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Tag: Cars

  • Jeff Gordon Gets New Panasonic Sponsorship Deal

    The Hendrick Motorsports auto racing team this week announced a new, expanded multi-year sponsorship deal with Panasonic. The deal includes primary sponsorship of Jeff Gordon‘s number 24 car in two Sprint Cup races each year through 2016 and an associate-level sponsorship for other races. Panasonic and Hendrick Motorsports have had a technology partnership deal since 2007.

    Jeff Gordon is a four-time Sprint Cup Series winner and one of the most recognizable faces in NASCAR.

    The sponsorship also means a new paint job for Gordon’s number 24 car. The car, complete with a blue Panasonic paint job, will debut this weekend at the Sonoma Raceway in California. The car will also make an appearance on August 31 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. A die cast model of the new car and a new t-shirt featuring the same style are already available for pre-order through Gordon’s website.

    “We’re looking forward to working with Panasonic in a new way, and I can’t think of a better place for their debut with the number 24 team,” said Gordon. “This is the next step in what’s already been a successful partnership, and it’s going to be fun to take it to another level. We hope to kick it off with a win this weekend for Panasonic and Toughbook.”

    For Panasonic, the upside of the deal is promoting its cameras, computers, and displays. Panasonic’s “Toughbook” notebook brand will appear on the number 24 car’s quarter panels.

    “To maximize the value of a NASCAR sponsorship, you need to partner with proven teams and drivers that exemplify your brand,” said Rance Poehler, president of Panasonic System Communications Company in North America. “Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon have a record of excellence that is a perfect fit for Panasonic and its Toughbook brand. We’ve been a technology partner of Hendrick Motorsports for many years, and as our business evolves to solutions and deeper partnerships with our customers it is an excellent time to extend our relationship from behind the scenes to the car on the track.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Tesla Opens Up All Its Patents, Which Elon Musk Calls ‘Landmines’ of Innovation

    Tesla Opens Up All Its Patents, Which Elon Musk Calls ‘Landmines’ of Innovation

    On the heels of news that Tesla Motors would be opening up its Supercharger patents in order to help speed up the electric car revolution, the company’s CEO Elon Musk has apparently decided what the hell, let’s just release all the patents.

    Musk has made the announcement in a Tesla blog post entitled All Our Patent Are Belong To You (spectacular, by the way). To summarize Musk’s argument, the current patent system only serves to stifle innovation, the advancement of electric cars needs to accelerate, and Tesla can’t do it alone.

    “Yesterday, there was a wall of Tesla patents in the lobby of our Palo Alto headquarters. That is no longer the case. They have been removed, in the spirit of the open source movement, for the advancement of electric vehicle technology,” says Musk.

    He goes on to state that Tesla will not sue anyone who, in good faith, uses their technology.

    “Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport. If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal. Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology.”

    After explaining that the original purpose of Tesla’s patents were always defensive, as opposed to offensive, Musk makes it clear that this move isn’t going to hurt Tesla.

    At best, the large automakers are producing electric cars with limited range in limited volume. Some produce no zero emission cars at all.

    Given that annual new vehicle production is approaching 100 million per year and the global fleet is approximately 2 billion cars, it is impossible for Tesla to build electric cars fast enough to address the carbon crisis. By the same token, it means the market is enormous. Our true competition is not the small trickle of non-Tesla electric cars being produced, but rather the enormous flood of gasoline cars pouring out of the world’s factories every day.

    We believe that Tesla, other companies making electric cars, and the world would all benefit from a common, rapidly-evolving technology platform.

    Nearly every reaction I can find is praising the move.

    “This is a testimony to Tesla’s commitment to its mission. People don’t buy what you make they buy why you make it!! Patents are really shackles to progress and power of collective innovation. Thanks for taking a lead on this Tesla!,” says one commenter.

    “This is beyond outstanding! Well done Tesla! This won’t make as big a splash in the media as it deserves to and few people will understand how important this decision is. This is so opposite the offensive patent strategy executed by companies like Apple and I dare say Tesla holds far more useful and world changing proprietary tech,” says another.

    On the contrary, I think this is going to be a very highly-publicized decision. The ‘good faith’ stipulation has yet to be hashed out, so Musk and Tesla could simply be choosing to ignore most cases of malfeasance.

    But after such a public declaration, it would be hard to imagine Tesla initiating a patent lawsuit anytime soon.

    Image via Tesla

  • Vacuum Maker Not Impressed With Google’s Driverless Cars

    Vacuum Maker Not Impressed With Google’s Driverless Cars

    Neato Robotics put out a fun late Friday press release asking what the big deal is about Google’s driverless cars.

    As you’ve probably heard, Google has been showing off a new prototype for the future of automobiles, which goes so far as to remove the steering wheel, and gas and brake pedals.

    “What’s the big deal? We’ve had a self-driving robot without a steering wheel and brakes for many years!” said Nancy Nunziati, Neato’s vice president of marketing. “There are lots of similarities, but Neato is available now. And you don’t need seatbelts or approval from the US Department of Transportation to use it.”

    And yes, there’s an infographic.

    Nicely played, Neato.

    Image via BusinessWire

  • Google’s New Self-Driving Cars Eliminate Steering Wheel, Gas And Brake Pedals. Just Trust Them.

    Google’s New Self-Driving Cars Eliminate Steering Wheel, Gas And Brake Pedals. Just Trust Them.

    Google has been busy building some new self-driving car model prototypes without steering wheels gas pedals or brake pedals, or the need for human intervention. Yikes.

    With Google’s original self-driving cars, humans were able to take over. This takes things another step forward. The company says its software and sensors do ALL the work. Let’s hope they’re more reliable than most of the computers and software I’ve used throughout my life.

    Here’s a look at some people (including a kid) riding in one of the new ones.

    Just remember that when Google’s self-driving vehicles have been involved in accidents, humans were at fault. One was when a person was driving it, and the other was when the vehicle was rear-ended by another driver.

    These prototypes represent the first models completely built by Google. Past models were cars created by auto manufacturers (like Toyota, Audi and Lexus), with Google using its technology for modifications.

    “The vehicles will be very basic—we want to learn from them and adapt them as quickly as possible—but they will take you where you want to go at the push of a button,” says Chris Urmson, the project’s director. “And that’s an important step toward improving road safety and transforming mobility for millions of people.”

    “It was inspiring to start with a blank sheet of paper and ask, ‘What should be different about this kind of vehicle?’” says Urmson. “We started with the most important thing: safety. They have sensors that remove blind spots, and they can detect objects out to a distance of more than two football fields in all directions, which is especially helpful on busy streets with lots of intersections. And we’ve capped the speed of these first vehicles at 25 mph. On the inside, we’ve designed for learning, not luxury, so we’re light on creature comforts, but we’ll have two seats (with seatbelts), a space for passengers’ belongings, buttons to start and stop, and a screen that shows the route—and that’s about it.”

    The company says it intends to build 100 prototype vehicles, and that safety drivers will start testing early versions with manual controls later this summer. It wants to launch a small pilot program in California within the next couple of years.

    Image via Google

  • The Best Volvo Ad of All Time Doesn’t Come from Volvo

    The Best Volvo Ad of All Time Doesn’t Come from Volvo

    As a member of the Volvo-owners club since 2001, I can attest to the inexplicable draw of the Swedish-made automobile. There’s just something about a Volvo, man.

    No, there’s just something about this Volvo. According to the legend of the owner’s grandfather’s father’s grandchild’s grandchild child, at least, it’s haunted.

    If you’re near Malmö, Sweden and have 7,500 Swedish crowns to spare, there’s a guy who really wants you to buy his 1993 Volvo 245GL. He wants you to buy it so badly that he created quite possibly the best Volvo ad in the history of Volvo.

    I’m assuming that you do in fact want to be perceived as rich and cuddly, so that’s a pretty solid marketing pitch right there. I’d be neglectful if I didn’t mention that it has a new battery and radiator, as well as summer and winter tires very round rubber humps.

    Who knows if this viral ploy will lead to a sale–but the viral part of the ploy is 100 percent certified. Between the Buy My Volvo (English) and original Köp Min Volvo videos, our pitchman has racked up nearly three-quarters of a million views.

    Image via PonyHans, YouTube

  • Small SUVs Are Leading Spring Auto Sales

    Small SUVs Are Leading Spring Auto Sales

    This year’s spring auto sales season is off to a good start, with new a Autodata Corp. report showing that nearly 1.4 million motor vehicles were sold in the U.S. during April. This represents an 8% increase in sales from the same period last year.

    According to an Associated Press report, car manufacturers are hoping that these increased sales will last well beyond the spring. The Autodata Corp report predicts that vehicle sales will remain robust throughout the year and that total-year sales will increase year-over-year to around 16 million, up slightly from last year’s 15.6 million U.S. vehicles sold.

    Nissan was the big winner during April, with sales up 18.3% over April 2012 sales. Chrysler and Toyota also saw big sales boosts last month, with 14% and 13% sales increases, respectively.

