Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Consumer groups reportedly asking for liability warning labels on used Chryslers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/consumer-groups-reportedly-asking-for-liability-warning-labels-o/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



When Chrysler was in Chapter 11, the U.S. bankruptcy court decided that the new Pentastar would be free of any liability for accidents that involve Chrysler-branded products sold prior the bankruptcy. Automotive News is reporting that five consumer groups are looking to get the word out that used Chrysler products will not be eligible for such liability claims by putting a warning sticker on each and every used Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep that is for sale.

The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing the petition, which states that consumers who purchase a used Chrysler vehicle risk "being held responsible for millions of dollars in medical expenses, hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost income and other losses - with no possibility of recompense - even if their injury was clearly Chrysler's fault." Under the current plan, customers looking to sue Chrysler for defective product concerns will have to go after old Chrysler, which is broke, bankrupt, and doomed.

Chrysler, of course, is against the petition, as the warning may harm a dealer's ability to sell used Chrysler-branded products. In an email to Automotive News, Chrysler spokesman Michael Palese wrote "In Chrysler's bankruptcy, the ability to form a new company free from the product liability burden of the old company was essential to the new company's survival." Palese also mentions that the petition has also uncovered no new defects or safety issues.

Automotive News is also reporting that General Motors has worked out a deal with state attorneys general to consider claims as long as they were submitted after the automaker's bankruptcy.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty]

Consumer groups reportedly asking for liability warning labels on used Chryslers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bankruprcychryslerconsumer groupConsumerGroupgmliabilitypentastar Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Toyota dealer employees caught snooping through customer vehicle, watching porn]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/video-toyota-dealer-employees-caught-snooping-through-customer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/video-toyota-dealer-employees-caught-snooping-through-customer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/video-toyota-dealer-employees-caught-snooping-through-customer/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

Have you ever had the feeling that the service guy at your local dealership is rummaging through your things? Perhaps even a few quarters are missing. A guy named Jason knows all too well about dealership employees going through his stuff - on two different occasions, Jason noticed that things were missing from his Toyota Tundra after getting it serviced at Hampton Toyota of Lafayette. One time, over $10 in quarters were reportedly stolen, and the next time, Jason says about half his quarters were gone.

After complaining about his problems to dealership management, he received no response. So he rigged a digital video camera to the passenger side door and recorded his Tundra's next service appointment. What he saw from the video footage was priceless. In one video clip, the technician rummages through his pills, even licking the medicine's residue on his hand. He also takes some quarters from the truck. Videos that were later removed from YouTube reportedly shows one man watching what sounds like pornography on a diagnostic computer.

Instead of again complaining to dealership management, this time Jason took the DVD to the local media, and sent a copy to the owner of the dealership, along with a letter detailing what happened to him. Consumerist reports that the dealer's owner immediately fired the three workers caught on video, along with the service manager that ignored his complaints. Jason also received an extended warranty on his truck for his troubles. Hit the jump to view the videos showing the technician rummaging through Jason's things. Hat tip to FaLex!

[Source: Consumerist]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota dealer employees caught snooping through customer vehicle, watching porn

VIDEO: Toyota dealer employees caught snooping through customer vehicle, watching porn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> service managerServiceManagertechniciantoyota dealershiptoyota tundraToyotaDealershipToyotaTundra Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Toyota stung by possible Prius headlight defect?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-headlight-defect/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-headlight-defect/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-headlight-defect/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



2007 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'd wager that the last thing Toyota wants in the midst of the super-important launch of its new third-generation Prius is a negative stigma attached to the previous model. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Japanese automaker may have on its hands as a number of owners of the 2005-2008 Toyota Prius with the HID headlight option are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class action lawsuits against the automaker in relation to failing headlamps.

According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they've gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to pick up the tab. At least one lawsuit has reportedly been filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, N.Y., Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a "dangerous but undisclosed safety defect" and alleges that "Toyota is concealing the problems from owners" despite having been "long been aware of Prius' HID headlight problem." It's possible that the suit will get class-action status.

The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners about the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation, which may or may not end up calling for an official recall.


