Quirky Fines for Drivers

In the UK don’t honk your car horn if you are sitting still, a driver can be fined for honking his/her car horn when the car is not moving. The cost of the fine is somewhere around $42.00. 

Ford Replacing its MyFord Infotainment System

Ford Motor Company is replacing its failing MyFord infotainment system and introducing a new system the Sync 3, instead of using Microsoft technology the new system uses Blackberry’s in car operating system which Ford is hoping will fix problems and complaints.  Ford will be rolling out the Sync 3 with the 2016 model year and by the end of the 2016 calendar year it will be available throughout the Ford and Lincoln lineups.

Interesting Fact About the Pagani Zonda Instrument Panel

Did you know that the Pagani Zonda has the same instrument panel as the Lancia City Car?  This is a little known fact that the Pagani known for its extravagant interiors got its instrument panel from the Lancia City Car a popular car amongst broke Italian students and senior men.

GM’s Announces the Launch of the Opel in Europe

General Motors announced the launching of its entry level minicar for the German market. The Opel will have a starting price of $12,500 (10,000 Euros) including tax.  The Opel has a spacious interior and can seat up to five people. The Opel is set to be in German showrooms sometime in June 2015.  Chevrolet stated they will stop selling cars in Europe at the end of 2015 to focus on the Opel.  

In the second quarter General Motors lost 305 million dollars which was up from the 114 million dollar loss the year before.  The losses were related to the closure of a Bochum, Germany assembly plant. GM has plans to bring back profitability to its European operations by 2016 by expanding the Opel’s lineup. 

Chevy Big block engine used to test F1 Prototype Gearbox

When McLaren needed an engine with enough torque to test the gearbox for the F1 prototype they chose the Chevrolet 454 big block.  McLaren felt the 454 would have enough torque to replicate the F1’s eventual production unit.

The McLaren F1 set the record for the world’s fastest production car on March 31, 1998

 Fiat Chrysler Pressured to Move on Takata Airbag Recall

Fiat Chrysler was told by U.S regulators to move up its vehicle recall of faulty airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a letter the company should start the recall on vehicles equipped with the faulty Takata Corp airbags by December 1, 2014.  Last June Chrysler decided to replace the airbag inflators on 371,000 vehicles equipped with the Takata airbags; however the company was planning to make the notice to consumers on December 19, 2014 that’s when the replacement parts would be available.

According to NHSTA’s deputy administrator David Friedman “the consequences of these inflator failures are serious”.  

The Takata’s faulty airbags are linked to many injuries and at least five deaths. 

At a U.S. Senate hearing on November 20, 2014 in which both Chrysler and Takata came under fire Hiroshi Shimizu apologized for the injuries and deaths related to the companies faulty airbags. After a two year period of making piecemeal repairs on close to 6 million cars left vehicle owners uncertain that their airbags were to still prone to malfunction.

Porsche/Studebaker

Did you know that the first four door Porsche Sedan was not the Panamera? Believe it or not it was actually a Studebaker.  In 1952 Porsche built the Type 542 a prototype sedan for Studebaker, but unfortunately for Studebaker it was deemed too weird for production.  

Mazda Introduces the CX-3

The CX-3 crossover is 4 inches taller than the five door compact car the Mazda 3 and 7 inches short from bumper to bumper. Mazda is planning to launch the CX-3 next spring and will be available in the United States with a 2.0 liter four cylinder Skyactive gasoline engine that puts out 155 hp and 150 pounds-feet of torque and a six speed transmission.

Ford’s New GT 350 Shelby Mustang

Ford is showing off its new six generation Mustang today before the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The redesigned GT350 sports a high-revving 5.2 liter V-8 engine, a flat plane crankshaft which will generate more than 500 hp. Ford stated that it is “the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever built”.

Ford is aiming for the European market of performance cars and is set to go on sale next year with pricing to be released closer to the sale date.

Flame Throwing BMW

Interesting fact about BMW in order to fend off would-be thieves in South Africa BMW offers an accessory for about $700.00 you can have a flamethrower added to your new car. One would imagine it would also be a deterrent for tailgaters

Unlimited Mileage Warranty in Canada from Mazda Motor Corp

Good news for Canadian car buyers Mazda Motor Corp announced today that they will be offering an unlimited mileage warranty for vehicles purchased or leased in Canada starting with the 2015 model year.