    “Sales momentum from March rolled into April pushing the industry to its best back-to-back monthly sales pace since fall of 2007,” said Bill Fay, VP and general manager at Toyota division group. “For Toyota, truck sales continue to soar. Tundra is a highlight with double-digit gains as comfort, safety and technology of the all-new model remain a strong draw for consumers.”

    Other manufacturers did not fare as well during April. Ford vehicle sales were down slightly year-over-year and Volkswagen saw a full 8.4% drop in sales from last April.

    The news comes just as Ford last week announced that CEO Alan Mullaly will be stepping down from company leadership in July. The company’s “One Ford” business plan will stay in place, with the company evolving to focus more on SUVs and other popular vehicles.

    The April sales numbers show that U.S. car buyers are looking for more crossover vehicles such as small SUVs. According to the AP report, small SUVs made up around 16% of all U.S. auto sales during April. This percentage is up 2% from April 2012.

    The April sales boost is also encouraging for the motor vehicle industry as a whole, which has seen stagnant sales through the early months of the year. According to the AP report, January auto sales were down 3% from 2012 levels.

    Image via Ford

  • Ford CEO Alan Mulally Retiring July 1

    Ford CEO Alan Mulally Retiring July 1

    Ford this week announced that CEO Alan Mulally will be retiring. Mulally will step aside starting July 1.

    “It has been an honor to serve and contribute to creating a viable, profitably growing company for the good of everyone associated with the Ford Motor Company,” said Mulally. “By working together with all of our stakeholders around the world, we now are accelerating Henry Ford’s original vision to open the highways to all mankind.”

    In his place, Ford COO Mark Fields has been named as Ford’s new president and CEO. Before becoming COO and leading weekly reviews of Ford’s “One Ford” business plan, Fields had worked for Ford since 1989. During his early years with the company Fields headed Ford’s Argentina division and then took over as head of Ford’s Mazda subsidiary. In 2002 Fields was named chairman of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group. Fields became Ford COO at the same time Mulally was announced as CEO.

    Mulally has led Ford as CEO since September 2006. Throughout his nearly 8 years at Ford Mulally steered Ford to profitability and a modernized lineup of vehicles.

    Under Mulally’s leadership Ford largely avoided the costs of the recent recession that led other American automakers to need a handout from the U.S. Government. Because of this Mulally was rumored to have been a top candidate to replace Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer late last year.

    Despite the rumors, Ford executives believed that Mulally would stick with Ford through at least the end of 2014. Ford this week stated that Mulally’s departure is coming 6 months early due to Mulally’s confidence in Ford’s “leadership team.”

    “Alan and I feel strongly that Mark and the entire leadership team are absolutely ready to lead Ford forward, and now is the time to begin the transition,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. “Alan deservedly will be long remembered for engineering one of the most successful business turnarounds in history. Under Alan’s leadership, Ford not only survived the global economic crisis, it emerged as one of the world’s strongest auto companies. We always will be grateful to Alan for his leadership, compelling vision and for fostering a culture of working together that will serve our company for decades to come.”

    Image via Ford

  • Toyota To Texas: Company Moves Its Headquarters to Plano

    Car manufacturer Toyota today announced that it will be moving its corporate headquarters to Plano, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

    The new headquarters will unify the company’s sales and marketing; manufacturing; and corporate operations headquarters in one central location. Those divisions are currently headquartered in three separate locations: Torrance, California; Erlanger, Kentucky; and New York City.

    Over the next three years around 4,000 current Toyota employees from those three locations will be affected by the transition, with half coming from the Torrance headquarters. Small groups of employees will relocate to Plano starting this summer, though the majority of employees will not be moved to Texas until late 2016 or early 2017.

    Toyota’s 10 U.S. manufacturing plants will not be affected by the move. In addition, some 300 production engineering jobs will be moved from Erlanger to a new facility planned to be built at the company’s Georgetown, Kentucky manufacturing plant.

    “With our major North American business affiliates and leaders together in one location for the first time, we will be better equipped to speed decision making, share best practices, and leverage the combined strength of our employees,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota’s North American operations. “This, in turn, will strengthen our ability to put customers first and to continue making great products that exceed their expectations. Ultimately, enabling greater collaboration and efficiencies across Toyota will help us become a more dynamic, innovative and successful organization in North America. This is the most significant change we’ve made to our North American operations in the past 50 years, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

    The groundbreaking for Toyota’s new Plano headquarters will take place sometime this fall. Construction is expected to take at least two years.

