CNBC goes inside one of the most successfully managed brands and companies in the world — BMW. Its familiar blue and white logo stands as the symbol of prestigious, high-performance, luxury cars. A one-time aircraft engine manufacturer that eventually moved to motorcycles and offbeat sports sedans, BMW today commands brand recognition and respect that is the envy of the commercial world.
CNBC Correspondent Carl Quintanilla takes viewers inside BMW’s secretive Tech Center, where teams of engineers obsess over the technical and mechanical details that the company says justify its cars’ high prices. Acoustic specialists consider every sound in the car, from the exhaust note to the window motors; ergonomic engineers labor over the stunningly complex mechanical labyrinth that is a modern seat; and crash specialists deliberately wreck a parade of high-dollar vehicles to improve safety.
BMW is a company enjoying success, but also facing significant challenges. Growing environmental and political pressures are making it increasingly tough to market high-performance cars, but BMW is staking its future on its ability to build vehicles that are both sustainable and fun. BMW also faces daunting competition, not only from other German manufacturers like Audi, but also from carmakers in Japan, Korea — and soon, China.
BMW: A Driving Obsession is the fascinating story behind a once small, struggling company that transformed itself into a global luxury car powerhouse, and is now going flat out to maintain its edge.
For Video's and more information check out the link at:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/43395673?__source=vtyinsidebmw&par=vty
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
STUDY: 56 MPG Standard by MY2025 to Cost 220,000 jobs
FENTON, MI (July 7, 2011)—A white paper from the Michigan-based Defour Group finds that a significant number of auto sector jobs would be lost if the federal government’s proposed fuel economy mandates for Model Year (MY) 2017-2025 vehicles were implemented. Federal regulators, currently meeting with automakers behind closed doors, are considering increasing the standards to as high as 56 mpg to 62 mpg over that time period.
Dean Drake, the paper’s author, confirmed a U.S. Energy Information Administration estimate that automakers would sell 2.4 million (approximately 14 percent) fewer new vehicles if standards are set to hit 62 mpg by 2025.
“Clearly, sales losses of this magnitude could be expected to lead to job losses in the industry,” Drake said.
Drake bases the study’s job loss numbers on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) analysis of the 2012-2016 MY CAFE standard that said that one job would be lost by the OEMs and their suppliers for every 11.3 new vehicle sales which fail to sell. The study also calculates dealerships job losses as a result of fewer new car and truck purchases.
PROPOSED TARGET (MY17-25) LOST SALES LOST JOBS (OEM, Supplier, Dealership)
62 mpg (6% per year) 2.4 million 293,100
56 mpg (5% per year) 1.9 million 220,000
“These projected job losses will NOT be offset by the development of new technologies creating so called ‘green jobs’ as many contend,” Drake added. “The advanced technology vehicles such as electrics will only make up a small part of the new vehicle fleet. Plus there is no guarantee that these new jobs would stay in the United States.”
Dean Drake, the paper’s author, confirmed a U.S. Energy Information Administration estimate that automakers would sell 2.4 million (approximately 14 percent) fewer new vehicles if standards are set to hit 62 mpg by 2025.
“Clearly, sales losses of this magnitude could be expected to lead to job losses in the industry,” Drake said.
Drake bases the study’s job loss numbers on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) analysis of the 2012-2016 MY CAFE standard that said that one job would be lost by the OEMs and their suppliers for every 11.3 new vehicle sales which fail to sell. The study also calculates dealerships job losses as a result of fewer new car and truck purchases.
PROPOSED TARGET (MY17-25) LOST SALES LOST JOBS (OEM, Supplier, Dealership)
62 mpg (6% per year) 2.4 million 293,100
56 mpg (5% per year) 1.9 million 220,000
“These projected job losses will NOT be offset by the development of new technologies creating so called ‘green jobs’ as many contend,” Drake added. “The advanced technology vehicles such as electrics will only make up a small part of the new vehicle fleet. Plus there is no guarantee that these new jobs would stay in the United States.”
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
WALKER AUTOMOTIVE LISTED AS NUMBER 52 ON WARD’S DEALER MAGAZINE LIST OF NATION’S TOP DEALERSHIPS
This year marks the 25th Annual Dealer 500 rankings published by “Wards Dealer Business” Magazine. The list is a comprehensive ranking of the 500 biggest automobile dealerships in the country. According to the magazine one constant over the last quarter century is that the dealers who make the list are “among the best in the business. They are pros who use time-tested best practices, yet are nimble enough to adapt to changing times and markets.” Walker Automotive is on the list for the fifth straight year and ranks number 52 for 2010.
The annual list ranks dealerships according to departmental revenue, sales and total dealership revenue. Only one other dealership in Louisiana was recognized and Walker was the only dealer in central Louisiana named.
“We are pleased to have made the Wards 500 list again this year”, said W. Foster Walker, President of Walker Automotive. We certainly had to adapt to changes in our business last year, but we still managed to grow our business in almost all departments.” Walker said. Overall, revenue grew 2% over last year which is great considering the turmoil that marked the industry in 2010 as several major manufacturers struggled to come back from bankruptcy. “Our most significant increase came in pre-owned vehicle sales where we saw an increase of 37% in total units over the year before. Likewise, our Service, Parts, Body Shop and Accessories increased 4% over the same period last year. New cars grew modestly, but that is not surprising considering the lack new inventory. We simply adapted to sell more quality late model or certified used vehicles. I credit a tremendous management team in all departments that figured out how to grow our business in a tough selling environment.” Walker said.
Walker was also recognized separately in the 2011 magazine as one of the 2011 Ward’s Dealer 500 new and used vehicle volume leaders. Walker delivered more than 3,000 new and pre-owned vehicles in central Louisiana. Walker has also been recognized by Ward’s as a leader in helping customers finance their vehicles and as a used vehicle leader in 2009.
“We are committed to our business, the Central Louisiana community, and our customers. Our most recent commitment to our business is the new Walker Mercedes and BMW building on Highway 28 West next to Walker Honda.” The new facility is a state of the art 30,000 square foot sales and service location for both Mercedes-Benz and BMW. “Our entire organization is extremely proud of this new facility and we expect this addition to assist us in our continued growth in Alexandria.” Walker said.
Mr. Walker also emphasized that as a fourth generation family company, Walker Automotive always tries to do what is in the best interest of its customers. “We remain committed to serving our customers, being an active community partner, executing business strategies that allow for continued growth, and delivering new and used vehicles to happy customers. "
Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to four locations, 7 manufacturers, four service departments and a collision center. Walker employees more than 175 employees. Over the last 9 decades Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business. Walker Automotive offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.
The annual list ranks dealerships according to departmental revenue, sales and total dealership revenue. Only one other dealership in Louisiana was recognized and Walker was the only dealer in central Louisiana named.
“We are pleased to have made the Wards 500 list again this year”, said W. Foster Walker, President of Walker Automotive. We certainly had to adapt to changes in our business last year, but we still managed to grow our business in almost all departments.” Walker said. Overall, revenue grew 2% over last year which is great considering the turmoil that marked the industry in 2010 as several major manufacturers struggled to come back from bankruptcy. “Our most significant increase came in pre-owned vehicle sales where we saw an increase of 37% in total units over the year before. Likewise, our Service, Parts, Body Shop and Accessories increased 4% over the same period last year. New cars grew modestly, but that is not surprising considering the lack new inventory. We simply adapted to sell more quality late model or certified used vehicles. I credit a tremendous management team in all departments that figured out how to grow our business in a tough selling environment.” Walker said.
Walker was also recognized separately in the 2011 magazine as one of the 2011 Ward’s Dealer 500 new and used vehicle volume leaders. Walker delivered more than 3,000 new and pre-owned vehicles in central Louisiana. Walker has also been recognized by Ward’s as a leader in helping customers finance their vehicles and as a used vehicle leader in 2009.
“We are committed to our business, the Central Louisiana community, and our customers. Our most recent commitment to our business is the new Walker Mercedes and BMW building on Highway 28 West next to Walker Honda.” The new facility is a state of the art 30,000 square foot sales and service location for both Mercedes-Benz and BMW. “Our entire organization is extremely proud of this new facility and we expect this addition to assist us in our continued growth in Alexandria.” Walker said.
Mr. Walker also emphasized that as a fourth generation family company, Walker Automotive always tries to do what is in the best interest of its customers. “We remain committed to serving our customers, being an active community partner, executing business strategies that allow for continued growth, and delivering new and used vehicles to happy customers. "
Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to four locations, 7 manufacturers, four service departments and a collision center. Walker employees more than 175 employees. Over the last 9 decades Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business. Walker Automotive offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.
W. FOSTER WALKER III ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE LOUISIANA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS’S ASSOCIATION
W. Foster Walker III was elected Chairman of the Board of the Louisiana Automobile Dealer’s Association at its Annual Convention on June 19, 2011. Mr. Walker is President of Walker Automotive in Alexandria. Mr. Walker has previously held the positions of Chairman Elect, Treasurer, and District 16 Representative for the Association. The board of directors for the Association is governed by 19 dealers elected from 14 districts in the state. The Association represents approximately 325 automobile dealers in Louisiana and more than a hundred Associate and Subsidiary members.
“I am honored to have been elected as Chairman from my business peers. It is truly an honor to receive the support the other automobile dealer members in the state.” Walker said. “The sale of vehicles in this state greatly affects the general economy through our collection and remittance of sales taxes, corporate taxes and payroll tax. The association members employ more than 12,000 employees throughout the state with average salaries in excess of $45,000. As a member of this vital board, I hope to be able to be a part of the overall economic recovery of our industry in Louisiana.”
Founded in 1937, the LADA provides products and services to enhance the operations of its member dealers. The Association promotes the automotive trade in the state, seeks legislation to benefit the automotive trade and the public consumers of automotive products, and compiles factual data and information which may be useful and valuable to the automotive trade.
Walker Automotive was named the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award winner for 2010 which recognizes local businesses for outstanding ethical practices. This was the second time for Walker Automotive to win this prestigious award. Additionally Walker was recently named to the Wards Dealer Business Dealer 500 in June 2011 which ranks dealers nationally based on total revenue. Walker has consistently made the list for the last decade.
Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to four locations, 7 manufacturers, four service departments and a collision center. Walker employs more than 175 employees. Over the last 9 decades Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business. Walker Automotive offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.
“I am honored to have been elected as Chairman from my business peers. It is truly an honor to receive the support the other automobile dealer members in the state.” Walker said. “The sale of vehicles in this state greatly affects the general economy through our collection and remittance of sales taxes, corporate taxes and payroll tax. The association members employ more than 12,000 employees throughout the state with average salaries in excess of $45,000. As a member of this vital board, I hope to be able to be a part of the overall economic recovery of our industry in Louisiana.”
Founded in 1937, the LADA provides products and services to enhance the operations of its member dealers. The Association promotes the automotive trade in the state, seeks legislation to benefit the automotive trade and the public consumers of automotive products, and compiles factual data and information which may be useful and valuable to the automotive trade.
Walker Automotive was named the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award winner for 2010 which recognizes local businesses for outstanding ethical practices. This was the second time for Walker Automotive to win this prestigious award. Additionally Walker was recently named to the Wards Dealer Business Dealer 500 in June 2011 which ranks dealers nationally based on total revenue. Walker has consistently made the list for the last decade.
Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to four locations, 7 manufacturers, four service departments and a collision center. Walker employs more than 175 employees. Over the last 9 decades Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business. Walker Automotive offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Good Time to Trade in That Gently Used Car
That three-year-old car sitting in the driveway may not seem so exciting anymore, but to some car dealers it could be gold.
Informed shoppers with well-maintained cars to trade in have an unusual opportunity to take advantage of what industry analysts say is a record peak in used-car prices. Resale and trade-in values for late-model vehicles in good condition have been rising all year as demand has outstripped supply, particularly for fuel-efficient models.
Among the forces driving up used-car values is a shortage of many popular Japanese models due to production slowdowns following the March earthquake. And the sales collapse during the 2008 and 2009 financial crisis means fewer two- and three-year-old cars are available.
The National Automobile Dealers Association last week raised values again on many small- and medium-size cars in its latest Used Car Guide, which is widely used by dealers when deciding what to offer for cars taken as trade-ins.
A one-year-old Honda Civic that NADA's Used Car Guide valued at $14,275 in May is now estimated to be worth $15,950. "The same car," says Jonathan Banks, NADA's executive auto analyst.
KBB.com, the Web home of the Kelley Blue Book used-vehicle-pricing franchise, says a three-year-old Toyota Prius is worth, on average, $17,750 as a trade-in, up $6,050 from the value of a three-year-old Prius a year ago.
The market isn't booming for all types of vehicles. Large sport utility vehicles, such as a Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe are down less than 1% from a year ago, according to NADA's guide. Still, they are up nearly 5% from the start of the year.
"We have seen extremely strong pricing," says Jeremy Meyer, national manager for Audi's U.S. certified pre-owned sales operation. And "consumers are willing to pay those higher prices," he says.
Manheim Consulting, an arm of the big Manheim auto-auction business, has for years published an index of used-vehicle values. In May, that index, using a scale with a baseline set at 100 for January 1995, was 127.8—a record high.
For consumers, this is now a game of arbitrage and information gathering. Prices for many new vehicles are up, but not as much as values for in-demand, late-model used cars.
"The best case scenario is that you have a trade-in that is somewhat gas efficient, and you are ready to trade for a larger vehicle," says Jesse Toprak of Truecar.com, an auto-shopping and data site.
For people who have a leased car that's close to the end of its term, now is the time to figure out whether that car is worth more than the residual value assigned in the lease contract.
For example, a 2008 BMW 3-series has an average residual value of about $17,450, but a trade-in value of close to $20,000, according to data compiled by Truecar.
NADA's Mr. Banks says anyone with a leased car that's due to be returned should investigate the car's market value—using the online NADA guide and shopping sites such as KBB.com, Edmunds.com, Cars.com or Ebay. Then be ready to bargain with the dealer to get a higher value than the one stipulated in the contract.
"Don't just hand over your keys," says Mr. Banks.
Realizing the extra value in a leased vehicle can be tricky, however. Selling a leased car to another individual could require buying it from the leasing company, then reselling it, and possibly paying sales tax.
Sergio Stiberman, chief executive of LeaseTrader.com, a site that enables the exchange of auto leases, says the easiest way is to use the difference between the purchase-option price written into the lease contract and the car's current market value as equity in a trade-in. The dealer can then work out the transaction with the leasing company and resell the car for a profit.
Dealers are stepping up efforts to snag high-quality used cars, while eyeing their inventories to make sure they don't get caught with too many vehicles at the top of the curve.
At Group One Automotive, a big Houston-based dealer chain, used-car managers are scouring Craigslist, and emailing past customers to find more of the cars that are selling best. But the company is keeping its used-car inventory at or below 30 days' supply.
"We have to have rational exuberance," says company spokesman Pete DeLongchamps.
Will used-car prices come back to earth? Most likely, though telling when is educated guess work, not science. Gasoline prices are edging down, which could cool demand for used hybrids and rejuvenate interest in second-hand SUVs.
Japanese car makers say they are ramping up production as they work out the problems getting critical parts from suppliers damaged by the earthquake. Once their factories are rolling, industry executives and analysts expect Toyota Motor Corp. and the other big Japanese brands will come out swinging with discount deals to get back the market share they've lost. The cheaper new cars get, the more likely used-car prices will moderate as well.
A longer-term factor in the current scarcity of late-model used cars is that so few cars were leased during the credit crisis and recession of 2008 and 2009. Higher sales in the past year will mean more supply for the used-vehicle market of a 2013 or 2014.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702304474804576371314168816464-lMyQjAxMTAxMDAwNzEwNDcyWj.html
Informed shoppers with well-maintained cars to trade in have an unusual opportunity to take advantage of what industry analysts say is a record peak in used-car prices. Resale and trade-in values for late-model vehicles in good condition have been rising all year as demand has outstripped supply, particularly for fuel-efficient models.
Among the forces driving up used-car values is a shortage of many popular Japanese models due to production slowdowns following the March earthquake. And the sales collapse during the 2008 and 2009 financial crisis means fewer two- and three-year-old cars are available.
The National Automobile Dealers Association last week raised values again on many small- and medium-size cars in its latest Used Car Guide, which is widely used by dealers when deciding what to offer for cars taken as trade-ins.
A one-year-old Honda Civic that NADA's Used Car Guide valued at $14,275 in May is now estimated to be worth $15,950. "The same car," says Jonathan Banks, NADA's executive auto analyst.
KBB.com, the Web home of the Kelley Blue Book used-vehicle-pricing franchise, says a three-year-old Toyota Prius is worth, on average, $17,750 as a trade-in, up $6,050 from the value of a three-year-old Prius a year ago.
The market isn't booming for all types of vehicles. Large sport utility vehicles, such as a Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe are down less than 1% from a year ago, according to NADA's guide. Still, they are up nearly 5% from the start of the year.
"We have seen extremely strong pricing," says Jeremy Meyer, national manager for Audi's U.S. certified pre-owned sales operation. And "consumers are willing to pay those higher prices," he says.
Manheim Consulting, an arm of the big Manheim auto-auction business, has for years published an index of used-vehicle values. In May, that index, using a scale with a baseline set at 100 for January 1995, was 127.8—a record high.
For consumers, this is now a game of arbitrage and information gathering. Prices for many new vehicles are up, but not as much as values for in-demand, late-model used cars.
"The best case scenario is that you have a trade-in that is somewhat gas efficient, and you are ready to trade for a larger vehicle," says Jesse Toprak of Truecar.com, an auto-shopping and data site.
For people who have a leased car that's close to the end of its term, now is the time to figure out whether that car is worth more than the residual value assigned in the lease contract.
For example, a 2008 BMW 3-series has an average residual value of about $17,450, but a trade-in value of close to $20,000, according to data compiled by Truecar.
NADA's Mr. Banks says anyone with a leased car that's due to be returned should investigate the car's market value—using the online NADA guide and shopping sites such as KBB.com, Edmunds.com, Cars.com or Ebay. Then be ready to bargain with the dealer to get a higher value than the one stipulated in the contract.
"Don't just hand over your keys," says Mr. Banks.
Realizing the extra value in a leased vehicle can be tricky, however. Selling a leased car to another individual could require buying it from the leasing company, then reselling it, and possibly paying sales tax.
Sergio Stiberman, chief executive of LeaseTrader.com, a site that enables the exchange of auto leases, says the easiest way is to use the difference between the purchase-option price written into the lease contract and the car's current market value as equity in a trade-in. The dealer can then work out the transaction with the leasing company and resell the car for a profit.
Dealers are stepping up efforts to snag high-quality used cars, while eyeing their inventories to make sure they don't get caught with too many vehicles at the top of the curve.
At Group One Automotive, a big Houston-based dealer chain, used-car managers are scouring Craigslist, and emailing past customers to find more of the cars that are selling best. But the company is keeping its used-car inventory at or below 30 days' supply.
"We have to have rational exuberance," says company spokesman Pete DeLongchamps.
Will used-car prices come back to earth? Most likely, though telling when is educated guess work, not science. Gasoline prices are edging down, which could cool demand for used hybrids and rejuvenate interest in second-hand SUVs.
Japanese car makers say they are ramping up production as they work out the problems getting critical parts from suppliers damaged by the earthquake. Once their factories are rolling, industry executives and analysts expect Toyota Motor Corp. and the other big Japanese brands will come out swinging with discount deals to get back the market share they've lost. The cheaper new cars get, the more likely used-car prices will moderate as well.
A longer-term factor in the current scarcity of late-model used cars is that so few cars were leased during the credit crisis and recession of 2008 and 2009. Higher sales in the past year will mean more supply for the used-vehicle market of a 2013 or 2014.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702304474804576371314168816464-lMyQjAxMTAxMDAwNzEwNDcyWj.html
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Honda expands U.S. airbag recall to include about 833,000 autos
LOS ANGELES -- Honda Motor Co. said it will again expand a U.S. recall of Honda and Acura brand models to fix flawed airbag components.
The company will inspect model year 2001 to 2003 vehicles that may have had the original driver's air-bag module replaced with a flawed service part, Honda said today in an e-mailed statement.
As a result, the recall now includes an additional 833,000 vehicles, the company said. Honda "determined that a number of affected service part air bags were installed in these vehicles in the process of a collision repair or other vehicle service," according to the statement.
"Owners of all potentially affected vehicles are being notified because Honda has not been able to determine which specific vehicles received one of those parts."
The faulty airbag inflators are at risk of deploying too forcefully and causing the inflator's casing to rupture, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants, the company said.
Customer notification is to begin late this month. Vehicles covered by the action include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars; 2002 Odyssey minivans; 2002 and 2003 CR-V sport-utility vehicles; and some 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL sedans and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupes, the company said.
Honda last year recalled 437,763 Honda and Acura models to inspect for faulty airbag modules at risk of deploying too forcefully.
The company has said airbag systems were supplied by Japan's Takata Corp. Honda's U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Honda, please contact the Walker Honda Service Department at 318-445-6677.
The company will inspect model year 2001 to 2003 vehicles that may have had the original driver's air-bag module replaced with a flawed service part, Honda said today in an e-mailed statement.
As a result, the recall now includes an additional 833,000 vehicles, the company said. Honda "determined that a number of affected service part air bags were installed in these vehicles in the process of a collision repair or other vehicle service," according to the statement.
"Owners of all potentially affected vehicles are being notified because Honda has not been able to determine which specific vehicles received one of those parts."
The faulty airbag inflators are at risk of deploying too forcefully and causing the inflator's casing to rupture, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants, the company said.
Customer notification is to begin late this month. Vehicles covered by the action include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars; 2002 Odyssey minivans; 2002 and 2003 CR-V sport-utility vehicles; and some 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL sedans and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupes, the company said.
Honda last year recalled 437,763 Honda and Acura models to inspect for faulty airbag modules at risk of deploying too forcefully.
The company has said airbag systems were supplied by Japan's Takata Corp. Honda's U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Honda, please contact the Walker Honda Service Department at 318-445-6677.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Toyota recalls trucks for rear drive shaft defect
Automotive News
April 26, 2011 - 1:31 pm EST
DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp. is voluntarily recalling 51,000 Tundra pickup trucks for the model year 2011 due to a potential defect in the rear drive shaft.
The company estimates that 0.05 percent of the vehicles recalled may have a component-- a slip yoke-- that could break because of improper casting.
There has been one slip yoke failure, but no injuries or accidents linked to the problem, Toyota said in a statement.
Owners will be notified by mail as early as next week. Dealers will perform an inspection estimated to take 10 minutes. If the rear drive shaft needs to be replaced, the repair will be done at no cost to the owner, Toyota said.
April 26, 2011 - 1:31 pm EST
DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp. is voluntarily recalling 51,000 Tundra pickup trucks for the model year 2011 due to a potential defect in the rear drive shaft.
The company estimates that 0.05 percent of the vehicles recalled may have a component-- a slip yoke-- that could break because of improper casting.
There has been one slip yoke failure, but no injuries or accidents linked to the problem, Toyota said in a statement.
Owners will be notified by mail as early as next week. Dealers will perform an inspection estimated to take 10 minutes. If the rear drive shaft needs to be replaced, the repair will be done at no cost to the owner, Toyota said.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Newest Toyota Recall
Toyota to recall 308,000 RAV4s, Highlanders for airbag fix
Automotive News
April 21, 2011 - 1:20 pm EST
UPDATED: 4/21/11 4:17 pm ET
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said today it would recall about 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander SUVs because of the risk airbags sensors could fail and cause the curtain airbags to deploy.
About 214,000 RAV4s and 94,000 Highlanders and Highlander HVs will be recalled from the 2007 and 2008 model years, according to a company statement.
The recall only affects vehicles sold in North America, Toyota said.
Toyota said owners of the vehicles would be notified of the recall by mail in May.
Toyota said that, in cases where two sensors fail at almost the same time, the side curtain airbags designed to protect passengers in a rollover accident could be inflated outside such an accident.
In cases where just one of the sensors fails, the airbags warning light will be activated, the automaker said
Automotive News
April 21, 2011 - 1:20 pm EST
UPDATED: 4/21/11 4:17 pm ET
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said today it would recall about 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander SUVs because of the risk airbags sensors could fail and cause the curtain airbags to deploy.
About 214,000 RAV4s and 94,000 Highlanders and Highlander HVs will be recalled from the 2007 and 2008 model years, according to a company statement.
The recall only affects vehicles sold in North America, Toyota said.
Toyota said owners of the vehicles would be notified of the recall by mail in May.
Toyota said that, in cases where two sensors fail at almost the same time, the side curtain airbags designed to protect passengers in a rollover accident could be inflated outside such an accident.
In cases where just one of the sensors fails, the airbags warning light will be activated, the automaker said
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Honda Insight Sales Increase
Honda Insight Hybrid Sparking U.S. Demand
By Christie Schweinsberg
WardsAuto.com, Apr 14, 2011 9:01 AM
WASHINGTON, – After two relatively lackluster years on the market, the second-generation Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle is seeing a surge in sales thanks to a perfect storm of high gas prices, increased advertising and the spring-car-buying season.
March sales, alone, spiked 62.2%, compared with year-ago, to 2,782 units, Ward’s data shows.
That’s the biggest monthly increase for the latest Insight since March 2010, when deliveries climbed 179.2% compared with March 2009, when the new model launched in the U.S.
The Insight’s sales rise last month outpaced the 52.0% increase for the Toyota Prius, although the Prius remains the hybrid heavy-hitter, with 42,779 units sold in the year’s first quarter vs. 6,058 for the Insight.
“You’ve heard this bromide before, (but) when fuel prices go up, people think of Honda,” American Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel tells Ward’s in an interview here.
“We also have a pretty strong promotion going in terms of advertising (the entire Honda lineup),” called The Really Big Thing, he says. “The dealers seem to be getting increased traffic from that. (Plus), it’s a spring market, customers are coming back (and) a 13.1 million-unit industry is nothing to sneeze at.”
After discontinuing the original 2-seat Insight in 2006, Honda announced the next-gen version in 2008, during the last gas-price spike in the U.S. that drove consumers to seek fuel-efficient vehicles as never before. In May 2008, alone, Honda sold more than 50,000 Civic compact cars.
Riding the wave, the auto maker initially called for 90,000 Insight sales in the U.S., before adjusting the figure downward numerous times as gas prices fell back and the recession caused new-car sales to plunge. Last year, Insight sales amounted to 20,962 units, just 1.9% higher than the 20,572 sold in 2009, when the hybrid went on sale in its current form.
Japan parts shortage could stall Honda Insight’s recovery.
This year’s parts shortage in Japan could slow the HEV’s upward climb.
Mendel says if a situation arises where shared parts are at a minimum, Honda likely will prioritize production of its best-selling-models: the next-gen Civic launching later this month; CR-V compact cross/utility vehicle and Odyssey minivan.
Although Mendel leaves the Insight off the list, Honda resumed building the hybrid April 11 at its plant in Suzuka, Japan, exactly one month since the magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit the island nation.
Parts shortages delayed the restart of production at Suzuka numerous times, and their scarcity is expected to continue to keep the industry in flux through the coming months.
By Christie Schweinsberg
WardsAuto.com, Apr 14, 2011 9:01 AM
WASHINGTON, – After two relatively lackluster years on the market, the second-generation Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle is seeing a surge in sales thanks to a perfect storm of high gas prices, increased advertising and the spring-car-buying season.
March sales, alone, spiked 62.2%, compared with year-ago, to 2,782 units, Ward’s data shows.
That’s the biggest monthly increase for the latest Insight since March 2010, when deliveries climbed 179.2% compared with March 2009, when the new model launched in the U.S.
The Insight’s sales rise last month outpaced the 52.0% increase for the Toyota Prius, although the Prius remains the hybrid heavy-hitter, with 42,779 units sold in the year’s first quarter vs. 6,058 for the Insight.
“You’ve heard this bromide before, (but) when fuel prices go up, people think of Honda,” American Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel tells Ward’s in an interview here.
“We also have a pretty strong promotion going in terms of advertising (the entire Honda lineup),” called The Really Big Thing, he says. “The dealers seem to be getting increased traffic from that. (Plus), it’s a spring market, customers are coming back (and) a 13.1 million-unit industry is nothing to sneeze at.”
After discontinuing the original 2-seat Insight in 2006, Honda announced the next-gen version in 2008, during the last gas-price spike in the U.S. that drove consumers to seek fuel-efficient vehicles as never before. In May 2008, alone, Honda sold more than 50,000 Civic compact cars.
Riding the wave, the auto maker initially called for 90,000 Insight sales in the U.S., before adjusting the figure downward numerous times as gas prices fell back and the recession caused new-car sales to plunge. Last year, Insight sales amounted to 20,962 units, just 1.9% higher than the 20,572 sold in 2009, when the hybrid went on sale in its current form.
Japan parts shortage could stall Honda Insight’s recovery.
This year’s parts shortage in Japan could slow the HEV’s upward climb.
Mendel says if a situation arises where shared parts are at a minimum, Honda likely will prioritize production of its best-selling-models: the next-gen Civic launching later this month; CR-V compact cross/utility vehicle and Odyssey minivan.
Although Mendel leaves the Insight off the list, Honda resumed building the hybrid April 11 at its plant in Suzuka, Japan, exactly one month since the magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit the island nation.
Parts shortages delayed the restart of production at Suzuka numerous times, and their scarcity is expected to continue to keep the industry in flux through the coming months.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Ford Expands F-150 Recall by 1 Million Pickups
WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. and U.S. safety regulators have agreed to a greatly expanded recall of the best-selling vehicle in North America, the Ford F-150 pickup truck.
The recall is for a possible short circuit that could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly and involves nearly 1.2 million F-150s and some Lincoln Mark LT vehicles, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall covers F-150s from the 2004 to 2006 model years.
Previously, 144,000 of the pickup trucks were recalled. The expansion comes after talks between the automaker and safety regulators in Washington.
Ford, in an e-mailed statement, said its review found the airbag deployments were linked to a "wiring chafe" condition.
"If a wiring chafe occurs, the airbag warning lamp will illuminate for an extended period of time prior to any risk of deployment, alerting owners to service their vehicle," Ford said. "We urge all of our customers to seek service immediately for an airbag warning lamp that is illuminated."
See full article at:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110414/RETAIL05/110419932/1254
The recall is for a possible short circuit that could cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly and involves nearly 1.2 million F-150s and some Lincoln Mark LT vehicles, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall covers F-150s from the 2004 to 2006 model years.
Previously, 144,000 of the pickup trucks were recalled. The expansion comes after talks between the automaker and safety regulators in Washington.
Ford, in an e-mailed statement, said its review found the airbag deployments were linked to a "wiring chafe" condition.
"If a wiring chafe occurs, the airbag warning lamp will illuminate for an extended period of time prior to any risk of deployment, alerting owners to service their vehicle," Ford said. "We urge all of our customers to seek service immediately for an airbag warning lamp that is illuminated."
See full article at:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110414/RETAIL05/110419932/1254
Monday, April 11, 2011
Some services are unnecessary, or better left to dealers and more sophisticated repair shops
by: Tom Torbjornsen
http://autos.aol.com/article/quick-lube-unneeded-services/
Have you ever gone to a quick-lube place for an oil change and, while you're waiting in the lobby for your car, the service bay/sales person informs you that a certain service(s) "must" be performed on the vehicle immediately to avert a disaster of immense proportion?
It's a high-pressure moment. You think: I can get this done now, and not have to make an appointment at the dealership. I can save money here, too. And I want to take care of my car, which I rely on.
But here is the problem: Most of us do not know much about these products or services before being confronted with the questions and offers. And we hate to come across as ignorant about our car. Many of us can relate to this scenario.
The "recommended service" they advise usually includes one or more of the following:
-High mileage oil
-Fuel system cleaning
-Brake fluid flush
-Transmission flush
-Transfer case or differential fluid change
Knowledge is power. So let's look at each service, the validity of the claim, and whether or not you should follow the advice.
Does Your Vehicle Need "High Mileage" Oil?
High mileage oils supposedly are formulated with more robust additive packages for better lubrication and rust inhibition, along with a nourishing agent to bring old, hardened oil seals back to life. Well, if that's true, why didn't the company initially give me its best formulation so that my car would get more mileage out of the engine in the first place? I consulted an expert in the industry to gather more information. Dan Watson, a Certified Lubrication Specialist (STLE) and publisher of www.lubedepot.com and www.maxxtorque.com (an E-Zine about diesel power) sent me some bullet points to consider when offered "high mileage oil."
-High mileage oils are fortified with additional additives for improving the ability of the oil to deal with byproducts of combustion (otherwise known as "crud.") and enhance engine cleanliness.
-The age of the engine has nothing to do with the protection needed to maintain the engine and prevent wear.
-The best procedure is to start out with oil that doesn't break down and leave sludge and varnish in the engine in the first place.
-Start the engine out from day-one using high quality synthetic engine oil and you will have superior protection and cleanliness from the start. You will never need a "better oil" when you get to a higher mileage.
-It is important to note all synthetic oils are not the same. Look for synthetic oils like AMSOIL or Mobil One; these oils have extremely robust additive packages designed for longer oil-change intervals. This insures you are getting maximum protection and superior cleanliness regardless of vehicle mileage.
Bottom-Line: Use high-quality synthetic oil from the start in a new car. If you are driving a used car that you purchased, start using these same sorts of synthetic oils for maximum protection. Don't pay for something the attendant is calling "high mileage" oil, which could mean any number of things.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Fuel System Cleaning?
Maybe. But I can't recommend getting it done at a quick-lube outlet.
Over time, fuel injectors get clogged with varnish deposits and dirt that's picked up in the fuel. When this happens, the injectors dribble fuel into the combustion chamber rather than deliver a fine mist of air/fuel mixture for perfect combustion.
As an automotive machinist, I have seen many cylinder heads and pistons loaded with carbon buildup from inefficient combustion that resulted in inefficient and/or damaged engines. In addition, I can tell you that fuel additives to the fuel tank alone cannot keep a fuel system clean.
Fuel systems do need to be cleaned. During the fuel delivery system cleaning process, industrial strength carbon and varnish cleaners are injected directly into the fuel delivery system while the engine is running.
The problem I have with having this service done at a quick-lube is that they "recommend" the service almost every time you stop in for an oil change. Also, I question the quality of the fuel system service they offer. In order for this service to work effectively, they must use a special machine and a specific set of tools, as well as an industrial grade carbon and varnish cleaner. Such equipment, found in high quality repair facilities or dealerships, is often not available at quick lubes.
Don't get me wrong. Quick lubes have their place in automotive service. However, I think they are out of their league in this area of service.
Bottom Line: This is not a diagnosis or service I would entrust to a quick-lube station.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Brake Fluid Flush?
Brake fluid flushing is a viable service that should be done if there is rust and sediment in the brake master cylinder. After researching several year, make, and model vehicles in the ALLDATA database, I realized that this is not a recommended service from the manufacturer.
At best, carmakers suggest an inspection of the braking system at regular intervals (every 6K miles or so) that includes inspection of the brake fluid along with the rest of the system. The hydraulic braking system is designed as a closed and sealed system. When it is exposed to the atmosphere because of a broken seal or hydraulic cup, the system will draw moisture into itself because of the hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) nature of the brake fluid.
So a simple inspection of the brake fluid is all that is required. When checking brake fluid, look for proper level, color, and smell. Brake fluid that is clear/translucent in color, at the proper level, and has no evidence of a burnt smell indicates a healthy braking system. If the color is black or rust-colored, there is a problem. Simple flushing will not repair the root cause of the condition.
A dark or black color accompanied by a burnt smell is indication that the system has overheated. There are three causes of overheating: A stuck brake caliper, a seized emergency brake, or a contaminated wheel cylinder that causes a brake shoe to stick in the applied position. A rust-colored fluid indicates that moisture has entered the system, and therefore the system should be checked for a leaking component, a compromised line, or a torn master cylinder gasket. Brake fluid flushing alone without an inspection and/or repair of the root cause of the discolored fluid is not a repair. It is like a band-aid on a compound fracture.
Bottom Line: I do not recommend regular brake fluid flushing. It is simply not necessary unless a problem with color, level, or smell of the brake fluid is observed.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Transmission Fluid Flush?
As a regular maintenance practice (every 35 – 40K miles) transmission flushing can ensure proper operation and longevity of the transmission. More often than that is overkill.
Some carmakers suggest this service every 100K miles or more. However, I don't agree with this time frame because transmission fluid is oil, and oil breaks down over time (especially when the unit is worked hard). In addition, I don't agree with just flushing the fluid without replacing the transmission filter. During the flush procedure, if the old filter is left in place, dirt and wear material will be dislodged and go back into the transmission. Dirt will then be flowing through the unit and contaminating it again. In addition, a worn, dirty filter is expected to do the job it once did when it was new! So when flushing transmission fluid, always replace the filter. Period.
On transmissions with high mileage that have a history of being neglected (have not been serviced for many thousands of miles and the fluid is dark and smells burnt -- evidence of overheating), I do not recommend a transmission flush. On a transmission that has been overheated, internal damage might have occurred. If this is the case, when the transmission is subjected to a complete bath of fresh high-detergency transmission fluid, the transmission will fail internally.
Bottom Line: If you have a high mileage vehicle and the quick lube shop has recommended a fluid flush, get a second opinion from a drivetrain expert before proceeding... or pay the consequences.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Transfer Case or Differential Fluid Change?
Transfer cases are very quirky units. When the differential fluid is compromised in any way from overheating or moisture contamination they can malfunction. Symptoms of a malfunction include chatter, engaging and disengaging rapidly while in gear, slowness to engage from low to high range, and a host of other strange maladies.
Different carmakers use different fluids for their respective transfer cases. Each fluid is uniquely formulated for the respective transfer case application.
Bottom Line: This is an area of service that I would never leave to a quick lube, but rather to a drivetrain specialist or a dealership.
There is simply too much room for error when it comes to filling the unit with the wrong fluid.
I hope this clarifies any concerns or questions you might have before heading out to your local quick lube.
Remember, knowledge is empowering, and in this case, can save you a lot of time and money (and that's probably why you are going to the quick lube in the first place).
'Til next time...Keep Rollin'
http://autos.aol.com/article/quick-lube-unneeded-services/
Have you ever gone to a quick-lube place for an oil change and, while you're waiting in the lobby for your car, the service bay/sales person informs you that a certain service(s) "must" be performed on the vehicle immediately to avert a disaster of immense proportion?
It's a high-pressure moment. You think: I can get this done now, and not have to make an appointment at the dealership. I can save money here, too. And I want to take care of my car, which I rely on.
But here is the problem: Most of us do not know much about these products or services before being confronted with the questions and offers. And we hate to come across as ignorant about our car. Many of us can relate to this scenario.
The "recommended service" they advise usually includes one or more of the following:
-High mileage oil
-Fuel system cleaning
-Brake fluid flush
-Transmission flush
-Transfer case or differential fluid change
Knowledge is power. So let's look at each service, the validity of the claim, and whether or not you should follow the advice.
Does Your Vehicle Need "High Mileage" Oil?
High mileage oils supposedly are formulated with more robust additive packages for better lubrication and rust inhibition, along with a nourishing agent to bring old, hardened oil seals back to life. Well, if that's true, why didn't the company initially give me its best formulation so that my car would get more mileage out of the engine in the first place? I consulted an expert in the industry to gather more information. Dan Watson, a Certified Lubrication Specialist (STLE) and publisher of www.lubedepot.com and www.maxxtorque.com (an E-Zine about diesel power) sent me some bullet points to consider when offered "high mileage oil."
-High mileage oils are fortified with additional additives for improving the ability of the oil to deal with byproducts of combustion (otherwise known as "crud.") and enhance engine cleanliness.
-The age of the engine has nothing to do with the protection needed to maintain the engine and prevent wear.
-The best procedure is to start out with oil that doesn't break down and leave sludge and varnish in the engine in the first place.
-Start the engine out from day-one using high quality synthetic engine oil and you will have superior protection and cleanliness from the start. You will never need a "better oil" when you get to a higher mileage.
-It is important to note all synthetic oils are not the same. Look for synthetic oils like AMSOIL or Mobil One; these oils have extremely robust additive packages designed for longer oil-change intervals. This insures you are getting maximum protection and superior cleanliness regardless of vehicle mileage.
Bottom-Line: Use high-quality synthetic oil from the start in a new car. If you are driving a used car that you purchased, start using these same sorts of synthetic oils for maximum protection. Don't pay for something the attendant is calling "high mileage" oil, which could mean any number of things.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Fuel System Cleaning?
Maybe. But I can't recommend getting it done at a quick-lube outlet.
Over time, fuel injectors get clogged with varnish deposits and dirt that's picked up in the fuel. When this happens, the injectors dribble fuel into the combustion chamber rather than deliver a fine mist of air/fuel mixture for perfect combustion.
As an automotive machinist, I have seen many cylinder heads and pistons loaded with carbon buildup from inefficient combustion that resulted in inefficient and/or damaged engines. In addition, I can tell you that fuel additives to the fuel tank alone cannot keep a fuel system clean.
Fuel systems do need to be cleaned. During the fuel delivery system cleaning process, industrial strength carbon and varnish cleaners are injected directly into the fuel delivery system while the engine is running.
The problem I have with having this service done at a quick-lube is that they "recommend" the service almost every time you stop in for an oil change. Also, I question the quality of the fuel system service they offer. In order for this service to work effectively, they must use a special machine and a specific set of tools, as well as an industrial grade carbon and varnish cleaner. Such equipment, found in high quality repair facilities or dealerships, is often not available at quick lubes.
Don't get me wrong. Quick lubes have their place in automotive service. However, I think they are out of their league in this area of service.
Bottom Line: This is not a diagnosis or service I would entrust to a quick-lube station.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Brake Fluid Flush?
Brake fluid flushing is a viable service that should be done if there is rust and sediment in the brake master cylinder. After researching several year, make, and model vehicles in the ALLDATA database, I realized that this is not a recommended service from the manufacturer.
At best, carmakers suggest an inspection of the braking system at regular intervals (every 6K miles or so) that includes inspection of the brake fluid along with the rest of the system. The hydraulic braking system is designed as a closed and sealed system. When it is exposed to the atmosphere because of a broken seal or hydraulic cup, the system will draw moisture into itself because of the hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) nature of the brake fluid.
So a simple inspection of the brake fluid is all that is required. When checking brake fluid, look for proper level, color, and smell. Brake fluid that is clear/translucent in color, at the proper level, and has no evidence of a burnt smell indicates a healthy braking system. If the color is black or rust-colored, there is a problem. Simple flushing will not repair the root cause of the condition.
A dark or black color accompanied by a burnt smell is indication that the system has overheated. There are three causes of overheating: A stuck brake caliper, a seized emergency brake, or a contaminated wheel cylinder that causes a brake shoe to stick in the applied position. A rust-colored fluid indicates that moisture has entered the system, and therefore the system should be checked for a leaking component, a compromised line, or a torn master cylinder gasket. Brake fluid flushing alone without an inspection and/or repair of the root cause of the discolored fluid is not a repair. It is like a band-aid on a compound fracture.
Bottom Line: I do not recommend regular brake fluid flushing. It is simply not necessary unless a problem with color, level, or smell of the brake fluid is observed.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Transmission Fluid Flush?
As a regular maintenance practice (every 35 – 40K miles) transmission flushing can ensure proper operation and longevity of the transmission. More often than that is overkill.
Some carmakers suggest this service every 100K miles or more. However, I don't agree with this time frame because transmission fluid is oil, and oil breaks down over time (especially when the unit is worked hard). In addition, I don't agree with just flushing the fluid without replacing the transmission filter. During the flush procedure, if the old filter is left in place, dirt and wear material will be dislodged and go back into the transmission. Dirt will then be flowing through the unit and contaminating it again. In addition, a worn, dirty filter is expected to do the job it once did when it was new! So when flushing transmission fluid, always replace the filter. Period.
On transmissions with high mileage that have a history of being neglected (have not been serviced for many thousands of miles and the fluid is dark and smells burnt -- evidence of overheating), I do not recommend a transmission flush. On a transmission that has been overheated, internal damage might have occurred. If this is the case, when the transmission is subjected to a complete bath of fresh high-detergency transmission fluid, the transmission will fail internally.
Bottom Line: If you have a high mileage vehicle and the quick lube shop has recommended a fluid flush, get a second opinion from a drivetrain expert before proceeding... or pay the consequences.
Does Your Vehicle Need a Transfer Case or Differential Fluid Change?
Transfer cases are very quirky units. When the differential fluid is compromised in any way from overheating or moisture contamination they can malfunction. Symptoms of a malfunction include chatter, engaging and disengaging rapidly while in gear, slowness to engage from low to high range, and a host of other strange maladies.
Different carmakers use different fluids for their respective transfer cases. Each fluid is uniquely formulated for the respective transfer case application.
Bottom Line: This is an area of service that I would never leave to a quick lube, but rather to a drivetrain specialist or a dealership.
There is simply too much room for error when it comes to filling the unit with the wrong fluid.
I hope this clarifies any concerns or questions you might have before heading out to your local quick lube.
Remember, knowledge is empowering, and in this case, can save you a lot of time and money (and that's probably why you are going to the quick lube in the first place).
'Til next time...Keep Rollin'
Dodge Pickups Under Investigation For Steering Complaints
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. safety investigators have launched a new review of steering complaints in Dodge Ram pickup trucks that could result in a bigger recall of the model, government officials said in documents filed today.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last December recalled 22,274 4500- and 5500-series pickups made by Chrysler between 2008 and 2011 for misaligned steering components.
Investigators said the suspected defect in the medium-duty trucks could cause certain steering rod parts to weaken and possibly break.
NHTSA said in a defect notice that it had opened a preliminary investigation of 2500- and 3500-series Ram trucks for the same model years based on 12 new motorist complaints alleging similar problems.
The new investigation could effect as many as 160,000 vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is often the first step toward a recall. NHTSA has not yet said whether a recall will occur in this case.
Ram trucks, a signature Chrysler product, registered a 24 percent jump in sales in March compared to the same period a year ago.
A second recall of Ram trucks last year centered on potential axle problems in 56,000 vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last December recalled 22,274 4500- and 5500-series pickups made by Chrysler between 2008 and 2011 for misaligned steering components.
Investigators said the suspected defect in the medium-duty trucks could cause certain steering rod parts to weaken and possibly break.
NHTSA said in a defect notice that it had opened a preliminary investigation of 2500- and 3500-series Ram trucks for the same model years based on 12 new motorist complaints alleging similar problems.
The new investigation could effect as many as 160,000 vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is often the first step toward a recall. NHTSA has not yet said whether a recall will occur in this case.
Ram trucks, a signature Chrysler product, registered a 24 percent jump in sales in March compared to the same period a year ago.
A second recall of Ram trucks last year centered on potential axle problems in 56,000 vehicles.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Top Safe Cars for Teens
As parents I think we can all agree that our children's safety is foremost on our mind. What parent doesn't get a bit nervous at the thought of our teenagers starting to drive. In a recent article from the Wall Street Journal they ranked the top vehicles based on safety crash-test data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as reliability scores from Consumer Reports. They recommend staying away from sporty vehicles as it may tempt young (as well as older) drivers to drive too fast. They have also recommended to stay away from large SUVs as well as pickups because they tend to be easier to roll, and to avoid subcompacts as there's just not enough metal between the driver and whatever obstacle they may hit. Of the safe choices Honda leads the way. The Honda Pilot scored top marks followed by the Honda CR-V in second place and the Honda Accord tied for third.
See full article at:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576244871890273248.html
See full article at:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576244871890273248.html
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mercedes-Benz recalls M-Class for cruise control glitch
DETROIT (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz launched a global recall older-model M-Class sport utility vehicles for issues related to cruise control that may lead to a crash, Mercedes parent Daimler AG and U.S. federal safety regulators said.
A wide majority of the vehicles being recalled are model year 2000-2002 M-Class SUVs, but there are a small number of 2000-2004 AMG performance vehicles also covered by the recall.
Some 136,751 vehicles will be recalled in the United States and about 50,000 in Germany, said Mercedes-Benz representatives in the two countries.
No crashes or injuries have resulted from the issue, Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran said.
Tapping the brakes to disengage cruise control may fail, increasing the chances of a crash, a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
There are other ways, including working a "cruise control stalk" on the steering wheel or applying firm consistent pressure on the brakes, that will still disengage the system in the event that tapping the brakes fails, Mercedes-Benz USA said.
Cruise control also automatically disengages at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less, Moran said.
"Since the situation is triggered by a malfunction of the brake lamp switch, Mercedes-Benz USA will replace the brake lamp switch on these models beginning in September at no cost to customers," Moran said.
He said it will take a half year before the repairs begin to "ensure an adequate replacement parts supply."
U.S. consumers will be informed of the recall in the next few weeks.
"We will also remind them to disengage the cruise control by using the stalk or by applying firm pressure on the brake pedal, and to avoid pumping the brakes," Moran said.
The recall was prompted by several complaints from consumers, NHTSA and the automaker said.
A wide majority of the vehicles being recalled are model year 2000-2002 M-Class SUVs, but there are a small number of 2000-2004 AMG performance vehicles also covered by the recall.
Some 136,751 vehicles will be recalled in the United States and about 50,000 in Germany, said Mercedes-Benz representatives in the two countries.
No crashes or injuries have resulted from the issue, Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran said.
Tapping the brakes to disengage cruise control may fail, increasing the chances of a crash, a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
There are other ways, including working a "cruise control stalk" on the steering wheel or applying firm consistent pressure on the brakes, that will still disengage the system in the event that tapping the brakes fails, Mercedes-Benz USA said.
Cruise control also automatically disengages at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less, Moran said.
"Since the situation is triggered by a malfunction of the brake lamp switch, Mercedes-Benz USA will replace the brake lamp switch on these models beginning in September at no cost to customers," Moran said.
He said it will take a half year before the repairs begin to "ensure an adequate replacement parts supply."
U.S. consumers will be informed of the recall in the next few weeks.
"We will also remind them to disengage the cruise control by using the stalk or by applying firm pressure on the brake pedal, and to avoid pumping the brakes," Moran said.
The recall was prompted by several complaints from consumers, NHTSA and the automaker said.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Job Market Tight, but Not at Car Dealerships
By Casey Stegall
Published April 01, 2011
FoxNews.com
Here's a little fuel injection for the economy: Despite a national unemployment rate of 8.8 percent for the month of March, there is one industry that’s actually expanding: new car dealerships.
Sales figures from Ford, GM and Chrysler all show gains over last year, which is helping to translate into new job opportunities in that field.
The new jobs aren’t just limited to sales experience either. Dealerships are also looking for mechanics, car porters and employees to work the administrative side.
According to the market research firm IBISWorld USA, new car dealers around the country are projected to add about 90,000 news jobs this year. That’s a 10 percent increase since 2010.
While the numbers look promising, the picture still isn’t so rosy when you look at pre-recession levels. According to IBISWorld, more than 1.1 million people were employed by new car dealerships in 2007. Those numbers were slashed to a little more than 750,000 in 2009. This year the number looks like it will grow to around 988,000, not quite as robust as in the good old days.
However, economists say it is progress and it’ll take time for the automotive industry to fully bounce back because it was hit so hard when the economy tanked.