Did You Know?

According to experts on average to start your car it only takes about ½ an ounce of gasoline. If you think about it a shot glass of alcohol from your local bar is somewhere around one ounce, so just a quick drink and your car is started and ready to go.

General Motors offering incentives to get recalled vehicles fixed

General Motors announce yesterday that they are giving gift card incentives to motivate owners of recalled vehicles for ignition switch failure into a dealership for repair. The gift cards are to one of seven retailers with a value of $25.00.  Retailers are Wal-Mart, Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, AMC, Red Robin and Starbucks. Owners of the defective vehicles will have to get their vehicles into a dealership and the ignition switch repair completed by December 1, 2014. 

No revival for Mazda’s RX sports car series

According to Masamichi Kogai, Mazda Motor Corporation’s CEO there are no plans to revive the discontinued RX sports car series. The cost conscious CEO wants to put limited resources into improving Skyactiv the technology that put the brand’s top selling vehicles above the competition.

 Date Set for General Motor’s First Safety-Defects Trial

January 11, 2016 is the date a federal judge in Manhattan has set for the first trial against General Motors for a multitude of safety issues including faulty ignition switches that could cause it to slip out of position, cutting power to air bags, steering and brakes. 

There are approximately 130 lawsuits against General Motors for personal injury and wrongful death and lost vehicle value as a result of vehicle recalls. As of yet it has not been determined what model of vehicle the trail will address.

Honda under investigation for failure to report defect related injury and death claims linked to Takata air bag failures

American Honda has been ordered by Federal auto safety regulators to under oath answer questions about how Honda reports defect-related injury and death claims to the government after the automaker was accused last month for not reporting at least two incidents linked to defective Takata airbags.

On Monday  Honda was issued a special order by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the special order is equivalent to a subpoena…to “ investigate the extent and scope” of Honda’s failures to report injuries or deaths linked to possible safety defects under the TREAD Act.

If Honda fails to comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s investigation the automaker faces fines up to $35 million.

Temporary Exemption to New U.S. Safety Rules for Aston Martin

A temporary exemption to new U.S. safety rules regarding side-impact federal safety standards has been granted to Aston Martin. In an online statement The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said “The basis for the grant is that compliance would cause substantial economic hardship to a low volume manufacture that has tried in good faith to comply with the standard”.  Do the niche nature of its business the NHTSA is giving the manufacture longer to comply.

Did you know that the average car has 30,000 parts?

Ford Plant Closure

Ford Motor Co. has plans to close its climate control plant in Suburban Detroit by December and lay off 257 employees. 

Toyota Recalls 247,000 Vehicles in the U.S.

In the United States 247,000 cars, Suvs and pickup trucks are being recalled by Toyota Motor Corp today.  According to U.S. safety regulators the reason for the recall is for a potential defect in the front passenger airbag inflators which can rupture and spray pieces of metal. The air bags are manufactured by Japan’s Takata Corp.

Toyota Moto Corp is not the only automobile manufacture to be affected by Takata’s faulty air bags, included in the regional recall are Honda Motor Co. and Chrysler Group. This recent regional recall for Toyota raises the number of vehicles affected by the faulty Takata air bags to more than 4.5 million since the beginning of the regional recall in June 2014.

After reports of explosions in airs bags in Florida and Puerto Rico the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation. 

 2015 Ford F-150 Wins The Truck of Texas award

The prestigious truck of Texas award was awarded to the 2015 Ford aluminum-body F-150 pickup truck. The Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo issues the award annually.

10,500 C-Class Recalled by Mercedes-Benz

10,500 C-class Mercedes-Benz are being recalled in the U.S. for an issue with the steering. The recall is for model year 2015 manufactured in Vance, Ala the issue is an error in production that causes the steering wheel to squeak and resist turning. First noticed in September with two cars in Europe, according to Donna Boland spokeswomen for Mercedes-Benz (U.S.) stated that the “Steering Coupling Interlock” was in the open position when it should have been released from the European factory locked. Boland also stated that “there is no reason to think our vehicles have this problem.”

Coming Soon Berkshire Hathaway Automotive

This past Thursday Billionaire Warren Buffet agreed to purchase the Van Tuyl Group Americas fifth largest auto dealership with $9 billion in sales. The dealership will be called Berkshire Hathaway Automotive.

