New state law ignites talk of a national program
A new California law requiring dealers to label salvaged vehicles with red warning stickers is shaping up as a test for consumer advocates who want to make it a federal program.
Beginning in July, new- and used-car dealers must affix a red warning label to any used vehicle flagged in a federal database -- the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System -- as junked, salvaged or flood-damaged.
If the warning system works in the nation's largest car market, consumer advocates intend to use the California law to try to persuade the Federal Trade Commission to require such labeling nationally.
"It makes sense to give it a test drive and see how happy everyone is with it," said Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety in Sacramento. "It's got to benefit honest dealers who don't want to traffic in salvaged vehicles."
But the National Automobile Dealers Association opposes such a national mandate by the FTC.
"Title brands should be more uniform, branding systems should be accurate and databases should be complete," said Brad Miller, NADA associate director of legal and regulatory affairs, in a 23-page comment to the agency. "Pursuing these goals via a window sticker is an outmoded concept that makes little sense. Instead this type of information should be gathered, maintained and made available to consumers in a uniform electronic format."
NADA supports improving the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System database as a long-term remedy.
No leverage
There's another reason consumer advocates aren't moving immediately to pass the measure in other states. They don't have the leverage elsewhere that they did in California.
Dealers supported the legislation there because they wanted something for themselves, namely an increase in the state's cap on document fees.
In California, the maximum documentation charge will jump from $55 for sales and $45 for leases to $80 for both. The increase is meant to cover any added costs for dealers to comply with the new requirement that they use electronic registration for all car sales starting next July.
The red-tag mandate won't be a problem for franchised new-car dealers, said Steve Snyder, chairman of the California New Car Dealers Association.
"There's not a new-car dealer in the state of California who would knowingly sell a used car with a branded title," said Snyder, also a Chevrolet-Subaru dealer in Auburn, Calif.
Database critics
Though consumer advocates and dealers were aligned in favor of California's changes, the required use of the federal database drew criticism from companies that sell vehicle-history reports to dealers and consumers.
Both Carfax, owned by R.L. Polk, and AutoCheck, owned by Experian, lobbied to amend the legislation to give dealers the option of using an alternative vehicle-history report.
Representatives for each company told Automotive News they generally support the California measure.
But "we do think dealers and consumers should have a choice in the vehicle-history provider they choose," said Carfax spokesman Larry Gamache.
Snyder said the answer to that concern is for companies such as Carfax to incorporate the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System database into its report.
Shahan says use of the federal database doesn't undercut companies like Carfax; dealers can still pull their reports for additional history.
That doesn't work, Gamache said, because Carfax already tracks vehicles for problem titles and thinks its own data are better.
Whether the criticism will go further is unclear. Gamache and an Experian spokeswoman said they don't know what further action, if any, the companies might take.
Shahan said she expects that lobbyists for the two companies will try to get the law amended before it takes effect in July.
She said: "I anticipate we're going to have an ongoing battle with them."
Monday, October 03, 2011
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Tips to Changing Your Vehicle Battery
The lifespan of a car battery is short; hence, it could easily leave you while it's raining or in an uninhabited place. If you are in a place where you could switch your power supply, check out these useful simple steps.
To begin with, you have to be sure if the issue comes from the power supply or from some other part of the automobile. Once you've assured that none of the alternative components are malfunctioning, you can start the "resurrection" of your battery. In some cases it is not mandatory to swap it; you just are required to thoroughly clean it. Inspect it and seek out traces of cakey white substance which doesn't allow the power supply to recharge correctly while being used. This is known as sulfate and generally forms when lead and acid interfere with each other. To be able to clean it you must create a solution of baking soda and water, and pour it on the altered parts. As soon as the sulfate has blended, clean it with an a piece of cloth.
If the procedure doesn't provide good results, it signifies you should say farewell to your former car power supply and buy a new one. You have to be physically prepared for heavy-lifting, as it weighs nearly 24 pounds. Nowadays, many auto parts stores provide a no cost battery installation, however, if you want to be a man and do it all by yourself, you have to stick to a several steps. Right after you have decided that your old electric battery is useless, the whole process of swapping it starts. Just in case you haven't clean it before with a solution made out of baking soda as well as water, you can do it now. Once you make certain that things are clean, search for cracks and acid leakage. Do not put your bare hand on it, mainly because you'll suffer painful burns.
Open up your tool kit and select required tools, for instance vise pliers, crescent wrench, socket wrench and adjustable wrench. The power supply terminal cables are attached to the battery terminals by bolts and nuts, so you will have to have most of those objects. It may seem weird, but you must also have a hammer with you, to give a tap or two in case the terminal cable will not wish to loosen from the terminal post. It's also good to purchase a battery terminal cleaner. It has a low price and can actually prove useful when brushing away corrosion. You may also want to buy a can of corrosion protection, so you will not have to replicate the process too quickly.
Don't forget that safety is first, so wear sturdy gloves and security goggles. Furthermore, the top of a Styrofoam cooler can be used to safely put the instruments that you are working with. Once you decide that it is time for you to switch the old battery, do not forget to take out the keys from the ignition. The car will remain powered on and may generate sparks as well as an explosion in the event you don't take out the keys. In case you have already cleansed the power supply with the baking soda solution, it will be quite easy to unscrew the nuts from the bolts. You can use the hammer to gently knock the posts and also cables and separate the sulfate deposit.
Begin with the detrimental post on the battery, holding the pliers and the wrench so you can change the nut in a counterclockwise direction. Do the same for the positive post. Remember that your equipment can produce a sparkle and may trigger and explosion, therefore put them on the Styrofoam top or at a certain distance car. After you remove the terminal cords, examine the battery for leakages and cracks, and try not to place your hands next to them. Unfasten the plate that helps keeping it in position and be ready to pick up a heavy load.
After you have taken out the old power supply, grab the new power supply, which can be even heavier and place it in the right spot. Fasten it with the secure plate, set back the terminal cables in their negative and positive posts, and you are ready to go. Don't overlook to take your outdated power supply to a recycling facility, since it is regarded as toxic waste materials.
Get more information:
car battery
To begin with, you have to be sure if the issue comes from the power supply or from some other part of the automobile. Once you've assured that none of the alternative components are malfunctioning, you can start the "resurrection" of your battery. In some cases it is not mandatory to swap it; you just are required to thoroughly clean it. Inspect it and seek out traces of cakey white substance which doesn't allow the power supply to recharge correctly while being used. This is known as sulfate and generally forms when lead and acid interfere with each other. To be able to clean it you must create a solution of baking soda and water, and pour it on the altered parts. As soon as the sulfate has blended, clean it with an a piece of cloth.
If the procedure doesn't provide good results, it signifies you should say farewell to your former car power supply and buy a new one. You have to be physically prepared for heavy-lifting, as it weighs nearly 24 pounds. Nowadays, many auto parts stores provide a no cost battery installation, however, if you want to be a man and do it all by yourself, you have to stick to a several steps. Right after you have decided that your old electric battery is useless, the whole process of swapping it starts. Just in case you haven't clean it before with a solution made out of baking soda as well as water, you can do it now. Once you make certain that things are clean, search for cracks and acid leakage. Do not put your bare hand on it, mainly because you'll suffer painful burns.
Open up your tool kit and select required tools, for instance vise pliers, crescent wrench, socket wrench and adjustable wrench. The power supply terminal cables are attached to the battery terminals by bolts and nuts, so you will have to have most of those objects. It may seem weird, but you must also have a hammer with you, to give a tap or two in case the terminal cable will not wish to loosen from the terminal post. It's also good to purchase a battery terminal cleaner. It has a low price and can actually prove useful when brushing away corrosion. You may also want to buy a can of corrosion protection, so you will not have to replicate the process too quickly.
Don't forget that safety is first, so wear sturdy gloves and security goggles. Furthermore, the top of a Styrofoam cooler can be used to safely put the instruments that you are working with. Once you decide that it is time for you to switch the old battery, do not forget to take out the keys from the ignition. The car will remain powered on and may generate sparks as well as an explosion in the event you don't take out the keys. In case you have already cleansed the power supply with the baking soda solution, it will be quite easy to unscrew the nuts from the bolts. You can use the hammer to gently knock the posts and also cables and separate the sulfate deposit.
Begin with the detrimental post on the battery, holding the pliers and the wrench so you can change the nut in a counterclockwise direction. Do the same for the positive post. Remember that your equipment can produce a sparkle and may trigger and explosion, therefore put them on the Styrofoam top or at a certain distance car. After you remove the terminal cords, examine the battery for leakages and cracks, and try not to place your hands next to them. Unfasten the plate that helps keeping it in position and be ready to pick up a heavy load.
After you have taken out the old power supply, grab the new power supply, which can be even heavier and place it in the right spot. Fasten it with the secure plate, set back the terminal cables in their negative and positive posts, and you are ready to go. Don't overlook to take your outdated power supply to a recycling facility, since it is regarded as toxic waste materials.
Get more information:
car battery
Thursday, September 29, 2011
TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System
You might not know it, but your vehicle is most likely equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system allows you to know if, and when, your tires are under-inflated. A simple warning light alerts the driver of an issue.
