2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

“A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the rear wheels may experience a momentary lock up,” GM said in the mandatory filing. “Excessive wear within the transmission control valve body can cause a fluid leak leading to a pressure drop that causes certain valves to move unexpectedly,” GM said. Continue reading →

Posted in customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VW Ensnared in More Takata Airbag Shrapnel Recalls

Posted on 11 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 2017-2019 model year Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Volkswagen had been refusing to recall the inflators arguing since 2020 about NHTSA’s interpretation of Takata defect data.*

“The driver’s side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling,” VW said in the required safety defect recall filing. Volkswagens included in this recall are equipped with the Takata SDI-D driver frontal airbag. “An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death,” VW acknowledged. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Airlines and JetBlue Alliance Blocked

Posted on 9 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit last Friday affirmed the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts’ ruling in favor of the Justice Department and the Attorneys General of six states and the District of Columbia in their civil antitrust lawsuit to stop the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue. Continue reading →

Posted in aviation, customer satisfaction, litigation, news, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Recalls a Transit Recall for Wheel Lockup

Posted on 4 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles previously repaired under recall number 24V-102. Incorrect bolts may have been used to attach the rear axle shaft, which can lead to the rear wheel locking up or separating from the axle, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS – Latest 2024 Top Safety Pick Laggards

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Four vehicles from four different brands fall short in one or more tests required for a 2024 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award in the latest ratings release today from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To qualify for either award in 2024, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests, an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, engineering, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Software Defined Vehicles – NTT, Toyota Motor Link Together

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

NTT and Toyota Motor Corporation said today in Japan that they have agreed toa  joint initiative in the field of mobility and AI/telecommunications with the aim of realizing a society with zero traffic accidents. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on: Connected Cars – Toyota and NTT Want Standardization)

“Through their previous collaborations, the two companies have confirmed that they share common values, such as contributing to society through technological and industrial development, a people-centered approach, and global contributions that start in Japan. This time, they will further deepen their collaboration with the aim of achieving a ‘society with zero traffic accidents’ as the first step towards realizing a prosperous mobility society where safety and freedom are in harmony,” the release said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Valero Refining Company Fined $82 Million in California

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

The penalty arises from a 2019 inspection that found unreported emissions from the facility’s hydrogen system containing harmful organic compounds in violation of Air District regulations. These organic compounds contributed to the Bay Area’s regional smog and particulate pollution problems. They contained benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, or BTEX, compounds, which cause cancer, reproductive harm and other toxic health effects. Air District inspectors discovered that refinery management had known since at least 2003 that emissions from the hydrogen system contained these harmful and toxic air contaminants but did not report them or take any steps to prevent them. The refinery emitted an estimated 8400 tons of these organic compounds in total over this period in violation of Air District regulations – an average of more than 2.7 tons for each day on which a violation occurred, more than 360 times the legal limit. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, environment, news, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen Adds New Collision Avoidance Alerts

Posted on 28 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen of America today announced new collision avoidance alerts that can provide advance warning to Volkswagen drivers of oncoming roadside hazards and notify some oncoming vehicles that a Volkswagen vehicle is disabled. Starting later this fall, this technology will be included with VW Car-Net Safe & Secure subscriptions* at no additional charge for most MY24 and MY25 Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the proper technology. Volkswagen is the first automaker in the United States to integrate H.E.L.P. ® (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) and Road Awareness collision avoidance alerts within its connected vehicle services.

“Putting these collision avoidance alerts into Volkswagen vehicles advances our commitment to the safety of both our drivers and all others who are on the road,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America. “Volkswagen continues to democratize access to features that help both enhance vehicle safety and exceed the expectations of our vehicle owners.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, safety, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Recalls Accords, Civics, CR-V Hybrids for Fuel Leaks

Posted on 28 October 2024 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor is recalling ~721,000 vehicles because the high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel creating a fire hazard. Affect are 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid vehicles. Warnings may include a fuel odor while the vehicle is driven or idling.

“Due to improper production of the high-pressure fuel pump, cracks can form at the solenoid core component of the fuel pump. As a result, a fuel leak can occur in lower mileage vehicles when the high-pressure fuel pump is in operation,” Honda said in the required NHTSA filing. As of 7 October 2024, Honda has had 145 warranty claims, and no reports of injuries or deaths related to this safety defect from February 2023 through September 2024. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Ford Recalls – 2024 Rangers and 2024-2025 Broncos

Posted on 28 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) ) is recalling 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper-control-arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly, … Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Recalls Mach-E Models for Power Brake and other Failures

Posted on 28 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2021 Mach-E vehicles because An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features. The instrument cluster will display several ABS-related warning lamps and text messages at vehicle startup, according to the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Continue reading →

Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS – Lax Helmet Laws Kill More Than 20,000 Motorcyclists

Posted on 25 October 2024 by Ken Zino

More than 20,000 motorcyclists who died in crashes in the U.S. since the mid-1970s would have survived if stronger helmet laws had been in place, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Briefly, If every state had required all riders to wear helmets from 1976 to 2022, a total of 22,058 motorcyclists’ lives could have been saved. The number represents 11% of all rider fatalities during those years.

“Requiring all riders to wear helmets is a commonsense rule not that different from requiring people in cars to buckle up,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “We have an obligation to protect everyone on our roadways through smart policy.” Continue reading →

Posted in motorcycles, news, news analysis, public health, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment