Tag Archives: auto informed

NHTSA Scrutinizing Ford Fusion for Wheels Falling Off

Since the root cause is thus far officially unknown, and Ford’s investigation is ongoing – a recall if it comes could include more model years than the one that spawned the inquiry. Fusion is – and has been Ford’s best selling car, meaning more than one million vehicles could be affected, since it’s selling at roughly 200,000 units annually. Continue reading

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Bye Bye American Dream – One in Four Could Not Pay for a Major Auto Repair in Latest AAA Economic Survey

One in four American drivers could not pay for a car repair of $2000 if faced with one today, according to the results of a survey released today by AAA. The survey also said one in eight would be unable to pay for a repair bill of $1000 – easily reached with overly complex vehicles on the road. Continue reading

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Korean Auto Sales Surge as Japanese Remain Sidelined

Korean auto sales increased sharply in July while Japanese automakers watched as depleted inventories once again cut into their normal sales levels. Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia posted huge gains and a record month. A combination of high fuel economy and low prices – helped by the Korean Won – saw double-digit sales gains at both automakers. Still, several questions remain about the ability of Korean automakers to continue to grow at the significant rates they have been achieving. Continue reading

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Nissan Recalls Altima Sedans for Defective Suspension

Nissan North America is recalling 20,000 2011 and 2012 model Altima sedans because an assembly defect can potentially cause the driver to loose control. Canton Mississippi built compact car – Nissan’s best seller – can have transverse link bolts that were improperly torqued on the assembly line. Continue reading

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Japanese Sales: Toyota, Honda Down. Nissan up Slightly in July

There were varying results for Japanese sales in the U.S. sales race in July with Toyota and Honda posting double digit declines while Nissan increased sales from July of 2010. Overall, the total U.S. light vehicle market grew less than 1% from what was a weak July of 2010 as the economy languishes and unemployment remains above 9%. Continue reading

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Ford Recalls More than 1 Million F-Series Trucks for Fuel Tank Fires. Reverses No Risk Stance after NHTSA Digs Deeper

Ford Motor Company is recalling more that 1 million F-Series pickup trucks and corresponding Lincoln versions built during model years 1997 through 2004 because of fuel tank fires. The Ford recalls result from the automaker’s latest corrosion problem caused by … Continue reading

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Ford Motor July Sales Up 9% in U.S. Led by Sport Utility Vehicles

Ford Motor Company today said its July sales totaled 180,865, up 9% versus a year ago. Sales were led almost entirely by a 31% increase in sport utility sales, as cars (+3%) and pickup trucks (+0.5%) were basically flat compared … Continue reading

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Chrysler Group U.S. July Sales up 20%. Best July in Four Years

The Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands all posted year-over-year sales gains in July, while the Fiat brand registered a 68% increase – albeit only 3,000 units- compared with the previous month of June 2011. Chrysler Group’s car sales increased 28% in July to 28,000 vehicles while truck sales were up 18% at 84,000 units compared with the same month a year ago. Continue reading

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GM U.S. Sales Increase 8% in July. Cadillac off 26%

General Motors dealers in the United States sold 214,915 vehicles in July, an 8% sales gain compared to July 2010. Retail sales for GM’s brands rose 6% for the month compared to a year ago, and were 1% higher than June, as the U.S. economy continues to struggle with slow – or no growth – and high unemployment rates. Continue reading

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Fiat Starts First Ad Campaign in U.S. for the Tiny 500 Model

Last night the Fiat brand launched a marketing and advertising campaign, the first since its return to the North American market with the 500. The campaign combines broadcast, print, digital and so called “experiential initiatives.” The introduction of a new … Continue reading

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Second Smallest U.S. Safety Recall in History? Toyota Recalls 32 Lexus RX 350 SUVs for Defective Antilock Brake Calibration

Toyota is recalling 32 model year 2011 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves from ADVICS manufacturing in Ohio is incorrect. Because of this safety defect, Toyota said in a NHTSA filing, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during antilock brake system operation or vehicle stability control actuation. Continue reading

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July Used Car Sales Boom. Have Automakers Priced New Vehicles – Now with an Average $30,000 Price – Too High?

The latest research shows that sales of used cars and light trucks in the U.S. grew strongly – up more than 13% for the month of July. About 4.5 million previously owned vehicles changed hands. That’s the best July since 2005… Continue reading

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Honda Q1 Barely Profitable as Earthquake Devastates Results

Honda’s automobile unit sales totaled 547,000 units, a decrease of 39.2% from the same period last year due to production disruptions in all regions from the Earthquake. Continue reading

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July Vehicle Sales Stall in U.S. SAAR Projected less than 10 M

The sale of new vehicles in the U.S. will be about 11.8 million units in July. This is the third straight month below the 12 million mark as the U.S. economy remains close to reentering a recession. Continue reading

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Revised Fiat Management Structure Subsumes Chrysler. Fiat Executives Dominate Newly Formed Group Executive Council

Both the management of Fiat Automobiles and Chrysler will be merged on September 1 under a plan that creates a Group Executive Council dominated by Fiat executives. Continue reading

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