Magneti Marelli Opens First Exhaust Plant in the U.S.

Opening its first exhaust plant in the United States is the Italian parts supplier Magneti Marelli owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The plant is located near the Chrysler U.S. headquarters north of Detroit. The plant employs seventy five people and is more than 100,000 sq. ft. In a statement by Stephanie Vedie Magneti Marelli Holding USA CEO said “With the addition of the exhaust plant, each of the company's business lines is now represented in North America, providing and expanding footprint to serve our customers here and around the world." While the Detroit exhaust plant is Magneti Marcelli first exhaust plant in the U.S. is not the only plant in the U.S. the Milan-based Magneti Marelli has three other plants in the U.S. and is number seven in North America.

Aleris Expanding Kentucky Plant to Meet U.S. Increasing Demand for Automotive Aluminum

To meet North America’s increasing demand for light weight materials Aleris announced plans to invest $350,000 to expand its current rolling aluminum mill in Kentucky and open the company’s first U.S. automotive body sheet production to meet the increasing demand for light weight materials in the North America. Once the Lewisport plant expansion is competed the plant will have the capacity to produce over two hundred tons of automotive body sheet.

FASCINATING NEW AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• Pedestrian detection – Developed by Volvo pedestrian detection is a combination of technologies that can identify pedestrians and cyclist, thus aiding in the avoidance of collisions of vehicle versus pedestrians and cyclist in urban areas where these types of accidents commonly occur.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - The most popular technology of 2014 is the Lane Departure Warning (LDW), utilized by most auto manufacturers in one form or other, the LDW alerts the driver when he/she crosses over a line without signaling first. The idea is to address driver drowsiness behind the wheel, unfortunately studies have shown LDW is not as efficient as expected.
• Intelligent braking – Acura’s RLX sedan has a “Brake Hold” button that allows the driver to keep the brakes pressed automatically for situations like waiting at a train crossing or at a signal light. Also known as “Lazy Brakes”.
• Semi-autonomous driving – Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class offers an Intelligent Drive system, the system at low speeds has the ability to take control, following heavy traffic even on curvy roads. If it seems that the driver is inadvertently crossing lanes the system will automatically correct the course, thus avoiding accidents. If needed the system can completely stop the car.
• Hot-stone massage – Mercedes-Benz all new 2014 S-Class features exclusive hot stone massage bucket seats. How is this possible? 14 tiny air bags inflate and deflate to stimulate the occupant's backside in a traditional, shiatsu fashion.
• Receding door handles – Tesla Motors’ all-electric sedan features receding door handles that retract when the car is locked or when the car is moving. Simply press the key fob unlock button and the door handles pop back out.
• Internet radio – Internet radios are becoming a mainstream technology featured in the infotainment systems of many new 2014 vehicles sold in Canada. The radios utilize the smartphone’s internet technology so  there is no need to launch the necessary app.
• Integrated shop-vac -  Here is a handy feature for the 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan. Honda partnered with the Shop-Vac company to develop an integrated  vacuum cleaner, just pull and turn on to vacuum  the min van from the small cavity under the pedals to the bottom of the trunk.
• Traffic signs recognition - In Europe this is already in use with Audi, Mercedes-Benz all with others that use front facing cameras to identify road signs. Combing that technology and information with the data contained in today’s navigation system the car can produce the speed limit information right in front of the driver in the middle of the information cluster.

California generates 40% of U.S. rechargeable car sales

Car sales report says in the U.S. California generates about 40% of the domestic plug market with more than 100,000 rechargeable cars sold in California in the last four years.

Nevada Has Been Chosen for the Site of Tesla’s Gigafactory

Nevada is the site for our Gigafactory battery facility Tesla announced yesterday, beating out California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The project will bring in close to $100 billion in economic impact to the region according to Nevada governor Brian Sandoval.