Gallery: Review: 2007 Toyota Prius Touring


[Source: Advertising Age]

Toyota stung by possible Prius headlight defect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2005 toyota prius2005ToyotaPrius2006 toyota prius2006ToyotaPrius2007 toyota prius2007ToyotaPrius2008 toyota prius2008ToyotaPrius2009 toyota prius2009ToyotaPriusautobloggreenprius class actionprius hidprius hid lightprius nhtsaPriusClassActionPriusHidPriusHidLightPriusNhtsatoyota priustoyota prius head lamptoyota prius head lighttoyota prius headlamptoyota prius headlighttoyota prius lawsuitToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHeadlampToyotaPriusHeadlightToyotaPriusLawsuit Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/i-consumer-reports-i-lambasts-honda-insight-ranks-it-21-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/i-consumer-reports-i-lambasts-honda-insight-ranks-it-21-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/i-consumer-reports-i-lambasts-honda-insight-ranks-it-21-out/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2009 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Calling it "the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time," America's most influential product testing magazine has given extremely poor marks to the Japanese automaker's new Insight hybrid.

In a verdict that reminds us of a certain Jeremy Clarkson review (albeit more kindly worded), Consumer Reports blasted the gas-electric hatchback for its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," consigning the hapless Honda to a 21 out of 22 ranking among other small hatchbacks and wagons. Tallying a road test score of 54 points, it was trailed only by the widely panned Dodge Caliber, which managed just 49 points.

Despite the fact that it won't receive a much-coveted CR "Recommended" nod, the Insight still managed to post a "Good" overall road test score (largely on the strength of its 38 miles-per-gallon as-tested fuel economy). Regardless, it was comprehensively beaten by both the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon and the Hyundai Elantra Touring, which scored 80 and 79 points, respectively.

The Insight was the only vehicle in CR's test group to not to be Recommended, save Kia's Soul, which was excluded because the organization hasn't compiled any reliability data on the vehicle yet. Check out the press release after the jump and our new review of the car by clicking here.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested

Consumer Reports lambasts Honda Insight, ranks it 21 out of 22 vehicles tested originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsCRgas-electricHonda InsightHondaInsighthybridInsight hybridInsightHybrid Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST <![CDATA[IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/iihs-small-car-bumpers-cost-big-bucks-to-repair/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/iihs-small-car-bumpers-cost-big-bucks-to-repair/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/iihs-small-car-bumpers-cost-big-bucks-to-repair/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



Driving a small car in the urban environs they're so well suited for can add up in big repair bills, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Low speed incidents in parking lots and on tight city streets are everyday occurrences that seemingly shouldn't cost a lot to set right, but they apparently wind up costing consumers many thousands of dollars each year. The smallest cars on the market also have tiny price tags, making the price of repairs a much larger percentage of what the vehicle cost in the first place. The IIHS recently evaluated the bumpers of some of the tiniest vehicles on the market in low-speed incidents, and the results dovetail with the agency's equally low impressions of vehicle-to-vehicle impact performance of small-segment vehicles. A new damage assessment criteria was used to more closely mirror reality, and the cars underwent four tests: two corner impacts and two full width impacts on the bumpers.

Of the seven cars tested, only the Smart ForTwo earned an "acceptable" rating, with most of the pack scoring "poor." Worst was the Kia Rio's startling $9,380 total damage tally, by far the most expensive showing in the test. The Honda Fit and Mini Cooper may be more highly regarded in the small car segment, but both of those models also score poorly.

In diametric opposition to what anyone might actually enjoy driving, the Smart ForTwo and the Chevrolet Aveo came out best in terms of repair costs, bashing their way to $3,281 and $4,490 in total damage, respectively. It's clear from the IIHS' testing where bumpers often failed to engage or slid under the test barrier, that the way improve on the tests is to pay closer attention to bumper position in all circumstances when designing a car. If the bumper doesn't match up properly, bodywork ends up bearing the brunt of the impact, making even low-speed collisions expensive propositions. Hit the jump to see a video and a chart of the results along with the full release.