Other good news that surely gets motors running is that auto manufacturing revenue is projected to rise roughly 17 percent, according to the same research company. The numbers rank new car dealers third on the list of industries with the highest individual-based employment growth for 2011, behind office staffing/temp agencies and tourism jobs.
Paul Taylor, the chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association, attributes the growth to a number of things. Taylor says the credit market is loosening, consumer confidence is rising and the average car or truck on the road is more than 10 years old, so more people are in the market for a new vehicle.
He also says roughly 2,250 dealers permanently closed their doors over the last several years during the recession. Now, the existing 17,500 dealerships across America are reabsorbing some of that staff that was laid off. Lastly, Taylor says a higher demand for hybrid and fuel-alternative vehicles are responsible for the boost in sales and employment gains as well.
IBISWorld projects that new car dealership employment levels to be back above the one million mark by 2016.
Published April 01, 2011
FoxNews.com
Here's a little fuel injection for the economy: Despite a national unemployment rate of 8.8 percent for the month of March, there is one industry that’s actually expanding: new car dealerships.
Sales figures from Ford, GM and Chrysler all show gains over last year, which is helping to translate into new job opportunities in that field.
The new jobs aren’t just limited to sales experience either. Dealerships are also looking for mechanics, car porters and employees to work the administrative side.
According to the market research firm IBISWorld USA, new car dealers around the country are projected to add about 90,000 news jobs this year. That’s a 10 percent increase since 2010.
While the numbers look promising, the picture still isn’t so rosy when you look at pre-recession levels. According to IBISWorld, more than 1.1 million people were employed by new car dealerships in 2007. Those numbers were slashed to a little more than 750,000 in 2009. This year the number looks like it will grow to around 988,000, not quite as robust as in the good old days.
However, economists say it is progress and it’ll take time for the automotive industry to fully bounce back because it was hit so hard when the economy tanked.
Other good news that surely gets motors running is that auto manufacturing revenue is projected to rise roughly 17 percent, according to the same research company. The numbers rank new car dealers third on the list of industries with the highest individual-based employment growth for 2011, behind office staffing/temp agencies and tourism jobs.
Paul Taylor, the chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association, attributes the growth to a number of things. Taylor says the credit market is loosening, consumer confidence is rising and the average car or truck on the road is more than 10 years old, so more people are in the market for a new vehicle.
He also says roughly 2,250 dealers permanently closed their doors over the last several years during the recession. Now, the existing 17,500 dealerships across America are reabsorbing some of that staff that was laid off. Lastly, Taylor says a higher demand for hybrid and fuel-alternative vehicles are responsible for the boost in sales and employment gains as well.
IBISWorld projects that new car dealership employment levels to be back above the one million mark by 2016.
Toyota to Raise Prices on Most Models
The Detroit Free Press reports that Toyota is raising prices, effective May 1, on nearly all vehicles offered by its three brands, by up to 2.2 percent, to reflect higher raw material costs and the continuing strength of the Japanese yen.
The price hikes range from as modest as 0.4 percent, or $65, on the Scion xD hatchback – now with a suggested price of $15,910 – to a substantial 2.2 percent, or $900, increase on the Toyota Sequoia SUV. Prices on Lexus models will rise by $650 to $900.
Toyota division spokesman Greg Thome said the company decided to raise prices before the earthquake, but he acknowledged that higher material costs and the strength of the Japanese yen were factors in the increases. The yen has remained strong against the U.S. dollar before and after the earthquake. That shrinks the profits on vehicles built in Japan and sold in the U.S. because it takes more dollars to equal the same number of yen.
Separately, Honda said Thursday it will resume limited production at its crucial Sayama and Suzuka assembly plants on April 11.
See the full article at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20110401/BUSINESS01/104010345/Toyota-raise-prices-most-models
The price hikes range from as modest as 0.4 percent, or $65, on the Scion xD hatchback – now with a suggested price of $15,910 – to a substantial 2.2 percent, or $900, increase on the Toyota Sequoia SUV. Prices on Lexus models will rise by $650 to $900.
Toyota division spokesman Greg Thome said the company decided to raise prices before the earthquake, but he acknowledged that higher material costs and the strength of the Japanese yen were factors in the increases. The yen has remained strong against the U.S. dollar before and after the earthquake. That shrinks the profits on vehicles built in Japan and sold in the U.S. because it takes more dollars to equal the same number of yen.
Separately, Honda said Thursday it will resume limited production at its crucial Sayama and Suzuka assembly plants on April 11.
See the full article at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20110401/BUSINESS01/104010345/Toyota-raise-prices-most-models
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
KIA Reaches Top 5 in CSI
After Kia achieved the second-highest increase of any brand in 2010, many outsiders might have expected Kia to fall back, or at best, stay the same in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service Index (CSI) released earlier this month. However, thanks to the great efforts of the Kia Salesmen, Servicemen and Managers, Kia was again among the most-improved makes with a huge 28-point improvement, vaulting our brand up 8 places to another all-time high rank of 5th of 21 mass-market OEMs! Here are a few highlights:
- Kia is 26 points above the mass-market average, ahead of Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
- Kia has 3 consecutive years of dramatic improvement, up 78 points and 16 rank positions, by far the most in the industry over that time.
- Kia now leads all non-luxury Asian brands.
- For the second consecutive year, Kia improved in every index question, and especially so in the highest-weighted areas of Service Initiation (up 39 points) and Service Quality (up 29 points.)
I would also like to note that two more of Walker Automotive's brands, GMC and Buick, finished in the top 3.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Honda Tops Consumer Reports Survey
Honda, Subaru remain top automakers in Consumer Reports ranking
Automotive News
February 28, 2011 - 2:00 pm EST
UPDATED: 2/28/11 4:10 pm ET
WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Honda and Subaru topped Consumer Reports' annual rankings of automakers for 2011, while better reliability and enhanced resale values helped Ford improve the most since last year.
Honda Motor Co. posted the best overall score of 74 out of 100 points in the Consumer Reports' ranking. Honda was followed by Subaru with 73 points and Toyota Motor Corp. with 71 points. Volvo placed fourth with 68 points, followed by Ford with 67 and Hyundai.
Chrysler Group LLC had the worst ranking among the car makers with 43 points. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors also placed near the bottom of the rankings.
The Ford Mustang was the No. 1 pick among sports cars, placing a U.S. manufacturer at the top of that list for the first time in six years. Top picks in other categories include Honda Motor Co.'s Fit for the new category of budget cars, Hyundai Motor Co.'s Elantra for small cars and Nissan Motor Co.'s Altima for family sedans for the second year.
"The (best picks) come from many different manufacturers," Consumer Reports' Director of Automotive Testing David Champion said in an interview. "At one time, it used to be dominated by Honda and Toyota."
According to the magazine, no Honda product scores less than average in reliability. Currently, Consumer Reports recommends 76 percent of the Honda vehicles it has tested. But some new Honda models have been unimpressive, the magazine said, including the new CR-Z coupe and Insight hybrids. The two hybrids didn't score well enough in tests to be recommended.
The redesigned Odyssey, the magazine's top-ranked minivan, also dropped a few points in its test score, compared with the previous year.
Subaru has the highest average road-test score -- 81 -- as measured by the magazine. And while the Japanese automaker only markets a half-a-dozen models, they all do well in Consumer Reports' road tests and nearly all are reliable. The Forester is a top-rated small SUV, and the Legacy sedan has been improved with each generation. Only one model, the sporty Impreza WRX, has below-average reliability, the magazine said.
Toyota, which last week recalled 2.17 million vehicles for floor mats that may jam accelerator pedals, claimed three of the 10 top picks, the most of any automaker. Toyota's RAV4 is the top small sport-utility vehicle, its Prius is the top environmentally friendly car for the eighth consecutive year, and its Sienna is the top family hauler.
Toyota's Prius scored the best for fuel economy at an average 44 miles per gallon. Five vehicles -- the Cadillac Escalade, the Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer, the Lincoln Navigator Ultimate, the Nissan Armada SV and the Nissan Titan SV -- tied for the worst with 13 mpg.
The magazine said GM's average test score for all tested models improved to 67 from 65 last year. But the automaker still markets a few lackluster models, the magazine said, including the Chevrolet Impala sedan and Colorado pickup.
Chrysler finished last in the rankings with an average test score of 50.
An automaker's overall score is based on a composite of road-test and predicted-reliability scores for all tested vehicles. The magazine's road test score is based on more than 50 tests and evaluations, covering performance, safety, fuel economy, comfort, and convenience. Reliability scores come from Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey, which included histories of 1.3 million vehicles.