    Toyota’s move will affect the Torrance and Erlanger communities significantly, taking both jobs and tax revenue to Texas. To ease the burden on these cities Toyota has promised to commit $10 million to non-profit and community organizations in those communities starting in 2017.

    Image via Toyota

  • Google Works To Make Self-Driving Cars More City-Ready

    Google Works To Make Self-Driving Cars More City-Ready

    Google just gave the world an update on its self-driving cars. The company says it has been focused on making them more city-ready.

    Google has improved the cars’ software, it says, so it can now detect hundreds of distinct objects at the same time, including pedestrians, buses, a stop sign being held by a crossing guard, or a cyclist making turn signal gestures.

    “A self-driving vehicle can pay attention to all of these things in a way that a human physically can’t—and it never gets tired or distracted,” says Chris Urmson, director of Google’s self-driving car project.

    What could possibly go wrong?

    “As it turns out, what looks chaotic and random on a city street to the human eye is actually fairly predictable to a computer, Urmson says. “As we’ve encountered thousands of different situations, we’ve built software models of what to expect, from the likely (a car stopping at a red light) to the unlikely (blowing through it). We still have lots of problems to solve, including teaching the car to drive more streets in Mountain View before we tackle another town, but thousands of situations on city streets that would have stumped us two years ago can now be navigated autonomously.”

    Let’s just hope that this is the first software in history that’s completely flawless.

    So far so good. Google says its vehicles have logged about 700,000 miles.

    About half of Americans are sold on the idea of the self-driving car. According to a recent Pew Research Internet Project study, 50% said they wouldn’t ride in one 48% said they would. Presumably the other 2% were unsure.

    Image via Google

  • 2015 Mustang to Top the Empire State Building

    2015 Mustang to Top the Empire State Building

    The 2015 Ford Mustang will hit dealerships sometime this fall, but before it goes on sale the car will be making an impressive journey to the top of New York’s most famous skyscraper.

    Ford this week announced that it will be placing a 2015 Mustang on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. The stunt is one that commemorates an identical stunt that was performed with the 1965 Ford Mustang.

    To perform the engineering feat, Ford has enlisted the help of DST industries to create a special version of the 2015 Mustang that can be taken apart and fitted into the Empire State Building’s relatively small elevators. The team has worked for six weeks to get the Mustang convertible into shape for delivery to the top of the building.

    “When our engineers sat down with the DST team to start plotting this out in mid-February, everyone quickly realized that some old-school craftsmanship would be needed to successfully place this car more than 1,000 feet above the crowded streets of Manhattan,” said George Samulski, design fabrication manager at Ford North America. “The deck is too high to reach with a portable crane from the street, and the spire that towers more than 400 feet above that narrow deck makes helicopter delivery impossible.”

    DST engineers created a mock-up of an Empire State Building elevator in their workshop to ensure the pieces of the Mustang will fit. In addition to each of the pieces fitting into the elevator, each load had to be weighed to stay within the elevator’s weight tolerance.

    Once the vehicle pieces reach the observation deck a DST crew will begin assembling it back together. A subframe has been created to hold all the pieces together and the vehicle should look whole when completely assembled.

    This entire process will have to be done early in the morning within the six hours that the Empire State Building observation deck is closed to the public. The preparations and a time-lapsed run-through of the assembly are previewed in a video today released by Ford:

  • 2015 Corvette Z06: Chevy’s Most Powerful Convertible

    ’tis the season to be breezin’ down winding roads – radio up and top down – in your convertible.

    Just in time for these warm weather fantasies, Chevy lovers will get a chance to see the new 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible as General Motors Co. debuts it at the New York International Auto Show next week.

    Earlier this year, the Corvette Z06 coupe was displayed at the Detroit Auto Show – and compared to the coupe, the 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible does indeed share some superficial similarities. There are the carbon fiber accents, extra cooling parts, similar fender and spoiler designs, and even an interior that is described as looking not terribly unique from the coupe’s.

    However, the new Z06 Corvette convertible sounds like it certainly packs a punch from its LT4 6.2-litersupercharged V-8 engine. While precise specifications have yet to be released, expectations are that the transmission options will include a seven-speed manual as well as a new eight-speed automatic alternative. With at least 625 horsepower and 635 foot-pounds of torque, it’s said to be the most powerful convertible Chevy’s created to date. Another fun fact for Corvette fans is that it’s also the first Z06 convertible Chevy’s done since 1963.

