Category Archives: safety

IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings

The biggest change to the criteria for both awards is the replacement of the original IIHS side crash test with the updated evaluation launched in 2021. The updated test involves 82% more energy than the original test. Vehicles must earn an acceptable or good rating to qualify for Top Safety Pick, while a good rating is required for the “plus.” Notably absent from the highest Plus rating are products from what were once called the Detroit Three makers thus far. Continue reading

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Autonomous Vehicles, Entertainment: Mercedes-Benz Debuts a New Operating System in the Automobility Cosmos

This is only one aspect of a program intended to bolster the stated Mercedes-Benz desire to remain a preeminent luxury brand. Moreover, both are advanced aspects – or aspirations – of what the auto industry and its products are heading toward: a software defined vehicle and user experience, as well as the comprehensive use of data collection and artificial intelligence that will enable autonomous vehicles, along with ongoing software over-the air updates for entertainment feeds, traffic  alerts, subscription services, EV charging availability and range, among other aspects of a connected car from a connected car company and its connected dealers and other connected vendors. Continue reading

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Multiple Ford Motor Recalls for Rollaway Safety Defects

Owners of all recalled vehicles may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. Continue reading

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Ram 2021-23 Pickups and Cab Chassis Recalled for Fires

FCA USA is recalling 2021-2023 model year Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine because an electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off. More than 300,00 Ram pickup are involved and they all have the safety defect, according to a filing just made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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Another Tesla Self-Driving Recall

The recall is a result of long standing investigations at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the controversial auto pilot system. Tesla, what seems to us arrogantly, did not agree with the NHTSA analysis but went ahead with the recall anyway. It is the latest pr disaster from the firm that no doubt will have social media, uh, all atwitter. Continue reading

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IIHS – Crash Avoidance Technology Works But Tough to Fix

Repeated trips to a repair shop are not uncommon with other routine mechanical repairs, either, and most owners reported that their insurance or warranty covered the complete cost, minus any deductible. However, in the long run, post warranty, insurance companies might be responsible for their insureds. Hence the report is an attempt to mitigate the problem.   Continue reading

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Do No Harm – Center for Auto Safety Drafts AV Bill of Rights

Simply put the draft – covering a wide and formidable list of potential issues – says AVs should “Do no harm!” The draft is an ambitious attempt to learn from the more than a century of automobility and apply the knowledge at the outset of what is expected to be widespread AV use sometime in the, oh, next decade or three. Continue reading

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Subaru Recalls the Solterra EV Recall for Wheels Falling Off

For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will inspect the hub bolts and, if necessary, re-torque to the specification at no cost to the customer as required by federal regulations. Customers will be instructed not to drive their vehicle and to contact their retailer to have the vehicle towed for inspection. Towing will be offered at no cost to the customer. Continue reading

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Flying Hyundai Tucson, Santa Cruz Roof Moldings Recalled

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz crossover SUVs, the National Highway Traffic Administration said today in a filing just made public. The roof moldings of vehicles made at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama may have defective attachment hardware made by Keumgang in South Korea and fly off the vehicle. There are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fire related to this safety defect, according to Hyundai. Continue reading

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Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure

The transactions contained in the agreements would be subject to regulatory approvals, and completion is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the tangled web of individual country industrial policy this brings some measure of stability to a global, multi-national, politically diverse enterprise as the movement to electrified vehicles and other earth-saving technologies continues. The 24-year-old Alliance covers 100% of the world’s major global vehicle markets with Euro 85 billion in annual purchases. It already shares 60% of its vehicle platforms, and up to 90% of EV architectures, noted Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Alliance Board at the press conference. The upside for all is survival in a difficult environment, in our view. Continue reading

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Acura, Honda Takata Airbag Recall Upgraded to Do Not Drive

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aka NHTSA, urges vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners need to contact their dealership or Acura/Honda customer service to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible, as well as free towing or mobile repair. Free loaner and rental vehicles are also available, if needed. Continue reading

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FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LVII. Drones will be restricted before and during the 12 Sunday February. Drone operators who enter the so-called TFRs – aka Temporary Flight Restrictions – without permission and a clearance could face drone confiscation, fines that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution. Continue reading

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Ford Offers Free Pickup, Delivery and Mobile Service To All

The nationwide program is part of Ford’s commitment to improve the ownership experience by providing convenient, seamless options for vehicle service, from simple oil changes to recall repairs. Recalls have been infecting Ford Motor products for years. During 2022, Ford Motor led all makers in recalls with 67 totaling more than 8.6 million vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No word on when or if Lincoln Dealers will participate. Continue reading

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Almost Autonomous – Mercedes-Benz 2024 S‑Class, EQS?

If Mercedes is able to deliver model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedans late in 2023, then its optional DRIVE PILOT system would be the first and perhaps the only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on US public freeways. Mercedes‑Benz also aspires to expand to California later this year with the certification documents already filed with state authorities. General Motors, among other automakers, is also actively pursuing  autonomous vehicles. Several GM brands are partially there already with its Super Cruise system. Continue reading

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Crash Course – Euro NCAP on 2022 Safety Tests

However, AutoInformed thinks the emerging fresh data on electric vehicles is the most notable result. As in 2021, the EV market continues to expand quickly. During 2022, full electric vehicles made up 22 out of 65 new models, or 34%. Specifically, five out of six Euro NCAP’s Best in Class winners were electric. Europe’s bestselling car the Tesla Model Y and new Model S both achieved Top Scores in Euro NCAP. Perhaps this is a good thing because Tesla’s autopilot is a dismal safety failure on the road, as class action suits in the US attest. Also, since EVs are heavier, it remains to be seen how they affect other non-EVs when the two types collide – so-called crash compatibility. Continue reading

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