Category Archives: litigation

FCA US Eliminates Use of Non-Desiccated Ammonium Nitrate Takata Air-bag Inflators

Unsold vehicles that are so-equipped will be identified for customers. These customers will also be advised that the vehicles will be recalled in the future. They are not currently subject to recall. Takata inflators have been tied to at least ten deaths and more than 100 injuries so far in the United States. 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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More Recalls for Takata Airbag Shrapnel

The numbers – tens upon tens of millions – and corresponding expenses are now so large that at least one company – General Motors – is questioning the need for the ongoing expansion of mandatory repairs by NHTSA of vehicles with Takata airbag inflators. Continue reading

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Lawyer Plagued? BMW Sued for “Faulty” i3 Electric Vehicles

The crux of the lawsuit is about the BMW i3 “Range Extender.” This so-called Rex option, uses a two-cylinder, 34 horsepower gasoline engine that switches on when the battery charge drops to 5%, providing another 70 miles of range. BMW claims that the Range Extender “doubles your electric driving range” from the vehicle’s standard 81-mile range. Continue reading

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Michelin Sues Atturo Tire Over a Directional Tread Patent

The suit alleges that two tire models – the Atturo AZ600 and the Thunderer Ranger 007- infringe the company’s U.S. patent D483,322 for a directional tread. Continue reading

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NHTSA on Takata Airbag Recall Expansion

NHTSA announced earlier in May that it is expanding the recall of deadly Takata airbag inflators to include an additional 35-40 million inflators. This is in on top of the 28.8 million Takata inflators already under recall. NHTSA claims that more than … Continue reading

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NHTSA Expands Takata Airbag Inflator Recall by 40 Million

This is the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history. Under the Coordinated Remedy Program, NHTSA and manufacturers have committed to seek a 100 percent recall completion rate. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group Earnings Devastated by Diesel Emissions

Volkswagen Group set a breathtaking loss of -$4.6 billion (-€4.1B) during 2015 because of the ongoing – and soon to get even more expensive – diesel emissions cheating scandal. Continue reading

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VW America CEO Michael Horn Out in Dirty Diesel Scandal

Thus the history of sudden death departures at VW in North America continues. When sales previously slumped, Horn became CEO after the abrupt resignation of Jonathan Browning when VW brand sales fell in 2013. The decade before VW said it would triple sales here in 10 years. The lack of trucks and SUVs doomed the plan from the start. Continue reading

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Rotten Apple! Big Public Support for FBI, Justice on Unlocking San Bernardino Terrorist’s iPhone – Little Partisan Differences

The ongoing contentious terrorism issue has huge implications for the auto industry, which is rushing headlong into the connected car. Security versus privacy is now a concern as web connectivity and smartphone links spread across the virtually all vehicle line offerings. Continue reading

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FAA Fines R&R Conner Aviation for Safety Violations

The FAA alleges that beginning on 16 September 2013, RCA operated the chopper on at least four flights around Detroit, Oregon, when it did not comply with four airworthiness directives and with parts that were past their replacement dates. Continue reading

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Continental SRS Airbag Computer Defect Causes Global Recall

Honda has confirmed two injuries related to this SRS safety defect. Continue reading

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Honda Recalls Expand Nationwide for Bad Takata Inflators

With this new Takata recall, ~ 8.51 million Honda and Acura vehicles have been or now are subject to replacement of a Takata driver and/or passenger front airbag inflator in the United States. Continue reading

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Napleton Automotive Sues FCA for False Sales Reporting

FCA US and FCA Realty are being sued by two dealerships of the larger Ed Napleton Automotive Group in Federal Court in Illinois over allegations of false sales reporting. Continue reading

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Takata Airbag Recall Expanded Again – Honda CR-V Models

Honda said it has enough replacement parts to begin recall repairs of the added vehicles immediately, nationwide. Mailed notification to registered owners of vehicles affected by this recall will occur within 60 days. Continue reading

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