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair

IIHS: Small car bumpers cost big bucks to repair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Chevroley Aveo IIHSChevroleyAveoIihshonda fit IIHSHondaFitIihsIIHSIIHS bumper testIIHS crash testIIHS low speed microcarIIHS minicarIIHS small carIihsBumperTestIihsCrashTestIihsLowSpeedMicrocarIihsMinicarIihsSmallCarinsurance instituteinsurance institute ...insurance institute for highway safetyinsurance institute for highway safety crash testInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstitute...InsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyCrashTestkia rio IIHSKiaRioIihsMINI IIHSMiniIihsSmart ForTwo IIHSSmartFortwoIihsToyota Yaris IIHSToyotaYarisIihs Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[FOLLOWUP: Chrysler, Fiat reportedly agree to honor lemon law claims ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/followup-chrysler-fiat-reportedly-agree-to-honor-lemon-law-cla/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/followup-chrysler-fiat-reportedly-agree-to-honor-lemon-law-cla/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/followup-chrysler-fiat-reportedly-agree-to-honor-lemon-law-cla/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



On a recent episode of The Chrysler Files, customers who purchased Chrysler vehicles that were later officially certified as lemons were being reimbursed by the company with checks... that bounced. The snafu stemmed from the fact that while said claims were made before Chrysler's bankruptcy, after the automaker's Chapter 11 filing, the judge had to clear the funds to be paid from Chrysler's account. Since the judge hadn't cleared the funds, the checks were worth precisely zero dollars.

Those owners will be happy to know that the judge has finally approved Fiat and Chyrsler honoring "all warranty and lemon law obligations" for cars purchased up to five years before April 30. With the ruling, those affected will also be eligible for additional costs and attorney's fees. Of course, that news still doesn't detail when you stranded motorists can expect a check to arrive -- or when they can cash the ones they already have -- but help is on the way.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

FOLLOWUP: Chrysler, Fiat reportedly agree to honor lemon law claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bankruptcychryslerchrysler bankruptcyChryslerBankruptcyfiatfinancialslegallemonlemon lawLemonLawlemonswarranty Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Move over, Kasem, <i>Consumer Reports</i> charts American Top 40 (new car deals) ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/move-over-kasem-i-consumer-reports-i-charts-american-top-40/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/move-over-kasem-i-consumer-reports-i-charts-american-top-40/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/move-over-kasem-i-consumer-reports-i-charts-american-top-40/#comments Filed under: ,



Consumer Reports has counted down the forty best deals on domestic new cars - those you can get from 10% to 25% below MSRP. Since CR doesn't have any Chrysler products that it feels it can recommend, there are no Pentastar products on the list, and General Motors products features but twice (the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab can be had for 15% below retail and the 2009 GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab SLT SWB for a 10% discount).

Topping the chart is the 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB, for which CR figures Nissan will slice off upwards of one fourth of the price. Otherwise, dominating the top of the list are Ford products in the 15% to 20% bracket, while the lower half is owned by "domestics" in the guise of Toyota and Honda with a smattering of Nissan and Subaru.

All of the cars on the list have been tested by CR and have good overall safety scores, including rollover results. To come up with the final discount number, the magazine included customer rebates and dealer incentives. If you're looking for any one of these cars, the negotiating tactic you're probably looking for is "hard bargain." Check out the complete list of CR's Top 40 at the link below.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Move over, Kasem, Consumer Reports charts American Top 40 (new car deals) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car buyingCarBuyingcarsumer advocacyCarsumerAdvocacyconsumer reportsConsumerReportsmsrp Fri, 22 May 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler reportedly bouncing checks to owners of lemon law vehicles]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/chrysler-reportedly-bouncing-checks-to-owners-of-lemon-law-vehic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/chrysler-reportedly-bouncing-checks-to-owners-of-lemon-law-vehic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/chrysler-reportedly-bouncing-checks-to-owners-of-lemon-law-vehic/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Going through the process of having a troubled vehicle legally branded as a 'lemon' is difficult enough, but now, according to The Los Angeles Times, Chrysler's bankruptcy is making seeking recompense even harder for affected owners in California. According to the daily paper, settlement checks for Chrysler vehicles that have already been agreed upon as defective are apparently bouncing, costing already irked consumers additional time and money.

