Tag Archives: cas

Pacifica Family Vehicle of Year – Midwest Auto Media Assn

Posted on 9 February 2017 by Ken Zino

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US claims 78 firsts or innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for a total of 115 innovations in the segment – including the industry’s first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the only seven seat hybrid. in existence. Continue reading →

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New 2017 Ram Power Wagon – Ultimate Off Roader?

Posted on 11 February 2016 by Ken Zino

Ram Truck says at the Chicago Auto Show today that it continues to build the best pickups, which may come as news for Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado fans. Continue reading →

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Chicago Auto Show Attendance up a claimed 7%

Posted on 25 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Despite one fewer public day at nine, the Chicago Auto Show’s attendance increased a claimed 7% year-over year. However, the trade association running the show declined to reveal the number of visitors. Take all auto show attendance claims with a boxcar full of salt. Continue reading →

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CAS Says GM Ignition Switch Airbag Failure Caused 303 Deaths

Posted on 14 March 2014 by Ken Zino

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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Jeep Fuel Tank Fire Fix Inadequate Center for Auto Safety Says

Posted on 20 June 2013 by Ken Zino

The Center for Auto Safety, a consumer pressure group closely aligned with product liability lawyers, says the proposed recall fix for Jeep fuel system fires is inadequate. CAS is calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to crash test the proposed fix that would install trailer hitches on Jeep SUVs that do not already have them. “Chrysler’s announcement means the argument shifts from whether the 1993-98 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Liberty’s are unsafe and whether there will be a recall to what the recall remedy will be and how to make the Jeeps safe from rear impact fires,” CAS said in a statement. CAS wants Chrysler to install skid plates under the fuel tanks instead. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Balks at NHTSA Jeep Recall Request

Posted on 4 June 2013 by Ken Zino

Chrysler Group is defying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s request that it recall 2.7 million Jeep models because of allegedly unsafe fuel systems. Covered under the now public dispute over fuel system integrity are 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Cruze Diesel at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

In the latest example of how complicated the global auto business is, Chevrolet will sell a Cruze diesel this fall in North America that has an Italian engine design, a German-built 2-liter turbo diesel, which will be installed in the Cruze at the final assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The 2014 model will start out at $25,695 with destination and a two-year maintenance plan included. Continue reading →

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Unintended Acceleration on 730,000 Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute SUVs under NHTSA Scrutiny in New Preliminary Investigation

Posted on 18 July 2012 by Ken Zino

The Center for Auto Safety had petitioned NHTSA last week to open defect investigations on the V6 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute models equipped with cruise control. NHTSA opened its own investigation instead, in a move that was required given the seriousness of the allegations that were about to become public.

In a defensive bureaucratic move, NHTSA also denied a CAS request for potentially embarrassing public hearings about the safety agency’s, as well as Ford Motor’s and Mazda’s lack of corrective action thus far. To make matters more complicated and potentially more image damaging for all involved, it is possible that an earlier safety recall resulted in more unintended acceleration accidents on the models involved. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Challenges Nader, Center for Auto Safety, Disputing Need for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall for Rear Impact Fires

Posted on 7 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ralph Nader and the Center for Auto Safety are calling on Chrysler to recall 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee models because they are, allegedly, defective and subject to fires during rear-end collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the claims, and of course Chrysler is cooperating, as required by U.S. safety regulations. Continue reading →

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