Tag Archives: auto informed

Subaru Recalls Forester for Bad Child Seat Restraints

Subaru said that due to the large number of parts required to fix the safety defect, a phased approach would be used. First, the production line will be fed; then Port and dealer inventories will be fixed so that new vehicles are saleable; finally, customer vehicles will be fixed. Continue reading

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Nissan Recalls Infiniti M45 for Bad Electronic Gas Gauges

In the pre-Toyota cover-up fines from NHTSA, it appears that Nissan ignored the safety problem and warranty data. In the post Toyota fine era at NHTSA, the number of recalls from Japanese makers, not coincidentally, has accelerated dramatically.

This is the sixth major Nissan recall since the fall. Earlier recalls involved Nissan and Infiniti gasoline leaks, oil leaks, sudden stalling on Sentra models, Juke turbocharger boost sensors, and defective Rogue electric power steering control computers. Continue reading

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Software Change Causes Regal Recall for Parking Lamps

Buick is recalling 2012 model Regal sedans because a software change was not adequately tested and it made the parking lamps inoperative. In either the headlamp position or the parking light position, the so-called body control module would not turn on the lights as is required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. Continue reading

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Electric Sales for Prius C Hybrid after Three Days

While Detroit Three Automakers concentrate on increasing the transaction prices of their new models, Toyota Motor Sales is proving that price matters. In the first three days since the small Prius C went on sale it sold 1,201 units, bypassing sales of the much more expensive – two times the price – Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf for the entire month of February. The Volt plant in Detroit suspends production for five weeks starting next Monday because of slow sales. Continue reading

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Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service Improves

It seems a shift in the type of work done is largely responsible for the gains. In 2012, 72% of vehicle owners indicate their latest dealer service visit was for maintenance rather than repair, an increase from 63% in 2011. Customer satisfaction with maintenance visits is typically higher than satisfaction with repair visits, since visits for routine maintenance tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming. Continue reading

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Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January

Flights to or from Phoenix (PHX) operated by Southwest or United had the dubious distinction of posting the most delays of greater than 30 minutes in January more than 50% of the time. Continue reading

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Honda to Build Another Automobile Plant in Indonesia

Honda is also a force in the Asian motorcycle market. PT Astra Honda Motor, Honda’s joint venture company in Indonesia responsible for motorcycle production and sales, is now going to build its fourth Motorcycle Plant in Indonesia. Total production capacity with the addition of 1,100,000 annual production will be 5,300,000 motorcycles and scooters when the plant opens next year. Continue reading

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Ford Extends Its $9 billion Revolving Credit Line with Lenders

In a separate transaction, Ford announced its first renminbi-denominated bond issue aimed at RMB investors in Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere outside the United States, with total proceeds of RMB 1 billion or about USD $158 million. Ford is losing money in the Asia-Pacific region. In the fourth quarter of 2011, Ford Asia Pacific Africa reported a pre-tax operating loss of $83 million, compared with a profit of $23 million a year ago. Continue reading

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February Car Sales Drop 10% as Eurozone Crisis Goes On

The dismal sales data, which has potential implications for the U.S. presidential election since all the Detroit Three companies are mired in losses from their European operations and previous taxpayer assistance remains controversial, confirmed what ACEA President Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat S.p.A. said two weeks ago. Continue reading

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Charlie Sheen in Fiat ‘House Arrest’ Spot to Air Nationally

In the spot, a crowd cheers Sheen as he races through a luxurious home in a Fiat 500 Abarth. Screeching to a stop, Sheen exits the vehicle, sporting an ankle monitor, as Catrinel Menghia, the same woman featured in a previous “Seduction” spot flirtatiously approaches him. It seems perfect for the sophomoric humor crowd. Continue reading

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BizJet Pays $11.8 M Fine under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

BizJet International Sales and Support will pay an $11.8 million criminal penalty to resolve charges under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for bribing government officials. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based aircraft maintenance company with links to Lufthansa was under investigation by the Department of Justice for bribing government officials in Latin America to secure contracts to perform aircraft services for government agencies. Continue reading

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Ally Squeals after Flunking New Fed Capital Stress Test

Taxpayers still own more than 70% of Ally, with the owner – the Fed – saying it does not have enough capital to endure a theoretical recession that would produce an unemployment rate of 13% percent, a 21% drop in housing prices and as economic slowdowns in Europe and Asia. This admittedly severe test – surpassing even the Bush Administration’s dismal record of economic stewardship – may or may not be anything more than an academic exercise.

In what I take to be a gratuitous insult to taxpayers, Ally said, “Further, the Federal Reserve has not objected to the ongoing payments of preferred dividends and interest on the trust preferred securities and subordinated debt.”

Darn right we expect you to pay interest on the loans. Continue reading

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Milestones: Freedom of Information Act Web Site

Any citizen can make a FOIA request about any topic, although there are still considerable delays, prevarications and redactions by government agencies in making politically sensitive information available. Moreover, Congress still largely conducts its business behind closed doors with access only given all too often to the privileged wealthy few and monied special interests that dominate our ‘pay to play’ political process. Continue reading

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Nissan to Run Delta Wing at Le Mans in P.R. Stunt

The real Japanese race to watch at Le Mans this year will be a Toyota, which will run a hybrid in the LMP1 class. Last year’s race was the most exciting in years – maybe decades – as Peugeot and Audi fought an epic battle. In a fiercely fought 24 hours of racing with sporadic rain, wrecks and attrition, a diesel-powered Audi R18 won the 24 hours of Le Mans in the fastest, factory run P1 class. The Audi was followed by four Peugeot 908s. The three drivers of the second place Peugeot – Simon Pagenaud, Pedro Lamy and Sebastien Bourdais – competed to the very end as their 908 was only 13 seconds behind. Nissan and Chevrolet Corvette did win in other classes. Continue reading

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Anti Nuke Group Wants GM Peugeot to End Iran Business

If GM CEO Dan Akerson thought the Chevrolet Volt was a political football, one can only imagine what he thinks about Peugeot and the Iranian nuclear weapons controversy. GM only wants to share logistics, platforms and purchasing with the French company, but is now being told it is “unacceptable for GM to enter into a partnership with a company that so openly deals with a regime that is responsible for the deaths of U.S. and NATO servicemen and threatens U.S. and global security.” Continue reading

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