    GM’s global product development head, Mark Reuss, said in his released statement, that: “The Z06 Convertible is a world-class supercar in every sense.” He went to add:

    “Only a handful of convertibles in the world bring more than 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Even fewer can match the advanced technologies, aerodynamic design, and visceral driving experience of the Z06 Convertible.”

    While the Corvette coupe will be sold later this year in limited amounts, the availability and dollar amount you’ll be dropping on your drop-top has yet to be announced.

    Image via Youtube

  • San Francisco Apparently Has a Smart Car Tipping Problem

    In rural areas, kids have been tipping cows to beat their boredom for years–or that’s how the story goes. Now, in the less-rural Bay Area, some pranksters are tipping new things for the new generation.

    It seems that San Francisco has a Smart car-flipping epidemic.

    NBC Bay Area reports that several smart car owners have awoken to find their $13,000 automobiles tipped on one side.

    Some have been tipped to rest on one side, others to rest on their back bumpers. One was flipped to rest on its hood and front windshield.

    Other than the fact that Smart cars are a fairly easy target if car-flipping is your thing, not much else is known regarding any possible motive.

    I guess some people just think it’s funny to tip over a tiny little car.

    And it is, kind of. Totally illegal and ill-advised, but something about it makes me laugh. I’m just a bad person. I definitely wouldn’t call them heroes, as whoever is doing this to someone else’s property is an asshole.

    But as far as vandalism goes, this is about as funny as you can get.

    Smart Automobile is headquartered in Böblingen, Germany, and they launched their first Smart car in 1998. The microcars’ parent company is Daimler AG.

    Images via Wikimedia Commons,  NBC Bay Area, screenshot

  • Two Chicago Men Charged For Rolling Back Odometers

    The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for tampering with car odometers. The men, who are brothers, are alleged to have rolled back the odometers of nearly 150 different vehicles.

    Erick Sanchez-Pulido and Israel Sanchez-Pulido, 30 and 31 years old, have been charged with 15 counts of odometer tampering, four counts of false odometer statements, and a host of related charges. The pair are Mexican citizens who were living illegally in the Chicago area prior to their arrests.

    “Odometer fraud harms consumers making one of the biggest purchases in their lives: an automobile,” said Stuart Delery, assistant attorney general for the the Civil Divisionof the Justice Department. “Not only do purchasers end up paying more for used cars, but the rolling back of mileage on odometers could ultimately affect a car’s safety and the costs of future repairs to consumers.”

    According to the Justice Department, the Sanchez-Pulido brothers purchased vehicles with high odometer mileages from Wisconsin auto auctions. They then rolled back the odometers before selling the same vehicles to customers. The titles for the vehicles were also falsified with fraudulent milage readings. The brothers allegedly practiced this scheme from late 2009 until February of this year, rolling back the odometers of at lease 146 different vehicles.

    Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation were integral in the investigation into the Sanchez-Pulido brothers. The prosecution of the men is now being led by the Consumer Protection division of the Justice Department.

    “Tampering with odometers is a crime that puts consumers’ lives and wallets at risk,” said David Friedman, acting administrator for the NHSTA. “Safety is the Department of Transportation’s top priority, and we will continue to work with our Department of Justice and state DOT partners to deter odometer fraud and inform consumers of the potential signs of and dangers associated with this crime.”

  • Chrysler Recalls SUVs Over Brake Corrosion

    Chrysler Group today issued a recall on nearly 900,000 SUVs due to problems with the vehicles’ brake systems. The defect could cause brake pedals to become more firm than normal.

    The recall specifically affects some models of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles with model years from 2011 to 2014. Chrysler believes that a total of 867,795 SUVs are affected by the brake issue.

    The defect at the center of the recall is a form of corrosion that can occur in the vehicles’ brake boosters. After receiving complaints from consumers that their brake pedals were demanding “excessive” firmness for use, Chrysler launched an investigation into the issue. The company found that small crimp joints on the brake boosters of some vehicle models may corrode when exposed to water. This corrosion could lead to water entering into the vehicles’ brake boosters, negatively impacting brake function if the water freezes.

    Chrysler claims that the brake boosters will still function up to federal safety standards when temperatures are above freezing, though the brake pedal firmness reported by customers could result. The company has linked one accident to the brake booster corrosion defect, but believes that no injuries are related to the matter. Chrysler vehicles currently in production have had their brake booster crimp joints treated with a corrosion-resistant coating.

    Chrysler will, for free, inspect all vehicle models affected by the recall and replace their brake boosters “if their capability has been reduced.” All of the brake boosters affected by the recall will receive a shield that insulates crimp joints from water damage.