Thanks to the TREAD Act, the U.S. requires certain vehicles, excluding tow trucks, step vans, and heavy-duty trucks, to be equipped with a TPMS alerting the driver when tire pressure gets low. Even with this law, many drivers cannot recognize the warning signs coming from their TPMS.
The importance of proper tire pressure
The correct level of tire pressure is a key component in getting from one place to another. Over 200,000 accidents occur annually across the United States due to insufficient tire pressure. Here are some interesting facts about the importance of tire inflation:
• About 75% of roadside flats are started by a slow leak or under inflation
• Americans could reduce fuel consumption by 10% and save a collective $2 billion a year if tires are kept properly inflated
• Using TPMS in the correct fashion could prevent an estimated 10,365 injuries and 79 deaths each year in the United States
How does TPMS help me?
TPMS is designed to provide drivers with correct tire pressure alerts and information needed to expand fuel efficiency, tire life, stability and handling, as well as lessen the need for tire maintenance. TPMS also decreases the risk of hydroplaning and regular tire wear-and-tear.
It is important to know exactly what your TPMS icon looks like on your dashboard, as a recent survey discovered that one in three drivers couldn’t identify a TPMS icon. All drivers should be educated about these warning lights to prevent hazardous situations.
This is the standard icon for the low-tire pressure warning indicator
This is the standard icon for the TPMS failure indicator
If you see a warning light like the ones shown above, know that something isn’t quite right and seek help. 44% of drivers admit they don’t pay attention to their car’s tire pressure, proving TPMS warning lights are critical for safety. If these lights appear, call your tire & automotive service professionals immediately.
Most issues with your TPMS aren’t expensive to fix and all work can be completed in a short visit. The most important step is to have the tire inspected by a tire professional. We’ve found the cause of a warning light can be fixed with a new TPMS valve service kit, installing a new battery in the sensor, reprogramming the TPMS system, or most commonly, a flat repair on the tire.
We encourage all drivers to leave tire safety issues to professionals. Many accidents and injuries can be avoided by paying attention to your dashboard’s TPMS warning lights – and trusting your vehicle(s) maintenance and repair needs to true professionals.
Each of our auto repair shop locations has the ability to check the status of your TPMS and if needed, add additional air to a low tire. Visit us for all your TPMS needs!
Thanks to the TREAD Act, the U.S. requires certain vehicles, excluding tow trucks, step vans, and heavy-duty trucks, to be equipped with a TPMS alerting the driver when tire pressure gets low. Even with this law, many drivers cannot recognize the warning signs coming from their TPMS.
The importance of proper tire pressure
The correct level of tire pressure is a key component in getting from one place to another. Over 200,000 accidents occur annually across the United States due to insufficient tire pressure. Here are some interesting facts about the importance of tire inflation:
• About 75% of roadside flats are started by a slow leak or under inflation
• Americans could reduce fuel consumption by 10% and save a collective $2 billion a year if tires are kept properly inflated
• Using TPMS in the correct fashion could prevent an estimated 10,365 injuries and 79 deaths each year in the United States
How does TPMS help me?
TPMS is designed to provide drivers with correct tire pressure alerts and information needed to expand fuel efficiency, tire life, stability and handling, as well as lessen the need for tire maintenance. TPMS also decreases the risk of hydroplaning and regular tire wear-and-tear.
It is important to know exactly what your TPMS icon looks like on your dashboard, as a recent survey discovered that one in three drivers couldn’t identify a TPMS icon. All drivers should be educated about these warning lights to prevent hazardous situations.
This is the standard icon for the low-tire pressure warning indicator
This is the standard icon for the TPMS failure indicator
If you see a warning light like the ones shown above, know that something isn’t quite right and seek help. 44% of drivers admit they don’t pay attention to their car’s tire pressure, proving TPMS warning lights are critical for safety. If these lights appear, call your tire & automotive service professionals immediately.
Most issues with your TPMS aren’t expensive to fix and all work can be completed in a short visit. The most important step is to have the tire inspected by a tire professional. We’ve found the cause of a warning light can be fixed with a new TPMS valve service kit, installing a new battery in the sensor, reprogramming the TPMS system, or most commonly, a flat repair on the tire.
We encourage all drivers to leave tire safety issues to professionals. Many accidents and injuries can be avoided by paying attention to your dashboard’s TPMS warning lights – and trusting your vehicle(s) maintenance and repair needs to true professionals.