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MSN AUTO

TOP 20 USED Vehicles IN THE US

1. Honda Accord

2. Toyota Camry

3. Nissan Altima

4. Toyota Corolla

5. Honda Civic

6. Ford F-150

7. Chevrolet Silverado

8. Chevrolet Impala

9. Chevrolet Malibu

10. Ford Escape

11. Ford Mustang

12. Honda CR-V

13. Nissan Maxima

14. Ford Fusion

15. Toyota Highlander

16. BMW 3 Series

17. Ford Focus

18. Chevrolet Camaro  

19. Dodge Charger

20. Acura TL

 

 

 

Lenders cutting back on subprime and deep subprime auto loans

According to data from Experian Automotive, in the second quarter of 2014 auto lenders are stopping the practice of lending to customers with subprime and deep subprime credit scores. Subprime and deep subprime credit scores that are below 620. In the first quarter these subprime and deep subprime borrowers accounted for 15.1% of new vehicle loans which is down significantly from 22.1% the previous year. Loans for used vehicles are down 50.6% from the second quarter of 2013. Used vehicle subprime and deep subprime loans accounted for 40.2% in that same time period.

In a statement from the senior director of automotive finance for Experian Melinda Zabitski, lenders are cutting back on risk. She went on to say “Although we’ve seen relative stability in the automotive industry the past several years lenders are still showing cautionary signs when lending to the subprime market and keeping their risk at manageable levels.”

General Motors Recall

In early September 2014 General Motors is expected to begin recalling certain 2015 model year Suburban, Suburban LTZ, Tahoe, Tahoe LTZ and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL Denali SUV’s manufactured on May 13, 2014 to replace roof rail air bags. The roof rail air bags could be punctured or torn during deployment by the carrier hardware hindering its performance and increasing the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash. General Motors will notify vehicle owners and dealers will replace the roof rail hardware free of charge.

Volkswagen Planning to Launch New Golf in 2017

A German magazine reported that just five years after launching the current model of it’s top selling compact car the Golf, Volkswagen has plans to launch the eighth generation 2007 model. According to Auto motor und sport the Golf will look a lot different from the seventh generation hatchback it will be lower and wider, the new look will have restyled front and rear lights. The interior will feature a heads up display and Mirror-Link allowing drivers to access and use smartphone apps through the car’s touch screen display. Regarding the Golf's fuel economy the overall weight has been reduced by about 110 pounds. Volkswagen may be offering a three cylinder unit like the one currently used in the new Polo subcompact model. Volkswagen has declined commenting on the report.

All Time High For Outstanding Automotive Loan Balance

According to Experian's latest State of the Automotive Finance Market report, the total amount of loan outstanding balance is 839 billion dollars an all time high in the second quarter up 11.7% from last year.

Looking for the Best Vehicle to Buy Your Teen Driver

Purchasing a used vehicle for your teen driver can be an advantage as used vehicles often provide just as much utility as a brand new vehicle and in some cases have simpler interiors which may help to eliminate some driver distraction? The editors of Motor Trend have compiled a list 15 used vehicles based on safety, reliability, and affordability for their pick of the best vehicles for teen drivers

Toyota Highlander:  The first crossover SUV to make on the market. The Highlander has built a reputation as a safe and practical vehicle.

Honda Civic: Has a history of unmatched reliability and safety for the first time driver model years 2006-2011.

Ford Fusion: A standard feature is MyKey. MyKey allows parents to limit radio volume and vehicle speed when their teen drivers are behind the wheel. On mid-trim models, feature satellite radio and Sync with voice command.

Subaru Forester: Model years 2009 and up these are some of most capable and refined SUV’s on the road. Some of the standard features include cruise control, keyless entry and Bluetooth and the upper trim models include navigation, leather, and rearview cameras.

 Volkswagen Rabbit: Easy to navigate around town and despite their small size there is plenty of room for cargo and passengers, model years 2006-2009.

Cion XA: This vehicle was meant for drivers under the age of 25, funky style, practicle and fuel efficient. The simple cabin style has considerably less to distract your teen driver from focusing on the road. Last built in 2006 buyers can find the models for less than $5,000.00.

Volvo C30:  Is a premium vehicle for great price these models are not as expensive as you might think you can find a 2008 for as little as $12,000.00. The compact hatch model has excellent visibility, high safety ratings and a comfortable cabin.

Ford Ranger: Throughout the years the Ford Ranger has not gone through many changes the Ranger is a good choice if you are looking for a truck that is durable and easy for your teen to learn to drive on.