    This recall comes as increased scrutiny is falling on the auto industry and its practices with regard to safety recalls. Last month Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion to the U.S. government to settle criminal charges related to their vehicles’ infamous “unintended acceleration” defect. This week General Motors CEO Mary Barra testified before a U.S. congressional subcommittee during a hearing on GM’s failure to promptly recall vehicles with faulty ignition switches.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • General Motors Recalls Vehicles Over Power Steering Issue

    General Motors this week issued a sweeping recall that affects more than 1.3 million Chevrolet, Saturn, and Pontiac vehicles. The defect causing the recall involves the sudden loss of electric power steering experience by some drivers of older GM models.

    The recall affects all Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx models from the years 2004 and 2005. Some 2006, 2008, and 2009 Malibu models and 2006 Malibu Maxx models are also affected. Some Chevrolet HHR models from year 2009 and 2010 are covered under the recall, as are some 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt models.

    All Saturn ION models from years 2004 to 2007 are affected by the recall, as are all Pontiac G6 2005 models. Some Pontiac G6 models from 2006, 2008, and 2009 are also affected. Some Saturn Aura models from 2008 and 2009 also fall under the recall.

    Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM will replace (for free) the steering columns, power steering motors, and/or the power steering motor control unit of the recalled vehicles. In addition, customers who have already paid for repairs for these parts could receive a reimbursement.

    “With these safety recalls and lifetime warranties, we are going after every car that might have this problem, and we are going to make it right,” said Jeff Boyer, VP of Global Vehicle Safety at GM. “We have recalled some of these vehicles before for the same issue and offered extended warranties on others, but we did not do enough.”

    According to GM, drivers who lose power steering while driving can still drive their vehicles using manual steering. The company admits, however, that manual steering can take greater effort and increase road risks at low speeds.

    The power steering recall comes just as GM CEO Mary Barra has testified this week during a U.S. congressional subcommittee hearing on GM’s recent ignition switch recall. Barra apologized to the families affected by the defect and promised to determine why the recall had taken so long to implement.

    GM expects this new recall to cost around $450 million. Adding in the estimated $300 million in recalls announced earlier in March and February of this year will round out the $750 million charge that GM expects to take on its first quarter earnings.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Auto Insurance Rates Rose 2.5% Last Year

    Auto Insurance Rates Rose 2.5% Last Year

    With the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) constantly under debate in congress and throughout the country, the focus of the insurance industry in recent years has been healthcare. While the healthcare industry braced for massive changes, however, the auto insurance and homeowners insurance segments continued apace, complete with annual increases in costs.

    Market research firm Perr & Knight this month released a new report estimating that auto insurance rates, on average, increased 2.5% across the U.S. This rise in auto insurance prices is slightly lower than the 3.7% increase seen during 2012. According to the firm the five-year average trend in auto insurance is a yearly increase of from 2% to 4%, putting 2013’s rate increase well within the long-term average trend.

    Homeowners insurance was estimated by Perr & Knight to have increased an average of 5.1% across the U.S. as a whole last year. This increase also fits neatly into the five-year average trend of 5% to 7% increases in homeowners insurance.

    “Overall, there were moderate rate increases for both auto and homeowners insurance in 2013,” sais Tim Perr, CEO of Perr & Knight. “Our RateWatch product provides visibility into these changes by accumulating the approved rate changes extracted from the public rate filings of companies representing about 80% of the personal insurance premiums written.”

    The auto insurance the trend in every state throughout the U.S. last year was a rate hike. No state in the country saw an overall decrease in auto insurance costs during 2013.

    The largest hikes were seen in Michigan, Georgia, New York, Delaware, and Nevada. Michigan alone saw a huge 8.6% increase in auto insurance costs last year.

    For homeowner’s insurance the story was similar, though California and Hawaii did see slight decreases in homeowners insurance rates (-0.7% and 03.4%, respectively. The states with the largest increases in homeowners insurance included Oklahoma (12.1%), Florida (11%), Kentucky (10.9%), Kansas (10.3%), and North Carolina (10.1%).

    Image via Thinkstock

  • 2015 Chrysler 200S: Behold The Dark Horse

    2015 Chrysler 200S: Behold The Dark Horse

    While the 2015 Chrysler 200 is what Chrysler hopes will rise its company to the top of the U.S. midsize sedan sales chart, the 200S model is the most interesting thing about the model intended to be Chrysler’s flagship vehicle.

