Category Archives: safety

BMW Recalls Cars, Crossovers for Diesel Engine Fires

Dealers will replace the Korean KORENS EGR cooler with one from another unnamed supplier and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge as required by law. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 12, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Continue reading

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Bad Brakes – Ford Recalls Bronco Sport, Escape SUVs

NHTSA discovered the problem. The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance contacted Ford at the beginning of October 2021, regarding the results of its FMVSS 135 compliance audit on the 2021 model year Bronco Sport vehicle equipped with a brake vacuum booster. The stopping distance test results for “Brake Power Assist Unit Inoperative” were 191.9 meters which exceeds the federal regulation of 168 meters. Continue reading

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Honda Recalls 725,000 Models for Hoods Flying Open

American Honda Motor is recalling 725,000 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles because the hood can fly open while driving. The hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood. Honda has known about the problem for more than five years.* Honda said in the required NHTSA filing that there are no reports of accidents or injuries due to this safety defect. Continue reading

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Hagerty Debuts as a Publicly Traded NYSE Company

The transaction values Hagerty* at a pro forma enterprise of, gulp, ~$3.1 billion. Net proceeds of ~$265 million it’s claimed will be used to advance Hagerty’s growth. Hagerty is self-described as an automotive lifestyle brand and a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. The firm has been close to the automotive Concourse scene with financial support, particularly in the US. It also sponsors classic car ride-and-drives associated with classic auto shows or events. Continue reading

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Immunomedics CFO Charged with Insider Trading

Herewith the, err, lowlights from the SEC legal action: while serving as CFO of Immunomedics, Usama Malik learned that the FDA had permitted the company to halt a clinical trial for a breast cancer drug because the existing trial data provided compelling evidence that the drug was effective. Malik – who was subject to a trading “black-out” that prohibited him and anyone living in his household from purchasing Immunomedics stock – immediately told Lauren S. Wood, with whom he lived at the time, as well as three family members. Wood and two of the family members then bought Immunomedics stock, as did an account in the name of the third family member’s spouse. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Recalls Atlas SUVs for Sudden Air Bag Explosions

Incorrectly manufactured parts at a sub-supplier, Air International Thermal of Auburn Michigan, for the air conditioning system is the cause of the safety defect. The so-called remedy component is the same part number as the recalled part which has been correctly manufactured. In an apparent attempt to limit the cost of the recall, the recalled part will be repaired if affected, not replaced. The recalled part is the Air Conditioner Evaporator Housing, part number 3QF.820.007. Continue reading

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Don’t Aim Holiday Laser-Light Displays at the Sky

“If we become aware that your laser-light display affects pilots, we’ll ask you to adjust them or turn them off. If your laser-light display continues to affect pilots, despite our warnings, you could face a civil penalty,” said the FAA. The FAA works with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against individuals who purposely aim a laser at an aircraft. It can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Civil penalties of up to $30,800 have been imposed by the FAA against individuals for multiple laser incidents. Continue reading

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NTSB – Fatal Texas Tesla Crash Shows Seats Were Occupied

Contrary to some sensationalist media reports, the Tesla was occupied by a driver and one passenger, both of whom died in the crash. Damage to steering wheel pictured was due to an impact as the Tesla reached a speed of 67 mph during the 5 seconds leading up to impact. Continue reading

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Stellantis, LG Energy JV for North American Battery Production

The batteries produced at the new facility will be supplied to Stellantis assembly plants throughout the US, Canada and Mexico for installation in next-generation electric vehicles ranging from plug-in hybrids to full battery electric vehicles that will be sold under the Stellantis family of brands. Stellantis was created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler , aka FCA, and Peugeot or PSA. Continue reading

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Stellantis on SAE Level 3 Public Road Autonomous Driving

At SAE Level 3, the driver does not need to monitor the driving circumstances constantly but must take back control when the system requests. L3Pilot, the flagship research and innovation project in Europe, is arguably one of the most important for the future of automated driving since it is focused on testing and evaluating the technology as a safe and efficient means of transportation in real traffic conditions. It also assessed technical aspects, driving behavior, user acceptance and impact on traffic and safety. Continue reading

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China: Nippon Steel Sues Toyota over Steel Sheet Patent

The conflict arises from Baoshan Iron & Steel, based in Shanghai, China, and a subsidiary of state-owned China Baowu Steel Group. It is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Toyota uses Baoshan steel sheet. It comes at a time when the Biden Administration is wrestling with US trade policy with China. The former administration started a trade war that cost US jobs, damaged the agricultural sector, and was a disaster for the US auto industry in China, the world’s largest vehicle market. It is also involved in a dispute about whether proposed lavish EV buyer tax credits should apply to imported and non-union made electric vehicles. Continue reading

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LG Electronics to Reimburse GM for $1.9B Bolt EV Recall Costs

As a result of the agreement, GM will recognize an estimated recovery in its third-quarter earnings that will offset $1.9 billion of $2.0 billion in charges associated with the recalls. Continue reading

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Operator Error – Ford Recalls 2021 Bronco for Bad Airbags

Further review of the supplier’s test data found test anomalies were completely associated with bags folded by one of the six associates assigned to the airbag fold operation. It was eventually determined that this distinct associate began introducing an extra fold operation when reassigned to this fold operation in late June. Continue reading

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GM Recalls 15,000 SUVs for Sudden Stalling

Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge as required by US law. Analysis of field data and returned warranty-replaced parts indicates that the condition was caused by a supplier manufacturing issue by Vitesco Technologies in Seguin Texas. Continue reading

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Nissan R&D Has New Safety Advancement Lab in North America

The 116,000-sq.-ft. facility – like standard automotive industry practices –  is equipped high-speed photography systems, data acquisition equipment and a precise vehicle tow system. The site also includes a test dummy calibration lab, space for preparing vehicles and a pedestrian safety lab. Continue reading

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