Apparently, the heart of the issue stems from the fact that financial claims made prior to the company's April 30 Chapter 11 filing can only be paid out if the bankruptcy judge approves the action. To date, Chrysler has apparently not requested the court's permission to make good on these lemon law payments, leaving little recourse for affected consumers.

Many affected owners have apparently spoken with attorneys, who apparently can't do much unless the lemon law payback accounts in question are unfrozen by the bankruptcy court. That means consumers could be out anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to the entire cost of a new vehicle - one attorney, Alex Simanovsky, is quoted as saying that he has "a stack of six or seven checks in my drawer right now from Chrysler that have bounced" - settlement payments ranging from $2,000 on up to $40,000. Some consumers have already turned-in their defective vehicles to Chrysler, compounding the problem.

For its part, the LA Times says that Chrysler is telling customers with lemon law claims to get in line - by filing a claim with the courts, in effect joining the automakers other unsecured creditors seeking payment. In that scenario, however, defective car owners aren't expected to see much more than "pennies on the dollar."

Consumer groups have reportedly met with auto task force members to discuss the matter, but as of yet, there is no word on any remedy in the works. Thanks for the tip, MopePar!

[Source: The Los Angeles Times]

Chrysler reportedly bouncing checks to owners of lemon law vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Mon, 18 May 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Judge disconnects alleged car-warranty "robo-callers"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/16/judge-disconnects-alleged-car-warranty-robo-callers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/16/judge-disconnects-alleged-car-warranty-robo-callers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/16/judge-disconnects-alleged-car-warranty-robo-callers/#comments Filed under: ,

It's official. The Feds are pissed, too. On Thursday, a federal judge did what many of us have wanted to do for a long time now. He handed out restraining orders to two companies the Federal Trade Commission says have been calling you, me, all your friends, your 90-year-old blind grandmother, and anyone else without enough sense to ignore unidentified phone calls.

"Today the FTC has disconnected the people responsible for so many of these annoying robocalls," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz in a press release. "We expect to see a dramatic decrease in deceptive auto warranty calls, but we are still on high alert.

Voice Touch, Inc. and its partner Network Foundations LLC were ordered to immediately stop making phone calls that violate the Do Not Call Registry. The Feds also ordered the companies' assets frozen and appointed receivers over them to ensure all relevant documents are preserved for a May 29 hearing. Transcontinental Warranty, Inc., a client of Voice Touch, was also given a restraining order.

Does this mean those annoying calls will now stop? Most of them, probably. Does it mean your car's warranty really isn't about to expire? Judging by the number of new cars sold in the last two years, the end of your car's coverage is probably long gone or very near. Leave your number in the comments and someone will get with you soon to discuss your options. (We're kidding, obviously.)

[Source: The Associated Press]

Judge disconnects alleged car-warranty "robo-callers" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 May 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car warrantyCarWarrantyextended warrantyExtendedWarrantyftcrobo callsRoboCallswarranty Sat, 16 May 2009 10:47:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

We imagine the world of corporate PR to be a little bit of pushing your own message and a whole lot of "We need to respond to what?" We can also only imagine how Ford's PR folks felt today when issuing a statement in response to a hoax email that has been making the rounds.

When we got an email earlier today from the "Ford Motor Company," we assumed it was the company's latest announcement on whatever. But the subject line, "Ford Motor Company OFFERS: Ford Fusion HYBRID Model 2010", seemed a bit fishy, and when we opened the email, the spamminess was unmistakable. The email claims that, because of the terrible economy, Ford would love to sell you a new Fusion Hybrid for just $15,000, or about half of the vehicles $27,270 starting price. The official response (available after the break, along with the spam email text) from Ford is that everyone should just ignore the email.

