Tag Archives: zino

Honda Recalls 1.5 Million Accord, CR-V and Element for Software Problem that Leads to Failed Auto Transmissions

American Honda is starting recalls on about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Four-cylinder Accord, CR-V and Element models from 2005-2010 have transmission shift software that could damage the transmission and lead to the engine stalling or difficulty engaging park. Continue reading

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July Unemployment Stagnant at 9.1% as only 117,000 Jobs are Created. Almost 14 Million People are Officially Out of Work

The latest negative economic news came after automakers reported that total U.S. light vehicle market in July grew less than 1% from what was a weak July of 2010 as the economy languishes. Continue reading

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Motor City Mice Chuckle over Possible F-Series EcoBoost Fuel Economy Shortfalls. GM Pushing Expensive Eco Options, too

Owners might not be as amused as we mice, given this elaborate gaming of the EPA system by Ford – especially if owners get similar results after paying at least another $1750 compared to the base V6, or $750 more than the V8 option. And virtually all automakers are gaming the system to obtain ratings that buyers may never experience. Continue reading

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Chrysler Recalls 300,000 Minivans for Possible Airbag Defect

Previously minivan recalls were conducted in November 2010 because a defective drain grommet on the heating and ventilation system (HVAC) allowed condensation from a/c operation to leak onto the computer. At the time only the grommet was replaced. Subsequent Chrysler durability testing revealed that some of the computers failed. Continue reading

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Another 400,000 Apply for Unemployment as Congress takes Month-Long Paid Vacation. No Job Creating Policies in Place

A new U.S. Senate report from the Joint Economic Committee says this: “Two years after the Great Recession officially ended, (Does anybody really believe the recession ended?) unemployment remains above 9% (the real rate is likely 12% or more). Equally alarming, the record long-term unemployment that characterized the Great Recession has shown few signs of abating and remains at near-record levels. Almost 4.5 million workers have been unemployed for a year or more. Another 1.7 million have been jobless for between six months and a year. Continue reading

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Cadillac to Introduce New Small and Large Cars in 2012

The announcement comes as Cadillac sales declined sharply in the U.S. during July, with disappointing total sales of 11,119, a 26% decrease compared to last July as its aging vehicle line was affected by increased incentives from German brands. Both of the new Cadillac models are aimed squarely at German luxury offerings. Continue reading

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General Motors Posts Q2 Earnings of $2.5 Billion. Most in N.A.

Virtually all of GM’s earnings – $2.2B – came from North America, a worrisome development for the most international of the Detroit 3, whose largest markets are China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy.

Earnings were helped by booking revenue from pickup trucks shipped to North American dealers. GM built 516,000 light trucks in Q2, up 14% from a year earlier. Passenger car production increased 10% to 308,000. GM dealers currently have 209,000 pickups in stock – the equivalent of a 115 days supply in an industry that considers 60 days normal. Continue reading

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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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