Each of our auto repair shop locations has the ability to check the status of your TPMS and if needed, add additional air to a low tire. Visit us for all your TPMS needs!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Jeep Liberty, Honda Odyssey subjects of preliminary NHTSA investigations
U.S. auto safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into 2002 and 2003 model year Jeep Liberty vehicles over possible problems with airbag deployment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site that it has received seven consumer complaints claiming the airbag on the Liberty SUV deployed without a crash. Five of the complaints reported injuries.
The investigation covers an estimated 387,356 Jeep Liberty vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a manufacturer needs to address a safety issue.
The safety agency also opened a separate investigation into an estimated 20,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for the 2009 model year for possible power liftgate problems.
The regulator has received seven complaints alleging unexpected closing of the vehicle's liftgate. Two of the seven complaints reported injuries due to consumers being struck by the closing liftgate.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site that it has received seven consumer complaints claiming the airbag on the Liberty SUV deployed without a crash. Five of the complaints reported injuries.
The investigation covers an estimated 387,356 Jeep Liberty vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a manufacturer needs to address a safety issue.
The safety agency also opened a separate investigation into an estimated 20,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for the 2009 model year for possible power liftgate problems.
The regulator has received seven complaints alleging unexpected closing of the vehicle's liftgate. Two of the seven complaints reported injuries due to consumers being struck by the closing liftgate.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ford F-150, Escape defect probes closed by U.S. regulator
Investigations into safety defects in Ford F-150, Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles were closed without additional recalls, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
The auto-safety regulator ended probes into the 1997 to 2004 F-150 pickup trucks and 2010-2011 Escape and Mariners, according to a report posted today on its Web site.
Ford Motor Co. last month recalled some F-150s voluntarily for fuel-tank strap corrosion. The investigation into the Escapes and Mariners was for rear lift-gate window defects.
The agency, in its monthly report of closed investigations, also rejected a request to investigate Toyota Motor Corp. model-year 2008 Corolla cars for front air bags that may not deploy.
The auto-safety regulator ended probes into the 1997 to 2004 F-150 pickup trucks and 2010-2011 Escape and Mariners, according to a report posted today on its Web site.
Ford Motor Co. last month recalled some F-150s voluntarily for fuel-tank strap corrosion. The investigation into the Escapes and Mariners was for rear lift-gate window defects.
The agency, in its monthly report of closed investigations, also rejected a request to investigate Toyota Motor Corp. model-year 2008 Corolla cars for front air bags that may not deploy.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
5 Things to Consider when it comes to Vehicle Storage
Self storage is an industry in which storage space is rented to tenants, usually on a monthly basis. A self storage business provides rooms, lockers, containers, and/or outdoor space in which tenants can store and access their goods. Self storage tenants include businesses and individuals. There are several things to consider when storing a vehicle. Below Are the top 5 we find most important.
1. The Space: Is it indoor or outdoor. If it is an indoor space, is there enough room to open the door or will you need to climb out the window causing you to leave the window rolled down the entire time you are storing your car. Is the space storage for cars
2. The Facility: Is this an automobile storage facility set up specifically for cars. Is it gated. Would it be easy for criminals to steal or gain access to. Is the Storage facility in a bad part of the area.
3. Location: Is the Storage facility close to where you live or on the way to and or from work.
4. Hours: What are the hours you can access your car. Can you get to your car whenever you need to.
5. Price: MONEY! Is the space provided adequate for the amount of money being charged.
1. The Space: Is it indoor or outdoor. If it is an indoor space, is there enough room to open the door or will you need to climb out the window causing you to leave the window rolled down the entire time you are storing your car. Is the space storage for cars
2. The Facility: Is this an automobile storage facility set up specifically for cars. Is it gated. Would it be easy for criminals to steal or gain access to. Is the Storage facility in a bad part of the area.
3. Location: Is the Storage facility close to where you live or on the way to and or from work.
4. Hours: What are the hours you can access your car. Can you get to your car whenever you need to.
5. Price: MONEY! Is the space provided adequate for the amount of money being charged.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
GM to develop electric cars in China with SAIC, but won't share Volt
General Motors Co. says it plans to develop an electric vehicle with Chinese partner SAIC Motor Corp., and it won't be just a copy of the Chevrolet Volt.
GM and SAIC announced the project in a statement today and during various media events from Shanghai this morning.
In a teleconference today with journalists, GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky confirmed that GM will form a 50-50 joint venture with SAIC to develop an EV for the Chinese market.
That vehicle will be designed by the Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design studio in Shanghai run by the two partners.
The EV will be a new vehicle, not an adaptation of an existing model like the Chevy Sonic, Girsky said. But he did not indicate whether the vehicle would be a small city car, when it would be introduced or how much it will cost.
"New technology is expensive and high-risk," Girsky said. "We will utilize our partners...to lower our risk and development costs, and bring technology to the market more quickly."