One person who's going to have a hard time ignoring the email is Gary Settles, who is named in the email as Ford Sales Manager for FoMoCo. In reality, Settles is the sales manager for Paul Miller Ford in Lexington, Kentucky. Settles told AutoblogGreen that he has "no earthly clue" how his name got attached to the email, but speculated that it could be somebody local because of some of the wording in the email that matches letters he sends out to people who've purchased cars from him in the past.

Oh, and if you're curious, Settles will indeed sell you a Fusion Hybrid, but the models he has available are more in the $30,000 price rage.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford, Gary Settles]

Continue reading Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid

Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AutoblogGreenfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid hoaxFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridHoaxhoaxhoax emailHoaxEmail Fri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST <![CDATA[NHTSA in hot seat after troubling baby car seat tests found]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/nhtsa-in-hot-seat-after-troubling-baby-car-seat-tests-found/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/nhtsa-in-hot-seat-after-troubling-baby-car-seat-tests-found/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/nhtsa-in-hot-seat-after-troubling-baby-car-seat-tests-found/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Chicago Tribune is shaking a rattle at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its investigation has found 31 cases of infant seats exceeding injury limits or disconnecting from their bases during federal vehicle frontal impact crash tests. The NHTSA slams countless cars into barriers each year, like the 2008 Dodge Caravan in the gallery below. In addition to the sensor-laden crash dummies, some of the vehicles are also fitted with infant or child seats. According to the Tribune, the unreported child seat failures in those tests - crashes conducted only to test vehicle safety, not the safety of the child seats - has uncovered a serious flaw in infant/child seat testing.

In the United States today, infant seats are only tested on a sled. Before being sold, the seats must demonstrate the ability to survive a "simulated" head-on crash at 30 mph. On the other hand, the NHTSA crashes actual vehicles into a barrier at 35 mph (although it is only 5 mph faster, the impact is significantly greater). Sled tests are effective in some studies, but they fail to test the variables found among different vehicle interiors and the unique seat designs that change from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Responding to the Tribune report, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a written statement Friday that he ordered a "complete top to bottom review of child safety seat regulations." He will also make changes to make the crash-test results "more available" to consumers. Government crash test regulations have held automakers to the fire, and the result has been much safer vehicles for adults. Now it's time to bring infant/child seat manufacturers to the same flame and improve small occupant safety, as well.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Crash Tests


[Source: Freep, image by NHTSA]

NHTSA in hot seat after troubling baby car seat tests found originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Car seatsCarSeatschild seatsChildSeatscrash testCrashTestinfant seatsInfantSeatsnational highway tra...national highway traffic safety administrationnational highway transportation safety administrationNationalHighwayTra...NationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNationalHighwayTransportationSafetyAdministrationNHTSAregulationsrulessled testSledTest Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:19:00 EST <![CDATA[Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/chicago-2009-the-blogosphere-has-been-engaged-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/chicago-2009-the-blogosphere-has-been-engaged-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/chicago-2009-the-blogosphere-has-been-engaged-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Dutch Mandel from AutoWeek, Terry Rhadigan from GM, John Neff from Autoblog and David Thomas from Kicking Tires (l-r)
It's not often that we report on ourselves, but our own illustrious editor-in-chief, John Neff (third from the left in the snazzy corduroy sport jacket his grandma got him last Christmas), participated in a symposium titled "Engaging the Blogosphere" at this year's Chicago Auto Show. It was a look at what the internet, and blogging in particular, means to the future of automotive journalism and marketing. Anchored by a brief analysis of the power of the internet on new car buyers, the event ended with a panel discussion that included representatives from "traditional media," an OEM, a car buying site and our own little professional blog. While the discussion produced some heated debate, it also helped put some outdated misperceptions of blogging to rest.

Follow the jump to read the whole story and learn what happened to shake up the room during the panel discussion. We've also embedded a video of the panel discussion so you can see for yourself what went down.