    The brand also has a luxury “C” and a Limited trim level availability with the Chrysler 200, and while the Limited will likely make the most sales, the “S” aka The Dark Horse is the most exciting.

    The words used to describe the “S” model so far have been “dark”, “sinister” and “Detroit-inspired.” Funny words to be attached to a Chrysler, but this isn’t your Aunt Edma’s Fifth Avenue. While the “S” was available on first-generation 200s, it was an optional trim package more focus on appearance- and it wasn’t as intense as this year.

    The 2015 Chrysler 200S will come with Hyper Black aluminum wheels, black metal accents, dual exhaust pipes along with cloth and leather black and blue interior materials. The 200S provides a $4,200 optional configuration that offers a 262 lb.-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with an unmatched 295 horsepower.

    The 2015 200S will offer an optional all-wheel-drive that only Ford Fusion provides at this current time. This option makes it great for winter driving and gives the driver a rear-wheel-drive feel. The 200S also provides a fully disconnecting rear axle when the all-wheel-drive isn’t used to improve fuel economy. These features coupled with its intense look put the Chrysler 200S in a “revolutionary” category while its related “C” and Limited trends are no slouch–inside and out– either.

    The standard 2015 Chrysler 200 comes with the brand’s 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 Tigershark I-4 with a 13 percent fuel economy improvement.

    The entry-level vehicle starts at $21,795, the 200S starts at $24,495 and the 200C starts at $25,995 with differing prices according to each trim level and chosen option. You can check out everything from more intricate details to a dealer near you at the Chrysler website.

    Image via NDN

  • GM Recalls Affect 3.1 Million Vehicles

    GM Recalls Affect 3.1 Million Vehicles

    On Monday, General Motors CEO Mary Barra released a video message for GM employees announcing the recall of 1.5 million vehicles due to faulty engineering.

    In her message, Barra stated that “Something went wrong with our process in this instance, and terrible things happened.”

    Those terrible things include at least 12 deaths and more than 30 injuries of those who were driving vehicles involved in the recall.

    The 1.5 million vehicle recall on Monday applies to multiple sectors of the GM brand:

    – Multiple cross-over SUV’s, including the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, are being recalled due to faulty construction of the air bags which does not allow them to deploy when the service light is lit on the dash.

    – More than 300,000 vans are being recalled due to the material on the instrument panel not being protective enough during a crash.

    – 63,900 Cadillac XTS’s are being recalled due to a faulty brake plug, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire.

    Unfortunately for GM, this is its second recall in as many months. In February, GM announced a recall for more than 1.6 million vehicles due to an ignition failure which would allow one to turn-off the vehicle while driving, disabling the air bags in the vehicle.

    In all, these recalls will cost GM upwards of $300 million during the First Quarter of 2014. However, there may be much larger consequences.

    GM currently finds itself in the midst of an investigation from the Justice Department of the United States due to how the company handled the initial recall announced last month.

    Reports have surfaced indicating that GM knew about the faulty ignition switch in the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and the Saturn Ion and Sky as early as 2004.

    If the Justice Department finds that GM did not respond to the faulty ignition switch promptly enough, it could face a $35 million fine.

    Despite the losses, Barra believes that GM is doing its best to handle the situation, stating “The bottom line is we will be better because of this tragic situation if we seize the opportunity. And I believe we will do just that.”

    Image via Facebook

  • Best Family Cars 2014: Expert Kelley Blue Book List

    Finding the best family car may be one of the most important decisions– you’re carrying precious cargo, and you may have to be the most careful with your budget than other car purchasers. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort and technology– and looking at least a little cool– when purchasing a great family car.

    Depending on your needs, you may need a mini-van, an SUV or even an ample sized four-door sedan. Although many would shy away from the “soccer mom vans” because of their basic ugliness, nowadays even station wagons have some style.

    The car experts at Kelley Blue Book decided that 21 cars out of 300 family cars were top-class this year, and then they narrowed it down to 12. The resulting list is comprised of sedans, both midsize and small SUVs, minivans and a hybrid wagon. Here are the top three:

    1. Chevrolet Impala
    KBB describes the Impala as the closest thing to a utility vehicle without having to get a utility vehicle. Although it costs as much as many SUVs at the $30,000-$40,000 range, it serves those who need the space but despise the bulk of an SUV. The features of a fully loaded 2014 Impala makes KBB believe that it is worth every dollar. Compared to other leading giant sedans such as the Toyota Avalon, it uses its size to comfortably fit up to two car seats plus a booster seat, and the trunk is huge.