As the project moves forward, GM will move ahead with its plans to import small numbers of the Chevrolet Volt into China.
No subsidy
Girsky said GM hopes to persuade the Chinese government to extend its sales subsidy to imports such as the Volt. "We are hopeful that China will consider extending incentives to all vehicles in the future," he said.
Girsky also emphasized that the Chinese government has not pressured GM to share the Volt's technology with its Chinese partners.
GM's collaboration with SAIC, which was launched in 1997, has been profitable for both companies. SAIC now is China's largest domestic automaker, and GM is China's biggest foreign automaker.
The partners produce Buicks and Chevrolets for sale in China, and they also produce a commercial microvan called the Sunshine, China's top-selling light vehicle.
GM plans to introduce 60 new and upgraded models in the country during the next five years, the company said during the Shanghai auto show in April. GM and SAIC operate ten joint ventures in the nation.
Girsky said GM is confident that it can safely share its intellectual property with SAIC. "This is not the first time that we've brought intellectual property into China," Girsky said. "We work well with this partner."
China ventures
Automakers including Daimler AG and Nissan Motor Co. have announced plans to add alternative-energy vehicles in China as the world's largest polluter seeks to reduce emissions. The government aims to have 1 million electric-powered vehicles on the road by 2015, according to the Ministry of Science.
Vehicle sales are forecast to slow this year in China, after sales-tax breaks and rebates for rural buyers ended in January and following central bank interest-rate rises.
Overall sales in the first eight months of the year rose 3.3 percent to 12 million units, with passenger-car sales gaining 6.1 percent to 9.2 million units, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said on Sept. 9. Deliveries climbed 32 percent last year.
The Shanghai GM joint venture introduced the Chevy Sail electric concept vehicle late last year. Vehicles developed under the partnership will be sold in China under Shanghai GM and SAIC brands, and GM also will use the architecture to build electric vehicles globally.
The agreement finalizes a nonbinding memorandum on cooperation for green-vehicle development SAIC and GM signed last November. At the time, SAIC agreed to buy a 1 percent stake in GM through an initial public offering held to make GM a public company again and cut the U.S. Treasury's stake in the company.
GM and SAIC announced the project in a statement today and during various media events from Shanghai this morning.
In a teleconference today with journalists, GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky confirmed that GM will form a 50-50 joint venture with SAIC to develop an EV for the Chinese market.
That vehicle will be designed by the Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design studio in Shanghai run by the two partners.
The EV will be a new vehicle, not an adaptation of an existing model like the Chevy Sonic, Girsky said. But he did not indicate whether the vehicle would be a small city car, when it would be introduced or how much it will cost.
"New technology is expensive and high-risk," Girsky said. "We will utilize our partners...to lower our risk and development costs, and bring technology to the market more quickly."
As the project moves forward, GM will move ahead with its plans to import small numbers of the Chevrolet Volt into China.
No subsidy
Girsky said GM hopes to persuade the Chinese government to extend its sales subsidy to imports such as the Volt. "We are hopeful that China will consider extending incentives to all vehicles in the future," he said.
Girsky also emphasized that the Chinese government has not pressured GM to share the Volt's technology with its Chinese partners.
GM's collaboration with SAIC, which was launched in 1997, has been profitable for both companies. SAIC now is China's largest domestic automaker, and GM is China's biggest foreign automaker.
The partners produce Buicks and Chevrolets for sale in China, and they also produce a commercial microvan called the Sunshine, China's top-selling light vehicle.
GM plans to introduce 60 new and upgraded models in the country during the next five years, the company said during the Shanghai auto show in April. GM and SAIC operate ten joint ventures in the nation.
Girsky said GM is confident that it can safely share its intellectual property with SAIC. "This is not the first time that we've brought intellectual property into China," Girsky said. "We work well with this partner."
China ventures
Automakers including Daimler AG and Nissan Motor Co. have announced plans to add alternative-energy vehicles in China as the world's largest polluter seeks to reduce emissions. The government aims to have 1 million electric-powered vehicles on the road by 2015, according to the Ministry of Science.
Vehicle sales are forecast to slow this year in China, after sales-tax breaks and rebates for rural buyers ended in January and following central bank interest-rate rises.
Overall sales in the first eight months of the year rose 3.3 percent to 12 million units, with passenger-car sales gaining 6.1 percent to 9.2 million units, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said on Sept. 9. Deliveries climbed 32 percent last year.
The Shanghai GM joint venture introduced the Chevy Sail electric concept vehicle late last year. Vehicles developed under the partnership will be sold in China under Shanghai GM and SAIC brands, and GM also will use the architecture to build electric vehicles globally.