NOTE: We deliberately resisted the urge to add speech bubbles to the image above, so feel free to download a copy, add your own and post a link to it in the comments section of this post.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2009: The blogosphere has been engaged [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 chicago auto show2009ChicagoAutoShowblogospherechicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowengaging the blogosphereEngagingTheBlogospherej.d. powerJ.d.Powerjd powerJdPower Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Silverado, Ram and Titan hit hard by IIHS side-impact crash test]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/3-big-trucks-crash-hard-in-iihs-tests/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/3-big-trucks-crash-hard-in-iihs-tests/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/3-big-trucks-crash-hard-in-iihs-tests/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the IIHS side impact crash tests for full-size trucks

Still think big, muscular trucks equal safety? In the case of the new Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan and Chevy Silverado, not necessarily. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety smashed up the four-door versions of those full-size trucks and, for the most part, found their safety credentials less than stellar.

Let's start with the worst performing of the three. The IIHS says that in its latest round of side-impact crash tests, Chevy's Silverado 1500 gets a Poor rating. Even with the optional side airbags, the Chevy got a Poor. That struck us as odd, so we asked Russ Rader, director of media relations at IIHS, why the truck got a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He said it was a combination of a difference in test methods as well as vehicle construction.

"The difference reflects the difference between being hit by a car vs. being hit by another pickup or SUV," Rader said. "The car-like barrier in the government test hits the strong parts of the side structure at rocker panel level, below the test dummy. The Institute's test barrier is taller and higher off the ground, so it's hitting more vulnerable parts of the door."

The Titan also received a Poor side-crash rating from IIHS, but with the optional side airbags improved to Marginal. Dodge's new Ram with standard bags got a marginal side crash rating. We'd be remiss not to mention that the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Toyota Tundra both were already chosen as Top Safety Picks by the IIHS.

Check out the gallery for more photos of the three trucks being smashed to bits by the IIHS, and follow the jump to read the full IIHS press release and see videos of the three trucks during testing.

Gallery: 3 Big trucks crash hard in IIHS tests


Continue reading Silverado, Ram and Titan hit hard by IIHS side-impact crash test

Silverado, Ram and Titan hit hard by IIHS side-impact crash test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingfull-size truck safetyFull-sizeTruckSafetyIIHSIIHS crash testIihsCrashTestpickup crash testspickup safetyPickupCrashTestsPickupSafetytruck crash teststruck safetyTruckCrashTestsTruckSafety Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Navi<i>GONE</i>: Portable GPS system theft reportedly up 700%]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/navi-i-gone-i-portable-gps-system-theft-up-700/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/navi-i-gone-i-portable-gps-system-theft-up-700/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/navi-i-gone-i-portable-gps-system-theft-up-700/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


More and more people are adding electronic gadgetry to their car's arsenal after their initial purchase, which often makes sense since it almost always costs less to add audio equipment or GPS navigation from an aftermarket company than it does to spec if from the factory.

Sadly, recent statistics prove that you'd better be careful with that shiny new piece of technology. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 24,700 portable navigation systems were swiped in 2008, representing a whopping 700% increase over 2006. While the number in thefts has rocketed skyward, the number of units sold have likewise gone supernova, leading us to wonder if the actual percentage of thefts over units in service has changed appreciably overall.

Apple's iPod is also attractive to thieves, who stole 17,000 of the little music players in '08. Perhaps the rise in iPod thefts helps explain why half as many car stereos (14,000) were stolen last year than in 2006, although we are willing to bet that automakers' continued move away from standard-sized, non-integrated head units is also a major factor.

Our common sense advice? Add-on nav systems and iPods are portable for a reason... remove them from your car when you leave it parked. Disaster averted.

[Source: Ecommerce Journal]

NaviGONE: Portable GPS system theft reportedly up 700% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ipod theftIpodTheftnavigationnavigation systemnavigation theftNavigationSystemNavigationTheftportable gpsportable gps theftportable media playerPortableGpsPortableGpsTheftPortableMediaPlayer Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST <![CDATA[New car customers stuck with old loans when dealers don't pay off the trade-in]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/new-car-customers-stuck-with-old-loans-when-dealers-dont-pay-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/new-car-customers-stuck-with-old-loans-when-dealers-dont-pay-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/new-car-customers-stuck-with-old-loans-when-dealers-dont-pay-of/#comments Filed under: ,

Many consumers who buy a new car still owe money on the car they're trading in. The situation is usually handled by the dealer agreeing to pay off the old loan, the cost of which might be folded into the new car price. No problem a year ago, but it's a bigger issue now. With 5,000 dealers closing their doors last year, some of those old loans aren't getting paid off. Consumers who bought new cars are finding out they're still on the hook for the old car loans, and in some cases, if another consumer has already bought the trade-in from the dealer, the bank will repossess it.