    2. Chevrolet Traverse
    The Traverse can carry up to eight passengers along with much cargo space. KBB states that its third row is the largest of any other SUV they’ve tested. It is, however, a bulky massive SUV that people who hate SUVs probably can’t deal with. Even if you are used to these traits, you still may not like the maneuvering difficulties of the Traverse. Still, the space and affordability compared to other SUVs make this the best family SUV of 2014.

    3.Ford Flex
    The Flex lets you know by its appearance that it isn’t your normal SUV. It can carry seven passengers with extensive legroom for long-legged adults and car seated babies. KBB actually says that the Flex is one of the most car-seat friendly vehicles of the 300 that they’ve tested. Its high engine power for an SUV also impressed the staff, but the steering gave them a little concern. The Flex can reach over the $50,000 range, but its plenty features could make this one a go for your family.

    Even if your family is the size of the Beverly Hillbillies, 2014 gives you hope that it’s possible to ride around in a bit more class and style. Be sure to check out the entire list.

    Image via NDN

  • Tesla Sales Jeopardized in New Jersey

    Tesla Sales Jeopardized in New Jersey

    It’s clear now that Tesla Motors is a threat to traditional automakers. The company’s luxury Tesla Model S receive the highest safety rating ever from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was recently named Consumer Reports top car of 2014. All this from an electric car that is pushing the auto industry toward future technology.

    More than just pressuring the auto industry, however, the very way that Tesla is doing business is threatening to flip the U.S. car sales industry on its head. While most car companies in the U.S. use dealership franchises to sell vehicles, Tesla instead prefers to sell directly to consumers. Tesla this week was banned from doing just that by a New Jersey regulation requiring car sales be performed through franchises, rather than through company stores or online.

    The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) this week passed a new regulation requiring the dealership middlemen for car sales. This is despite the fact that New Jersey had already issued two dealer licenses for Tesla store locations within New Jersey. Under the new regulation Tesla may be forced to stop selling its vehicles out of those stores.

    Shortly before the new rule was approved Tesla released a missive on its blog condemning Governor Chris Christie’s administration for going back on assurances that the matter would be settled in the New Jersey legislature. From the blog post:

    Unfortunately, Monday we received news that Governor Christie’s administration has gone back on its word to delay a proposed anti-Tesla regulation so that the matter could be handled through a fair process in the Legislature. The Administration has decided to go outside the legislative process by expediting a rule proposal that would completely change the law in New Jersey. This new rule, if adopted, would curtail Tesla’s sales operations and jeopardize our existing retail licenses in the state. Having previously issued two dealer licenses to Tesla, this regulation would be a complete reversal to the long standing position of NJMVC on Tesla’s stores. Indeed, the Administration and the NJMVC are thwarting the Legislature and going beyond their authority to implement the state’s laws at the behest of a special interest group looking to protect its monopoly at the expense of New Jersey consumers. This is an affront to the very concept of a free market.

    New Jersey is not the only state to require car companies to use middlemen for car sales. Though Tesla is working hard with state governments to change current law throughout the nation, other groups such as the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers are fighting just as hard to keep the current car sales model alive.

    For its part, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers has issued a response to Tesla’s accusations via its Facebook page. The organization suggests that Tesla either start using dealership middlemen like everyone else or work to change New Jersey law.

    Post by New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers.

    Image via Tesla

  • Consumers Hungry For More In-Car Tech

    Consumers Hungry For More In-Car Tech

    As this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) demonstrated, tech companies and car manufacturers are both ready to push in-car technology to the next level with 4G connections, monitoring software, and implementation of precursor self-driving technology. Luckily for those companies, it seem that consumers are on the same page and eager for futuristic car technology.

    The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today revealed new survey data showing that 59% of U.S. car buyers in the past year who are also online stated that in-car technology was important when considering their purchase. A further 42% of consumers said that they will buy some sort of tech device or accessory for their car within the next year.

    Most of these technologies, of course, are the sort that have become mundane or usurped by mobile devices. According to the CEA the most popular in-car tech of the last six years has been things such as navigation systems, rearview cameras, remote starters, and entertainment systems. While those product segments have certainly grown in the past few years, consumers are still hungry for something more amazing.

    The CEA survey found that 46% of those surveyed were not fully satisfied with the amount of technology in their vehicle. Around that number (47%) say they are “interested” in using apps designed around use in vehicles. Also popular are in-car devices that allow safer use of mobile devices, making it clear that consumers want to meld their mobile life into their vehicles as they are driving.