Toyota Celica: The Celica is a good compromise for teens who want a sportier car and their parents that want a safer car. After the teen gets over the shock of having a cassette player they will enjoy this car as it features precise braking, excellent handling and just the perfect amount of kick for a rewarding driving experience. Model year 2005 prices are somewhere between $6,500.00 to $9,000.00 depending on the condition and miles on the car.

Hyundai Elantra: What makes this an attractive choice for teen drivers is long list of standard features, Keyless entry, heated mirrors, satellite radio, and a CD player with six speaker sound system. Another advantage of the Elantra is the excellent highway fuel economy rating of 38mpg.

Mazda3: The 2009 model Mazda made significant improvements to design and ride quality. On the highway the vehicle can get 33mpg and 40mpg with the special fuel economy package.

Lexus ES: The Lexus ES is a comfortable sedan with a smooth as butter ride the car is not only stable, but also well equipped with keyless entry, sunroof, leather, and dual power front seats and more. For the model year 2007 the prices should be between $12,000.00 and $13,000.00.

 Nissan Altima: The new redesigned model is the best Altima yet the older Altimas are very well constructed featuring a comfortable cabin, excellent steering capability, great visibility, along with high safety ratings. Should expect to pay between $8,000.00 and $15,000.00 for model years 2007-2012 and used 2013 model year cars have more features and better fuel economy, but can be much more expensive.

Volkswagen Beetle: The Volkswagen Beetle seems to never go out of style no matter what model year. With a zippy drive and plenty of standard features the Beetle is the classic choice for young drivers. The 2012 models have an increased side crash worthiness going from 3 stars to 5 stars in government tests.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe features a lightweight steering feel and tight turning a refreshing change from the typical bulky feeling, hard to park, difficult to manage on the road, typical three row crossover. Another plus is the Santa Fe can double as the family car and the teen commuter.

 

Mercedes-Benz found guilty of price fixing in China

Xinhua news agency reported China has found Mercedes-Benz guilty of price fixing for after sales services. The report did not mention any penalties, however China has an anti-monopoly law which allows the country’s antitrust regulator the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to issue fines in the amount of 1% and 10% percent of a company’s revenues for the previous year.

An investigation was launched last month by the Jiangsu Province Price Bureau where anti-competitive practices were found after raiding Mercedes dealerships in the eastern coastal providence and also an office in Shanghai.

Xinhua sited a report from the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Trade Association that the cost of replacing all of the spare parts in a Mercedes C-Class could amount to 12 times more than purchasing a new vehicle.

A spokesman from Daimler repeated a statement made by Mercedes on August 5, 2014 that it was assisting authorities in their investigation and added due this being an ongoing matter that it could not make any further comments.

Potential Timing belt failures with Volkswagen's new engine

If you are considering purchasing a new Volkswagen you need to be aware of an issue with the new Volkswagen engine. The issue and potential problem for Volkswagen owners is that the rubber timing belt travels into the oil and drives the oil pump after time the oil will break down the rubber timing belt resulting in timing belt failure after failure.

Hyundai Motor Company Fined $17.35 million by U.S.

According to the NHTSA, Hyundai Motor Co. will pay a fine of $17.35 million for failing to report a defect with the brake system and carry out a recall in a timely manner. The recall is for 43,500 Genesis sedans model years are 2009-2012. Hyundai recalled the Genesis in October 2013 to fix a potential component in the braking system that could corrode from incompatible brake fluid in the system resulting in reduced braking performance. 

Tesla Motors Inc. first female director

Tesla Motors Inc. the fast growing electric car manufacture is adding its first female director. Robyn Denholm (Juniper Networks Inc.’s executive vice president and chief financial and operations officer) joins Tesla’s board and will lead Tesla’s audit committee, serve on the compensation committee and another over nominating and corporate governance. 

GM recalling Chevrolet Corvette

General Motors is recalling 1,939 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured 3/12/12  -  3/14/14. The reason for the recall is an improper weld on the rear shock absorbers, the shock absorber tubes could separate from  the shock absorber clevis brackets resulting in a sudden change in vehicle handling which increases the risk of a crash.

GM Will notify owners to take their vehicle to a dealer to have both of the rear shock absorbers replaced for free of charge.

Ignition system testing

2Carpros.com has recently released an article showing a step by step guide on how to identify the type of ignition system to be tested and how to test the automotive engine's ignition coil and trigger, this article applies to most ignition coil systems.

Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10

To see this article go to: http://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Engine Misfire

Experiencing rough engine or misfiring?  2carpros.com has just published a new article regarding this problem. The article is easy to understand with step by step directions and pictures to guide you through the process of diagnosing and repairing the problem.  

To see the article go to: http://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

The first car available in different colors was the 1909 Ford Model T

The first car available in different colors was the 1909 Ford Model T, red.  Model T Fords were available in 4 to 5 colors which were of darker shades, however black was not one of the colors available. Interestingly from 1914 to 1926, all Ford Model T’s were painted black to cut down the production cost. During that time black paint was cheaper and dried the fastest which allowed Ford to complete a car in about 90 minutes, keeping the price of the car relatively inexpensive.

Nissan Dropping Two Vehicles from the 2015 Lineup

Nissan is dropping the boxy Cube compact and the Murano Cross Cabriolet from the company’s 2015 lineup due to slow sales. Nissan plans to keep its quirky lineup by adding an “iconic” design that is sure to create just as much excitement. 

Volkswagen stops the sale of Golf and GTI

Today Volkswagen sent out notice to dealer to stop the sale of approximately 800 of its GTI hatchback and new Golf in the U.S. and Canada for a mistake in assembly that could cause problems with the steering. According to a stop sale order that was sent out to dealers today from Volkswagen the front stabilizer links were installed with too little torque.

According to notice over time the stabilizer links can come loose and make “considerable noise”. If the links were to detach completely the car would become more difficult to steer and could lead to a crash.

The total number of cars affected in the U.S. is 2,001 and 108 in Canada. No customers have reported any problems.

173 new inventions by women for cars were reported in 1923. Amongst the inventions were an electric starter and a carburetor 

Baker Motor Vehicle Company

In 1906 the largest maker of electric vehicles was Baker Motor Vehicle Company out of Cleveland Ohio they made 800 cars. They claimed in their advertisements that their factory was the largest in the world. In 1903 the King of Siam purchased a Baker Electric trimmed with ivory and gold.

Another Recall From GM

Can you believe it another recall from GM. General Motors is yet again recalling another 8.4 million cars globally model years 1997 to 2014 most of the cars (7.6 million) are being recalled for inadvertent ignition key rotation that is linked to 7 crashes, 8 injuries and 3 deaths. The models linked to the 3 deaths were 2003 and 2004 Impalas.

Apple and Google phone tech for 2015 Hyundai Sonata by year end

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is going to be the first non-luxury vehicle to feature Apple CarPlay and Google's forthcoming in-car operating system according to Hyundai Motor America's product planning manager, John shon.  Whether you are an Android user or iPhone user we will have you covered, along with Apple CarPlay  and the Google Android navigation system (available by the end of the year on the Sonata)

we will have your connectivity covered.

Apple's CarPlay mimics the iOS mobile operating system and allows users to use some of their iPhones apps directly on the vehicle's operating screen. By plugging the iPhone into the vehicle's USB port users can navigate using Apple Maps, received and make spoken text messages, make phone calls and select music.

Google's in- car version of its mobile operating system was announce today at Google's annual software developer conference in san Francisco. The in-car version includes Google Maps, voice messaging and Google Play Music.

Even though the 2015 Sonata is current on sale now, the system is not available as the system functionality and integration with infotainment interface is still in development, Hyundai says that Sonata's sold prior to the integration of Apple and Google systems and incorporated into the lineup will have these systems added to the vehicle after the release.

Chevrolet Sonic Recall

General  Motors LLC has yet another recall, this time it is for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Manufactured 3/1/2012 to 6/29/2012 with the 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L 4 cylinder engine. The reason for the recall is a possibility of the transmission turbine fracturing. If the transmission were to fracture while in second gear the transmission will not upshift to third to sixth gears limiting the speed of the vehicle.  While in third through sixth gear if the fracture were to occur the car will coast until slowing enough to downshift first or second gear increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners will be notified by GM and replacement of the transmission turbine shaft will be replace at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Traff-O-Data was a company that created machines to record the number of vehicles passing a specific point on a road.  This was Bill Gate’s first business.