The rankings by Consumer Reports influence car buyers and are published in the magazine's annual auto issue. Consumer Reports, published by Consumers Union, uses vehicle owner reliability surveys from 1.3 million people, government and insurance-industry crash tests and its own evaluations of how vehicles function for its ratings.
Automotive News
February 28, 2011 - 2:00 pm EST
UPDATED: 2/28/11 4:10 pm ET
WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Honda and Subaru topped Consumer Reports' annual rankings of automakers for 2011, while better reliability and enhanced resale values helped Ford improve the most since last year.
Honda Motor Co. posted the best overall score of 74 out of 100 points in the Consumer Reports' ranking. Honda was followed by Subaru with 73 points and Toyota Motor Corp. with 71 points. Volvo placed fourth with 68 points, followed by Ford with 67 and Hyundai.
Chrysler Group LLC had the worst ranking among the car makers with 43 points. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors also placed near the bottom of the rankings.
The Ford Mustang was the No. 1 pick among sports cars, placing a U.S. manufacturer at the top of that list for the first time in six years. Top picks in other categories include Honda Motor Co.'s Fit for the new category of budget cars, Hyundai Motor Co.'s Elantra for small cars and Nissan Motor Co.'s Altima for family sedans for the second year.
"The (best picks) come from many different manufacturers," Consumer Reports' Director of Automotive Testing David Champion said in an interview. "At one time, it used to be dominated by Honda and Toyota."
According to the magazine, no Honda product scores less than average in reliability. Currently, Consumer Reports recommends 76 percent of the Honda vehicles it has tested. But some new Honda models have been unimpressive, the magazine said, including the new CR-Z coupe and Insight hybrids. The two hybrids didn't score well enough in tests to be recommended.
The redesigned Odyssey, the magazine's top-ranked minivan, also dropped a few points in its test score, compared with the previous year.
Subaru has the highest average road-test score -- 81 -- as measured by the magazine. And while the Japanese automaker only markets a half-a-dozen models, they all do well in Consumer Reports' road tests and nearly all are reliable. The Forester is a top-rated small SUV, and the Legacy sedan has been improved with each generation. Only one model, the sporty Impreza WRX, has below-average reliability, the magazine said.
Toyota, which last week recalled 2.17 million vehicles for floor mats that may jam accelerator pedals, claimed three of the 10 top picks, the most of any automaker. Toyota's RAV4 is the top small sport-utility vehicle, its Prius is the top environmentally friendly car for the eighth consecutive year, and its Sienna is the top family hauler.
Toyota's Prius scored the best for fuel economy at an average 44 miles per gallon. Five vehicles -- the Cadillac Escalade, the Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer, the Lincoln Navigator Ultimate, the Nissan Armada SV and the Nissan Titan SV -- tied for the worst with 13 mpg.
The magazine said GM's average test score for all tested models improved to 67 from 65 last year. But the automaker still markets a few lackluster models, the magazine said, including the Chevrolet Impala sedan and Colorado pickup.
Chrysler finished last in the rankings with an average test score of 50.
An automaker's overall score is based on a composite of road-test and predicted-reliability scores for all tested vehicles. The magazine's road test score is based on more than 50 tests and evaluations, covering performance, safety, fuel economy, comfort, and convenience. Reliability scores come from Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey, which included histories of 1.3 million vehicles.
The rankings by Consumer Reports influence car buyers and are published in the magazine's annual auto issue. Consumer Reports, published by Consumers Union, uses vehicle owner reliability surveys from 1.3 million people, government and insurance-industry crash tests and its own evaluations of how vehicles function for its ratings.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ford F-150 Recall
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Under government pressure, Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will recall nearly 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks to fix air bags that could deploy without warning.
The recall covers trucks from the 2005-2006 model years in the United States and Canada for what the auto company calls a "relatively low risk" of the air bag deploying inadvertently.
The recall, however, is much smaller in scope than what the government had requested. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, citing 77 injuries, told the company in a November 2010 memo that the recall should cover 1.3 million F-150 trucks from the 2004-2006 model years.
The F-150 is the flagship of Ford's popular F-Series pickup trucks, the best-selling vehicle in America. The government expanded its investigation into the air bag problems in January 2010.
A Transportation Department spokeswoman said the agency was currently reviewing Ford's response to see if the recall was adequate. If the government determines that the recall is too limited, it could lead to a rare public hearing to decide whether Ford should expand its safety action.
NHTSA said in a Nov. 24 memo that it knew of 238 cases in which the air bags improperly deployed and noted that Ford made production changes to the trucks in 2006 and 2007 to fix the air bag wiring and other issues.
Government regulators said in the memo that Ford did not believe the issue "warrants any corrective action" because the number of reports and incidents were low, owners received "adequate warning" from the air bag warning light and the "resulting injuries are minor in nature."
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said in a statement Wednesday that the recall covered trucks built at the Norfolk, Va., assembly plant from November 2004 through June 2005.
Sherwood said the majority of the complaints involved trucks built during the first shift of production at the Norfolk plant and the rates of air bags accidentally deploying were much higher in trucks built at the Virginia plant than those built at plants in Michigan and Missouri.
Ford said an air bag wire located in the steering wheel could have been improperly positioned so it would chafe, expose bare copper and create the possibility of a short circuit that would light up the airbag warning lamp.
Ford said most of the air bag issues happened within the first few seconds of the vehicle starting up and the company said it was aware of "one customer that jumped from the vehicle" after the air bag deployed while the truck was parked in a driveway.
The recall, which was first reported by the Detroit News, is expected to begin in early March. Owners will be notified and told to bring their truck to their dealer.
The recall covers trucks from the 2005-2006 model years in the United States and Canada for what the auto company calls a "relatively low risk" of the air bag deploying inadvertently.
The recall, however, is much smaller in scope than what the government had requested. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, citing 77 injuries, told the company in a November 2010 memo that the recall should cover 1.3 million F-150 trucks from the 2004-2006 model years.
The F-150 is the flagship of Ford's popular F-Series pickup trucks, the best-selling vehicle in America. The government expanded its investigation into the air bag problems in January 2010.
A Transportation Department spokeswoman said the agency was currently reviewing Ford's response to see if the recall was adequate. If the government determines that the recall is too limited, it could lead to a rare public hearing to decide whether Ford should expand its safety action.
NHTSA said in a Nov. 24 memo that it knew of 238 cases in which the air bags improperly deployed and noted that Ford made production changes to the trucks in 2006 and 2007 to fix the air bag wiring and other issues.
Government regulators said in the memo that Ford did not believe the issue "warrants any corrective action" because the number of reports and incidents were low, owners received "adequate warning" from the air bag warning light and the "resulting injuries are minor in nature."
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said in a statement Wednesday that the recall covered trucks built at the Norfolk, Va., assembly plant from November 2004 through June 2005.
Sherwood said the majority of the complaints involved trucks built during the first shift of production at the Norfolk plant and the rates of air bags accidentally deploying were much higher in trucks built at the Virginia plant than those built at plants in Michigan and Missouri.
Ford said an air bag wire located in the steering wheel could have been improperly positioned so it would chafe, expose bare copper and create the possibility of a short circuit that would light up the airbag warning lamp.
Ford said most of the air bag issues happened within the first few seconds of the vehicle starting up and the company said it was aware of "one customer that jumped from the vehicle" after the air bag deployed while the truck was parked in a driveway.
The recall, which was first reported by the Detroit News, is expected to begin in early March. Owners will be notified and told to bring their truck to their dealer.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
WHO HAS THE BEST HEAVY DUTY? WE DO!
GMC Sierra Denali HD Wins Edmunds Shootout
The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD prevailed in Edmunds Inside Line’s latest tough truck testing, vanquishing the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 and 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty to take the top prize. Each diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive crew cab pickup was subjected to tow testing on the 11.5-mile Jacumba Grade in Southern California, and a battery of track testing.
Dan Edmunds, Inside Line’s director of vehicle testing, praised the Sierra Denali HD for having “plenty of power, torque and poise.”
“The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali wins because it does the important truck things well,” Edmunds wrote on Inside Line. “It accelerates, brakes and just plain drives better in just about any situation, towing or not… On top of that, it costs significantly less to buy and it drinks less fuel.”
The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD prevailed in Edmunds Inside Line’s latest tough truck testing, vanquishing the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 and 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty to take the top prize. Each diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive crew cab pickup was subjected to tow testing on the 11.5-mile Jacumba Grade in Southern California, and a battery of track testing.
Dan Edmunds, Inside Line’s director of vehicle testing, praised the Sierra Denali HD for having “plenty of power, torque and poise.”
“The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali wins because it does the important truck things well,” Edmunds wrote on Inside Line. “It accelerates, brakes and just plain drives better in just about any situation, towing or not… On top of that, it costs significantly less to buy and it drinks less fuel.”
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