Complaints about such practices are rising, but there isn't much a buyer can do: if the dealer has gone bankrupt, mere scraps are rewarded to most folks in the scrum of creditors. Most states have insurance bonds against these kinds of losses, but they might pay as little as $5,000, which is barely enough to cover one default.

Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia have restitution funds. California -- exceptionally victimized by the practice because of the number of cars sold in the state -- is creating one that will be fed by a $1 fee on every car sold, but it isn't operational yet. In the meantime, used car buyers should ask to see the car's title to ensure it's clear. And for all buyers, in good times and especially in bad, caveat emptor.

[Source: MSNBC]

New car customers stuck with old loans when dealers don't pay off the trade-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a trip up to Canada and you'll think that everyone drives either a dogsled, Zamboni, Chrysler minivan or a used Civic. But that doesn't mean Canadian drivers can't aspire to more, as finalists for the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year awards have been announced.

The awards are bestowed by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), based on a published voting system and a comprehensive five-day evaluation of over 160 new vehicles in real world conditions. The association has selected the Hyundai Genesis, Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla as finalists for the top honor. Awards for the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year (down to the Ford Flex, Mercedes M-Class and Subaru Forester), Best New Design (between the Honda Fit, Jaguar XF and VW Passat CC), and Best New Technology (GM OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Infiniti Around View Monitor and Mitsubishi Super-All-Wheel Control) will also be handed out at the Canadian International Auto Show on February 11 in Toronto. Watch this space, eh?

[Source: CanadianDriver]

Canadian Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ajaccanadacanadian car of the yearcanadian international auto showCanadianCarOfTheYearCanadianInternationalAutoShowtorontotoronto showTorontoShow Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:34:00 EST <![CDATA[Iacocca and Davis, Jr. -supported consortium seeks $50M to rehab Detroit 3's image]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/iacocca-and-davis-jr-supported-consortium-seeks-50m-to-rehab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/iacocca-and-davis-jr-supported-consortium-seeks-50m-to-rehab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/iacocca-and-davis-jr-supported-consortium-seeks-50m-to-rehab/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Automotive journalism legend David E. Davis, Jr., may find himself heading a new magazine if an independent effort to spiff up Detroit's image can find a footing. New York's Kelmenson, Davis (yes, that Davis) & Associates is trying to turn up $50 million to create a non-profit entity to spread the word about the great strides domestic automakers have made lately. The concept, which would be outwardly similar to the "Got Milk" campaign, was developed by Tony Kuhn, an executive partner at KDA.

The $50 million would fund a marketing effort aimed at convincing Americans to take another look at General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The advertising would be augmented by a cable TV documentary and a Davis-helmed "American Drive" magazine. Former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca thinks it's a dandy idea, and has even lobbied on Kelmenson's behalf to auto executives. While they're flattered by the attention and support the idea, honchos at General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford have passed on bankrolling it. While we're not able to throw any money at it, either, Detroit's perception versus reality gap is a palpable problem, and it would be nice to see some of the buying public receive a more up-to-date education.

[Source: AdAge]

Iacocca and Davis, Jr. -supported consortium seeks $50M to rehab Detroit 3's image originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> david e davisDavidEDavisdetroit imagedetroit marketingDetroitImageDetroitMarketingdomestic autodomestic automakersDomesticAutoDomesticAutomakerslee iacoccaLeeIacocca Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[You try to do a good thing... Gov't recall website gets blasted by consumer groups]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/you-try-to-do-a-good-thing-govt-recall-website-gets-blasted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/you-try-to-do-a-good-thing-govt-recall-website-gets-blasted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/you-try-to-do-a-good-thing-govt-recall-website-gets-blasted/#comments Filed under: , ,

Not even an "E" for effort? Apparently not. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a website called SaferCar, where you can sign up to get email alerts about new vehicle recalls as they come in. You simply tell NHTSA all about your car and if a recall notice is issued, they ping your email, cell phone, PDA or RSS reader. At least that's the theory. Consumer advocate groups like the Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Auto Safety are calling the NHTSA program a "sham," and say it is actually counter-productive. So what gives?