The agreement finalizes a nonbinding memorandum on cooperation for green-vehicle development SAIC and GM signed last November. At the time, SAIC agreed to buy a 1 percent stake in GM through an initial public offering held to make GM a public company again and cut the U.S. Treasury's stake in the company.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Hyundai recalls 205,233 SUVs in U.S. on front air bag defect
Hyundai Motor Co. said it is recalling 205,233 Santa Fe and Veracruz sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. because front air bags may not deploy when needed.
Hyundai said the electrical parts used to deploy air bags may not conduct current properly, causing them to not work in the event of a crash. The automaker announced the recall today on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.
Hyundai told the regulator in a Sept. 8 letter posted on the Web site that it has received about 7,800 warranty claims for air-bag defects in the vehicles and isn't aware of any accidents or injuries caused by it.
In the year model 2007-2008 SUVs being recalled, the clock spring contact assembly for drivers' front air bags may become damaged, leading the air bag's electrical circuit to experience high resistance and potentially causing it to not deploy, Hyundai told the regulator. If this happens, the air-bag warning light on the instrument panel will turn on.
"Hyundai is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of our customers," Miles Johnson, a U.S.-based spokesman, said in an e-mail.
Hyundai said the electrical parts used to deploy air bags may not conduct current properly, causing them to not work in the event of a crash. The automaker announced the recall today on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.
Hyundai told the regulator in a Sept. 8 letter posted on the Web site that it has received about 7,800 warranty claims for air-bag defects in the vehicles and isn't aware of any accidents or injuries caused by it.
In the year model 2007-2008 SUVs being recalled, the clock spring contact assembly for drivers' front air bags may become damaged, leading the air bag's electrical circuit to experience high resistance and potentially causing it to not deploy, Hyundai told the regulator. If this happens, the air-bag warning light on the instrument panel will turn on.
"Hyundai is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of our customers," Miles Johnson, a U.S.-based spokesman, said in an e-mail.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Toyota says rechargeable Prius will be be priced at $32,760
Toyota Motor Corp., the world's biggest seller of gasoline-electric cars, said today the rechargeable version of its Prius hybrid will cost $32,760, including transportation costs, when it goes on sale early next year.
The car goes as far as 15 miles solely on electricity, after which it runs as a standard 49 mpg Prius, Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president for U.S. sales, told reporters here today. Toyota dealers will start selling the car in 14 states on the West and East coasts in March, he said.
The plug-in Prius' lithium-ion batteries recharge from a standard wall outlet and don't require installation of costly charging equipment. It will qualify for a $2,500 federal tax credit, Carter said.
"This will be the most affordable plug-in in the market," Carter said.
GM has said its 2012 model Chevrolet Volt will cost $39,145, before a $7,500 federal tax credit. That rechargeable model goes about 35 miles on electricity per charge, before a gasoline engine engages to power the vehicle.
Toyota plans to offer four Prius models, including the Prius v wagon that goes on sale next month and a compact version next year. Prius will outsell Camry, the nation's top-selling car line, to become Toyota's most popular models by the end of the decade, Carter said.
U.S. sales of the rechargeable Prius should be about 15,000 units in its first 12 months on the market, he said. It can average more than 80 mpg, based on company tests, he said.
The Prius v wagon will have a $27,160 starting price, including transportation. It gets an average of 42 mpg, Carter said.
The car goes as far as 15 miles solely on electricity, after which it runs as a standard 49 mpg Prius, Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president for U.S. sales, told reporters here today. Toyota dealers will start selling the car in 14 states on the West and East coasts in March, he said.
The plug-in Prius' lithium-ion batteries recharge from a standard wall outlet and don't require installation of costly charging equipment. It will qualify for a $2,500 federal tax credit, Carter said.
"This will be the most affordable plug-in in the market," Carter said.
GM has said its 2012 model Chevrolet Volt will cost $39,145, before a $7,500 federal tax credit. That rechargeable model goes about 35 miles on electricity per charge, before a gasoline engine engages to power the vehicle.
Toyota plans to offer four Prius models, including the Prius v wagon that goes on sale next month and a compact version next year. Prius will outsell Camry, the nation's top-selling car line, to become Toyota's most popular models by the end of the decade, Carter said.
U.S. sales of the rechargeable Prius should be about 15,000 units in its first 12 months on the market, he said. It can average more than 80 mpg, based on company tests, he said.
The Prius v wagon will have a $27,160 starting price, including transportation. It gets an average of 42 mpg, Carter said.
