Tag Archives: autoinformed

Consumers Will Commit Fraud for Cheaper Car Insurance

However, in the bold new world of snooping, two thirds (64%) of people are comfortable with a telematics type of product that would share information about the events leading to a traffic accident, in order to help determine which driver was at fault. Continue reading

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Jeff Boyer New Vehicle Safety Chief at GM

Boyer, a GM lifer who has spent nearly 40 years in engineering and safety positions at GM, now has global responsibility for the safety development of GM vehicle systems, confirmation and validation of safety performance, as well as post-sale safety activities, including recalls. Continue reading

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GM Recalls More Vehicles, Some for Airbag Failures

GM did not provide a timeline explaining how long it has known about the latest safety defects. U.S. regulations only give a manufacturer five days after it discovers a safety problem to submit a recall plan to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, something GM did not do in the now notorious ignition switch recall which saw GM first deny a safety defect existed, and then issue a recall as well as an apology, and then expand the recall to cover more cars. Continue reading

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CAS Says GM Ignition Switch Airbag Failure Caused 303 Deaths

These explosive allegations from an organization that is funded by product liability lawyers is the latest negative development in the ongoing GM ignition switch controversy, which has seen GM first deny a safety defect existed, and then issue a recall, as well as an apology, and then expand the recall to cover more cars. Continue reading

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Republicans Pass Polluter Protection Act

This latest example of the power of money in the Congress is a setback for citizens. In 2009, EPA determined that greenhouse gas pollution threatens Americans’ health and welfare by leading to long lasting changes in our climate that can have a range of negative effects on human health and the environment. Continue reading

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Political Grandstanding Starts on GM Ignition Switch Deaths

In the dysfunctional ways of of now completely partisan Washington, the Republican controlled “do nothing” House is looking for political advantage here while giving the appearance that it is actually performing its legislative duties. This laughable proposition – given the record of the past decade- is increasingly hard to put forth to skeptical taxpayers of both parties. Continue reading

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General Motors, Ford, Japanese Post China Sales Records

During February wholesale deliveries in China of cars, multipurpose, and sport utility vehicles jumped to 1.31 million units in February, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said today. Continue reading

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Detroit Lions Owner William Clay Ford Dead at 88

William Clay Ford was the sole remaining grandson of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford. Mr. Ford had numerous roles outside of Ford Motor Company. He became president of the Detroit Lions football team in 1961. He purchased the team in November 1963, reportedly for less than $6 million, and served as its chairman until his death. The Lions won a single playoff game in Ford’s controversial tenure, a January of 1992 38-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. If not a skilled football tactician, he was unquestionably a generous philanthropist and community leader. Continue reading

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BMW X4 Crossover Debuts at New York Auto Show

Like the X6 before it, the BMW claims the X4 combines performance and capability with “the style and elegance of traditional coupe.” In reality – once you get away from such marketing babble – it is a 4-door hatchback. There no doubt about the premium price, though. In the U.S., the X4 will be offered with a choice of two turbocharged engines. The xDrive28i has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $45,625, including destination and handling. It comes with a 240 horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces peak torque of 260 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) and a claimed zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds flat. Continue reading

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Engine, Transmission Problems lead drop in Vehicle Dependability for The First Time in 15 Years

A large part of the quality decline appears to come from automakers rushing balky four-cylinder engines and more fuel-efficient, but rough transmissions into production in response to buyer’s demand resulting from high fuel prices in the U.S. Continue reading

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Frost Bit! Winter Weather Hurts U.S. February Auto Sales

With the exception of Chrysler, a frigid stormy February hurt car sales in the U.S. The other two of the Detroit Three, Ford Motor and GM were off -6/1% and -1% respectively. Among the major offshore brand sellers, Honda was down -8%, Toyota down -5.8%, Hyundai down- 6.3%, and the politically fraught in Southern anti-union politics Volkswagen was down -13.8%. Continue reading

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EPA Finally Cleans up Fuel over Big Oil Objections and Money

Once fully in place, the standards will help avoid up to 2,000 premature deaths per year and 50,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, according to agency that Republicans – owned by big oil – love to hate and obstruct. Continue reading

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Second and Third Sinkhole Corvettes Recovered. Major Damage Sustained on 40th Anniversary Model

Still unexplained is how it is possible to design, obtain permits and build a Museum in Kentucky on unsafe ground. Continue reading

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Audi to Run Three R18 e-tron quattro Cars at Le Mans

Le Mans organizer ACO has accepted Audi’s three entries for the Le Mans 24 Hours. Lucas di Grassi (BR) together with last year’s winners Loïc Duval (F) and Tom Kristensen (DK) will compete in car number 1 against a field that will present formidable competition from Toyota and Porsche among others. Continue reading

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Subaru Raises 2015 Forester Prices

Subaru of America is increasing the prices on its hot selling Forester crossover – five consecutive annual sales records – for the 2015 model year. Continue reading

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