Category Archives: safety

GE Engineer Sentenced for Economic Espionage Conspiracy

“This is a case of textbook economic espionage. Zheng exploited his position of trust, betrayed his employer and conspired with the government of China to steal innovative American technology,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who threaten our national security by conniving to steal valuable trade secrets on behalf of a foreign power.”  Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls Sunroofs for Flying Off

This latest recall of a previous recall goes back to December 2017, when Mercedes Benz in Germany launched initial investigations based on what it said were isolated field reports from outside the US claiming that the sliding roof panel detached from vehicles. No damage or injuries were reported as a result of these unsafe incidents.

However, the sliding roof assemblies of the affected vehicles were requested and returned by individual markets, including the US. The returned parts were analyzed by the supplier and an external laboratory. Continue reading

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Significant 2022 Automotive Stories and Trends

With that in mind, here’s our latest takes on the 2022 annum of automobility, from autonomous and electric vehicles needed to foil planet-killing global warming, to driving caused deaths, to trade, tariffs, allies and, alas, the still ongoing threats from American fascism and racism that are opposing our collective growth. We undertake this with an awareness that AutoInformed conducts its education in public with our deficiencies apparent. We begin our annual taking stock with comments on significant automotive stories of 2022 as we look to endure another year of plagues – covid variants, political insurrections, social unrest and others to come. Continue reading

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Drowning Risk – Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Paddle Boards

Surf 9 is recalling  Body Glove Tandem and ULI Inflatable Paddle Boards because of a drowning risk. The paddle boards were sold exclusively at Costco (Costco item# 2622049), The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said today in a release. Continue reading

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More Fuel Cell Vehicles from CJPT

Since it was founded in April 2021 by Toyota, Hino and Isuzu Motors, CJPT’s goal was “to enable technology development for commercial vehicles by considering initiatives at logistics sites to contribute to achieving a carbon neutral society and reduce the burden on drivers and workers by accelerating the use of autonomous vehicles and systems.” Continue reading

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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

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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

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NHTSA Verifies Additional Chrysler Takata Fatality

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning verified another Takata rupture fatality, bringing the total of number of Takata fatalities confirmed this year to five. One person died in a recent crash in a 2010 Chrysler 300 where the Takata driver’s side air bag inflator ruptured sending shrapnel into the interior.

This brings the total of Takata fatalities to 24, and the third confirmed this year in a Fiat Chrysler sedan. Continue reading

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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

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Honda Motor Reveals Next Gen Automated Driving Technology

Honda says the real goal is for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Continue reading

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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

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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

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Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to Prison

Yanjun Xu, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to court documents, Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Justice Department and the FBI of course are involved in other grave national security matters that if indictments come won’t require extradition of the alleged offender and co-conspirators from Mir-a-Lago. Continue reading

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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

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