Friday, September 16, 2011
U.S. fuel-economy rules projected to spur at least 10% cut in car weight
The U.S. government's new corporate average fuel economy target has spurred automakers to launch a campaign to slash the weight of their vehicles.
There appears to be a growing consensus that vehicle weight must be reduced 10 to 15 percent to achieve the government's 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard, effective by the 2025 model year.
This month, research firm Ducker Worldwide of suburban Detroit issued a report that forecast vehicle weight reductions of 10 to 12 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., predicted vehicles would be up to 15 percent lighter.
A typical vehicle weighs about 3,625 pounds, which means automakers will seek to eliminate 360 to 540 pounds, if industry estimates are correct.
At least one automaker, Ford Motor Co., has publicly vowed to reduce the weight of new models introduced through 2020 by 250 to 750 pounds per vehicle.
Most likely, automakers will achieve this by relying heavily on lighter materials -- such as aluminum, magnesium, composites and carbon fiber -- along with advanced high-strength steel.
Given the high cost of carbon fiber, automakers generally will make greatest use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steel, said Richard Schultz, a Ducker managing director.
"The real loser will be 'mild' steel, but so what?" Schultz said. "The steel mills see this conversion happening, so they are replacing their equipment."
This conversion to lighter materials will occur step by step, as automakers redesign hundreds of parts.
Most companies prefer an incremental approach rather than clean-sheet experiments such as Jaguar's primarily aluminum XJ sedan or the Audi A8's aluminum spaceframe, said CAR President Jay Baron.
Automakers are "risk averse, because making a mistake is so costly," Baron said.
But some ambitious experiments have been launched. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a $10 million effort by Chrysler Groupto design a seven-passenger minivan that weighs half as much as a typical people mover.
Chrysler declined to discuss the project, but industry sources say the designers will make use of magnesium, aluminum and composite components.
In 2009, Ford said it would reduce the weight of each new model over the next decade by 250 to 750 pounds, depending on vehicle size.
Its new models are starting to show the results of that strategy. The new Explorer, for example, features an aluminum hood that is 17 pounds lighter than a steel one. And a magnesium seat frame for the Explorer's third row saved 10 pounds.
Another example: the Lincoln MKT crossover has a liftgate made with a magnesium inner panel plus an aluminum outer panel. The magnesium-aluminum liftgate weighs 87.5 pounds, vs. 109.5 pounds for a standard steel one.
The liftgate, developed jointly by Ford and Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc. of Strathroy, Ontario, won a 2010 Automotive News PACE award.
Consumer resistance
Weight reductions such as these arguably are invisible to the motorist, who may not care whether his hood is aluminum or steel. But other efforts to cut weight may encounter consumer resistance.
For example, Magna International Inc., of Aurora, Ontario, developed a front seat called Futureform, a 39-pound product that weighs 20 percent less than a conventional unit.
Its thin seat back saves weight, and thinner contours allow rear-seat passengers more legroom. To hold costs down, Magna used high-strength steel -- twice as strong as conventional steel -- in the frame rather than pricier materials such as carbon fiber or magnesium.
But Magna doesn't have any contracts yet. Why not? Consumers perceive the seat to be less comfortable, admits Jim Rudberg, a seating engineer for Magna.
Uncomfortable looks
The supplier's own tests conclude that the new seat is just as comfortable. But participants in Magna's customer clinics insisted that the seats didn't look comfortable.
This problem first popped up a few years ago, when Magna developed the fold-down seats for Chrysler's minivans with Stow 'n Go seating. Consumers thought the fold-down seats looked too skinny -- hence uncomfortable -- so Magna had to fatten them up.
What will it cost?
While 10-year cost projections necessarily involve guesswork, industry analysts aren't that far apart. The Ducker report puts the cost of a 10 percent weight reduction at $500 per vehicle.
The CAR study estimates that a 15 percent weight reduction would cost $1,156 per vehicle.
Incremental vs. innovative
Such estimates assume that automakers will gradually switch to new materials rather than make a one-time change to slash weight.
But some major innovations are in the works, too. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW AG is unveiling the i3 electric car, an innovative vehicle made largely of carbon fiber.
In addition, Audi AG is unveiling a redesigned A2 with an aluminum body and spaceframe.
The Detroit 3 may be willing to experiment, too. Schultz of Ducker Worldwide hints that an American automaker plans to develop an aluminum-body vehicle in the next five to 10 years.
Carbon fiber sports car
Likewise, rumors are circulating that an American automaker may develop a sports car with a carbon fiber monocoque, or unibody.
If successful, these projects could speed the pace of innovation. But automakers are unlikely to adopt exotic materials for mass market models regardless of cost.
