Tag Archives: autoinformed

Gibbs Adds 2-Seat Quadski to 2014 Lineup

In the expensive toy or useful tool world of amphibious vehicles, Gibbs with its high-speed sports approach is expanding its line to include a two-seat Quadski XL. Compared to the standard solo seat Quadski, XL has seating for two at an overall length of 140.2 inches, compared to 128.3 inches for the standard model with increased storage capacity. Prices for the small one start at about $40,000 and float up from there. Continue reading

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Highway Trust Fund Lacks Budgetary Controls

The Highway Trust Fund report is unwelcome news for politicians of both parties who have refused to act on the problem for a decade or more, showing particular reluctance to raise taxes as the nation’s infrastructure crumbles. HTF revenues come from excise taxes on the sale of motor fuels, trucks and trailers, and truck tires, and from taxes on the use of certain kinds of vehicles. Continue reading

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Ford Recall, Stop Sale 2014 F-150 Pickups – Total Steering Loss

The best-selling model in the U.S. cannot be sold because of a safety recall on 2014 F-150 pickup trucks as a result of defective steering. Ford told NHTSA that it is expanding a previous recall because a sensor for the electronic power steering assist is improperly installed by supplier Nexsteer. A total loss of steering is possible. Continue reading

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GM Names Cathy Clegg to Lead North America Manufacturing

General Motors has appointed Cathy Clegg as North America Manufacturing vice president, effective 1 July. She will lead a team of more than 74,000 employees with responsibility for 55 facilities including assembly, stamping, powertrain and component operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. She succeeds Gerald Johnson, who recently was named vice president, Operational Excellence. Kurt Wiese is named Global Manufacturing Engineering vice president, replacing Clegg. Continue reading

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Ford Shows All-New 2015 Edge Mid-Size SUV

Globally utility vehicle demand continues to expand, with Ford Motor Company selling a record 1.2 million Utes of various sizes in 2013 – up 38% compared to 2012. Not surprisingly, all major automakers are now crowding into the segments. Ford’s strategy is to take the front-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the Edge upscale, with as much technology as can be packaged on a brand new global C/D platform. It looks like a good bet, if Ford can build such all-new complex vehicle without major quality gaffs, a weakness that seems to be improving. Continue reading

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More Air Bag Recalls at 7 Makers from Takata Inflators

Seven more automakers are now affected by additional recalls of airbags made by Japanese giant supplier Takata. More could be on the way. Continue reading

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New Mitsu Infotainment System – Any Media on Any Screen

“Any media on any screen” allows sharing from one screen to another with a tap on the screen. There is also interactivity between the two screens, allowing passengers to play games or send photos back and forth. There is control from the front seat, allowing adults to preview and override rear seat programming. The cameras installed above each rear seat screen to allow monitoring of rear seat occupants. Continue reading

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Automakers Flub Launch of High Tech Vehicles, IQS Shows

The latest IQS or quality data revealed today at the Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit shows that the number of problems experienced by new-vehicle owners has increased from the previous year, as automakers continue to have severe problems with complicated technologies now being deployed in new vehicles. Continue reading

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EU Car Market Sales up 4.5% in May

Registrations of new passenger cars increased 4.5% in the EU during May, the ninth consecutive month of improvements year-over-year. While seemingly good news, the 1,093,448 units registered was the second lowest result to date for a month of May since ACEA – the automaker’s trade group – began tracking numbers in 2003 with the enlarged EU. Continue reading

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GM CEO Mary Barra, Lawyer Anton Valukas to Testify Tomorrow on Internal Report over the Ignition Switch Recall Debacle

If you thought the first round of Congressional hearings was tough on GM and its CEO Mary Barra – particularly in the Senate – wait until tomorrow when The House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a sequel called, “The GM Ignition Switch Recall: Investigation Update.” Continue reading

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GM to take $700 Million Charge for Q2 Safety Recalls

GM said today in an SEC filing that it expects to take a charge of up to $700 million in the second quarter for the cost of recall-related repairs announced. This amount includes a previously disclosed $400 million charge for recalls announced May 15 and May 20. Continue reading

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More than 3 Million GM cars under latest Ignition Switch Recall

GM claimed the use of a key with a hole, rather than a slotted key, addresses the concern of key rotation due to a common road event, such as striking a pothole or crossing railroad tracks. Continue reading

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Toyota Airbag Recall Expands to 3 Million Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. will re-notify owners of vehicles involved in an April 2013 safety recall for the front passenger airbag inflators installed in several models. The latest safety defect follows the announcement by Toyota Motors in Japan that it is recalling 650,000 more cars due to defective airbags made by Takata. Continue reading

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EPA Forces Ford to Lower Fuel Economy Ratings

Given the ongoing fuel economy rating scandals, with Hyundai and Kia being an egregious example, as well as numerous road tests from independent sources on other make vehicles, including AutoInformed, we no longer have confidence in EPA fuel economy stickers. Buyers beware; mpg is in a lot of cases ‘meaningless per gallon. Continue reading

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Jimmie Johnson Wins at Michigan International Speedway

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS, won on Sunday in the Nascar Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. It was Johnson’s third win of the year and first at Michigan International Speedway. He is second in series standings. Continue reading

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