Toyota Expands Recall for Faulty Air Bags

Toyota called back 1.62 million vehicles outside of Japan that were recalled last year along with 650,000 more in Japan that had not been previously recalled, bringing the number of vehicles recalled to more than 7 million vehicles equipped with Takata air bags. The reason for the recall and call-back is reports of both driver and passenger side air bags not working properly or rupturing. Toyota expanded its recall and call-back because Takata found record keeping errors at a Mexico plant were the potentially faulty air bags were made in 2001 and 2002.

This recent recall has led NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to open an investigation into vehicles that have Takata air bags. Takata is the number one manufacturer of auto safety equipment in the world. The NHTAS said that other automakers may soon have to issue recalls due to problems with the tracking of potential air bag inflator defects that date back to more than a decade.

In 1972 the average speed driven in Los Angeles was 60 MPH, by 1982 it dropped to 17 MPH. You have to wonder what the average speed is today, I'm thinking the speed is 5 MPH.  What do you think the MPH driven in Los Angeles today is?

BMW i8 plug-in hybrid

Last Thursday BMW began rolling out the i8 plug-in Hybrid which is set to rival Tesla Motors Inc. and is shaking up the luxury market for alternative powertrain vehicles. The head of  sales and marketing for BMW stated "the i8 is a brand shaper". 

Priced at 126,000 euro ($135.000) BMW's most expensive model combines a lightweight carbon-fiber frame with an electric motor making the car more fuel efficient than the Toyota Prius and can accelerate faster than the Porsche 911.

The i8 plug-in Hybrid's main competition will be Tesla's model S priced from 65,700 euros in Germany. A Frankfurt based analyst at Bankhaus Metzler said that Tesla will win over consumers who would normally purchase a BMW because Tesla is expected to be the biggest innovators. In Germany car buyers are already lining up to test drive the U.S. made Tesla Model S Sedan which is the brands only car.

New Study finds Mercedes-Benz and Honda ranked best in Quality and Value

A study by ALG found the top two car manufacture’s ranked best in quality and value are Mercedes and Honda. In luxury brands Mercedes-Benz placed first followed by Lexus, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Maserati, Infiniti and Acura. At the bottom of the luxury list was Alfa Romeo followed by Tesla, Range Rover and Lincoln. In mainstream brands Honda was top followed by Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, GMC, Ford, Buick, Mazda and Chevrolet. At the bottom of the mainstream list was Smart.

ALG is the analytics division of TrueCar which forecasts future car and light-truck values. ALG’s study is part of an alliance with Strategic Vision’s New Vehicle Experience Survey, where 30,000 new car buyers participate  and asked to rate how they perceive all brands in the currently in the market.  The study found that a major factor in how they perceive the brands was based on the participant’s familiarity with the brand. This explains why Alfa Romeo ranked the lowest among the luxury brand as the Alfa Romeo has not been sold in the U.S. and Canada for years.

10 Fun Facts About Google's Self-Driving Car

1) It's 100% electric

2)  the car can be summoned by a Smartphone

3) The car has no steering wheel and no pedals, which could be a good thing as it only has two seats.

4) On a full charge the car will have a range of 100 miles

5)  The car uses GPS and satellite navigation systems for the close-up work it uses radar, lasers, and cameras.

6) It is a shared vehicle once your ride is over the car will remind you to gather your belongings before leaving the car as it may be summoned to another rider.

7) The car is considerably safer than vehicles driven by humans and Google is insuring that in the event one of these cars has an accident the damage to the occupant or a pedestrian is involved the damage and harm with be minimal. The car has a foam bumper and a flexible and windscreen. Which should do a better job of absorbing the energy.

8) 25 mph, max the car has a maximum speed of 25 mph which means the car will have to avoid certain roads and no freeways.

9) The car has a smiley face. That was designed on purposed to make it look it had a face. Google indented to make it very "Googley".

10) Google has no plans to manufacture the car, it is just for fun once the technology is ready Google plans to partner with a manufacture.

NHTSA Opens Query Into Chrysler's 2012 Air Bag Recall

Chrysler's Airbag Recall for its Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2012 may be facing a do over. In at least six instances Chrysler failed to fix the problem of inadvertent deployment of air bags in older Grand Cherokees and Jeep Liberty's. This investigation by U.S. regulators includes model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty SUV's and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV's model year 20002 through 2004. The National Highway Traffic Administration has opened a query into the 2012 recall of these vehicles.