If the price of a new part is more than 5 to 10 percent higher than the old part, said Magna's Rudberg: "We won't even bother."
There appears to be a growing consensus that vehicle weight must be reduced 10 to 15 percent to achieve the government's 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard, effective by the 2025 model year.
This month, research firm Ducker Worldwide of suburban Detroit issued a report that forecast vehicle weight reductions of 10 to 12 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., predicted vehicles would be up to 15 percent lighter.
A typical vehicle weighs about 3,625 pounds, which means automakers will seek to eliminate 360 to 540 pounds, if industry estimates are correct.
At least one automaker, Ford Motor Co., has publicly vowed to reduce the weight of new models introduced through 2020 by 250 to 750 pounds per vehicle.
Most likely, automakers will achieve this by relying heavily on lighter materials -- such as aluminum, magnesium, composites and carbon fiber -- along with advanced high-strength steel.
Given the high cost of carbon fiber, automakers generally will make greatest use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steel, said Richard Schultz, a Ducker managing director.
"The real loser will be 'mild' steel, but so what?" Schultz said. "The steel mills see this conversion happening, so they are replacing their equipment."
This conversion to lighter materials will occur step by step, as automakers redesign hundreds of parts.
Most companies prefer an incremental approach rather than clean-sheet experiments such as Jaguar's primarily aluminum XJ sedan or the Audi A8's aluminum spaceframe, said CAR President Jay Baron.
Automakers are "risk averse, because making a mistake is so costly," Baron said.
But some ambitious experiments have been launched. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a $10 million effort by Chrysler Groupto design a seven-passenger minivan that weighs half as much as a typical people mover.
Chrysler declined to discuss the project, but industry sources say the designers will make use of magnesium, aluminum and composite components.
In 2009, Ford said it would reduce the weight of each new model over the next decade by 250 to 750 pounds, depending on vehicle size.
Its new models are starting to show the results of that strategy. The new Explorer, for example, features an aluminum hood that is 17 pounds lighter than a steel one. And a magnesium seat frame for the Explorer's third row saved 10 pounds.
Another example: the Lincoln MKT crossover has a liftgate made with a magnesium inner panel plus an aluminum outer panel. The magnesium-aluminum liftgate weighs 87.5 pounds, vs. 109.5 pounds for a standard steel one.
The liftgate, developed jointly by Ford and Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc. of Strathroy, Ontario, won a 2010 Automotive News PACE award.
Consumer resistance
Weight reductions such as these arguably are invisible to the motorist, who may not care whether his hood is aluminum or steel. But other efforts to cut weight may encounter consumer resistance.
For example, Magna International Inc., of Aurora, Ontario, developed a front seat called Futureform, a 39-pound product that weighs 20 percent less than a conventional unit.
Its thin seat back saves weight, and thinner contours allow rear-seat passengers more legroom. To hold costs down, Magna used high-strength steel -- twice as strong as conventional steel -- in the frame rather than pricier materials such as carbon fiber or magnesium.
But Magna doesn't have any contracts yet. Why not? Consumers perceive the seat to be less comfortable, admits Jim Rudberg, a seating engineer for Magna.
Uncomfortable looks
The supplier's own tests conclude that the new seat is just as comfortable. But participants in Magna's customer clinics insisted that the seats didn't look comfortable.
This problem first popped up a few years ago, when Magna developed the fold-down seats for Chrysler's minivans with Stow 'n Go seating. Consumers thought the fold-down seats looked too skinny -- hence uncomfortable -- so Magna had to fatten them up.
What will it cost?
While 10-year cost projections necessarily involve guesswork, industry analysts aren't that far apart. The Ducker report puts the cost of a 10 percent weight reduction at $500 per vehicle.
The CAR study estimates that a 15 percent weight reduction would cost $1,156 per vehicle.
Incremental vs. innovative
Such estimates assume that automakers will gradually switch to new materials rather than make a one-time change to slash weight.
But some major innovations are in the works, too. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW AG is unveiling the i3 electric car, an innovative vehicle made largely of carbon fiber.
In addition, Audi AG is unveiling a redesigned A2 with an aluminum body and spaceframe.
The Detroit 3 may be willing to experiment, too. Schultz of Ducker Worldwide hints that an American automaker plans to develop an aluminum-body vehicle in the next five to 10 years.
Carbon fiber sports car
Likewise, rumors are circulating that an American automaker may develop a sports car with a carbon fiber monocoque, or unibody.
If successful, these projects could speed the pace of innovation. But automakers are unlikely to adopt exotic materials for mass market models regardless of cost.
If the price of a new part is more than 5 to 10 percent higher than the old part, said Magna's Rudberg: "We won't even bother."
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