NHTSA says that as many as 25% of the recall letters sent by manufacturers are ignored by customers and the plan was to help the public respond to recalls more often. The problem is the recall notices being sent through the NHTSA program are keyed to vehicle year and make, not to the individual model or a specific configuration. So owners were getting notices of every 2008 Toyota recall, for example, even if they had an unaffected Toyota model.

Consumer groups are upset, claiming that this makes car owners more likely to ignore notices because there are so many coming through that don't pertain to them. NHTSA says it will take another look at how they are running the program and make changes if necessary.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

You try to do a good thing... Gov't recall website gets blasted by consumer groups originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Center for Auto SafetyCenterForAutoSafetyConsumer Federation of AmericaConsumerFederationOfAmericanhtsarecallrecall alertRecallAlertrecallsrecalls and safetyRecallsAndSafety Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Detroit 3 win Ben Stein's <strike>money</strike> support]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/detroit-3-win-ben-steins-strike-money-strike-support/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/detroit-3-win-ben-steins-strike-money-strike-support/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/detroit-3-win-ben-steins-strike-money-strike-support/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ben Stein is a pretty smart guy, and impressing him usually involves showing him up on Comedy Central or showing up to your high school economics class on time. Detroit's automakers may have done neither, but Stein's in their corner just the same.

In the actor/commentator's opinion, the Big 3 are part of the fabric of America, employing hard-working Americans and building cars which are, in his view, second to none. He even credits their products which "have saved [his] life many times on the freeway." Bailing out Detroit is an imperative for Stein, making the case on emotional as well as logical grounds. But the steadfast Republican who cut his teeth working in the Nixon and Ford administrations can't understand how the government of the United States can find the money to bail out a mismanaged Wall Street and finance foreign intervention - the kind he supported when it was Nixon's call - while dragging its feet on helping the Big Three "slim down, shape up, and keep making great cars and trucks". Follow the link to read his take.

[Source: Yahoo! Finance]

Detroit 3 win Ben Stein's money support originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ben steinben stein big 3ben stein big threeben stein detroitben stein detroit 3BenSteinBenSteinBig3BenSteinBigThreeBenSteinDetroitBenSteinDetroit3 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:05:00 EST <![CDATA[Keep the receipt: Hyundai buyers can take back the car if laid off]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/keep-the-receipt-hyundai-buyers-can-take-back-the-car-if-laid-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/keep-the-receipt-hyundai-buyers-can-take-back-the-car-if-laid-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/keep-the-receipt-hyundai-buyers-can-take-back-the-car-if-laid-o/#comments Filed under: , ,

If you need a new car but your job at the First National Bank of the City Federal isn't exactly guaranteed, Hyundai has an offer just for you.

The Hyundai Assurance Program gives buyers some peace of mind that if they lose their jobs during their first year of ownership, they won't have to pay back the full amount owed on their cars. Hyundai is teaming up with Walkaway USA to provide the 12 months of protection at no extra charge to buyers.

There are plenty of catches, though. Hyundai buyers must have made at least two payments on their new cars, be current on said payments, and their reasons for unemployment must fall under a list of common causes. The plan also only covers $7,500 worth of depreciation. In other words, if you beat the hell out of your Hyundai and your car's now worth $7,500 less than what you paid for it, you gotta come up with the rest. There's also probably a clause somewhere in there somewhere that also sticks the buyer for tag, title, taxes, fees, etc. etc.

Otherwise, drive your new Genesis for 11 months, re-enact Jack's Smirking Revenge from Fight Club and take the car back.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Keep the receipt: Hyundai buyers can take back the car if laid off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto financingAutoFinancinghyundaiunemployment Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:03:00 EST