Autoblog Government/Legal http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Government/Legal http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Carbon Motors officially files for bankruptcy, lawsuits follow]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Carbon Motors E7 diesel police car - front three-quarter view

So much for Carbon Motors. The would-be police pursuit vehicle manufacturer has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (read: liquidation) according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. The company officially lists its liabilities at $21.7 million and its assets at a mere $18,976, including one prototype, a few bits of furniture, books and the company's intellectual property. Some of the largest debtors are investors and suppliers, including BMW. The German automaker claims Carbon Motors owes them some $3 million.

Carbon Motors built a business model around for its diesel-powered E7 police car by securing a Department of Energy loan through its Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program for $310 million, but the US Government denied the company's application in March of 2012. From that point, it was evidently only a matter of time before the company caved in on itself. The warning signs were already thick on the ground when it was revealed that the company had quietly pulled out of its Connerville, Indiana plant back in April.

Bankruptcy protection shields Carbon Motors from lawsuits against the manufacturer. That's good news, considering three former executives have already filed a lawsuit against the company earlier this year for $600,000 in deferred wages.

Carbon Motors officially files for bankruptcy, lawsuits follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bankruptcycarbon motorscarbon motors bankruptcycarbon motors e7diesel police carpolice cars Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626755/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626755/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/20626755/article-detail.xml 20626755 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/carbon-motors-e7-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/carbon-motors-e7-628.jpg <![CDATA[205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation on the 2006-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-11 Suzuki SX4 due to issues with the airbag and seatbelt for the front passenger seat. So far, NHTSA has received 128 complaints on these vehicles for airbag warning lights, airbag off lights and seatbelt lights, on a vehicle set that totals around 205,000 units, but there is no indication as to how many, if any, injuries have reported.

Via technical service bulletins, Suzuki has already acknowledged two airbag-related issues with front passenger seats on both vehicles, including a programming error for the passenger seat load indicator on 2009 models and an open-circuit problem for the sensor mat that determines if an adult or child is sitting in the front seat. Since this latter issue would not shut off or lessen the impact of the passenger airbag, Suzuki has already extended the warranty for the seat cushion bottom to 10 years or 120,000 miles. After ceasing new-car sales in the US and Canada, potential recall repairs (which still may or may not happen) would be handled by remaining dealers as laid out in the recent court-approved bankruptcy plan.

205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nhtsarecallrecall investigationsuzukisuzuki bankruptcysuzuki grand vitarasuzuki sx4 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625873/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/20625873/article-detail.xml 20625873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2008-suzuki-grand-vitara_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2008-suzuki-grand-vitara.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Chrysler made big news earlier in the month by refusing a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty. Last week, NHTSA boss David Strickland countered by defending his agency's request for the recall of 2.7 million Jeep SUVs. Today marked the deadline for Chrysler to formally respond to NHTSA, and it seems that both parties have met in the middle with Chrysler inspecting and upgrading some of the affected vehicles without using the word "recall," which would constitute the admission of a defect; instead, Chrysler said that it is conducting a "voluntary campaign."

At issue on these vehicles is the positioning of the fuel tank behind the rear axle that could get damaged during a rear-end collision. NHTSA has stated that at least 51 people have been killed in rear-end collisions involving these Jeeps after the vehicles caught fire, to which Chrysler countered by pointing out that both models "met and exceeded" the requirements for fuel-system integrity.

As a compromise on the situation, Chrysler says that it will inspect all pre-2004 Grand Cherokees and pre-2007 Liberty models and, "if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle." According to Automotive News, this upgrade will consist of adding a trailer hitch that will presumably better protect the rear-mounted gas tank. Vehicles already equipped with a factory or Mopar hitch will not be modified. Chrysler's official statement on the matter is posted below, but no additional information has been released, such as when the campaign will begin and how many vehicles could be affected.

Continue reading Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps

Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecall Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626565/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/20626565/article-detail.xml 20626565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2005-jeep-liberty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2005-jeep-liberty.jpg <![CDATA[Arrest warrant issued for NASCAR driver Mike Harmon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/arrest-warrant-issued-for-nascar-driver-mike-harmon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/arrest-warrant-issued-for-nascar-driver-mike-harmon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/arrest-warrant-issued-for-nascar-driver-mike-harmon/#comments Filed under: ,

Mike Harmon

The next step in the off-track saga involving NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Mike Harmon and Jennifer Jo Cobb has been taken, with arrest warrants issued for Harmon and business associate David Novak. In May, Harmon was charged with stealing a car hauler and other goods worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from Cobb's shop, and after saying he didn't steal them and maintaining his innocence, seven of the stolen vehicles were found on two of his properties that same month.

The issue is an acrimonious commercial separation with Cobb on one side, Harmon and Novak on the other. Harmon drives for Novak's team - and Cobb did too until last year - and Harmon and Novak allege that the stolen property actually belongs to the team, but Cobb took it. Novak and Cobb are in court over the matter, but when a judge declined Novak's request to have Cobb return the property, it appears he worked with Harmon to get it back the five-finger way.

Harmon and Novak have been charged with breaking and entering, as well as larceny after breaking an entering. At the time of writing, neither man had been arrested, the hauler still hasn't been found, and as for the cars that were recovered it's been claimed that they were stripped and are worth something like $10,000 apiece, a steep drop from their original reported value of $150,000 apiece.

Arrest warrant issued for NASCAR driver Mike Harmon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> camping world truck seriesdavid novakjennifer jo cobbjjr racingmike harmonnascarnascar nationwide series Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20625139/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/arrest-warrant-issued-for-nascar-driver-mike-harmon/20625139/article-detail.xml 20625139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/mike-harmon-nascar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/mike-harmon-nascar.jpg <![CDATA[SpotSquad app will let you snitch on illegal parkers [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/spotsquad-app-will-let-you-snitch-on-illegal-parkers-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/spotsquad-app-will-let-you-snitch-on-illegal-parkers-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/spotsquad-app-will-let-you-snitch-on-illegal-parkers-w-video/#comments Filed under: ,



If we were cynical marketers, we might suggest this as a tag line for the upcoming smartphone app called SpotSquad: "Rat out your friends and neighbors for a few lousy bucks!"

That's right, belying the stereotype of the unfailingly polite Canadian, Winnipeg-based SpotSquad is creating an app that will allow you to report parking violations to authorities, and get paid for it. The application asks that you take a photo of the violation in question, which is then forwarded to local parking enforcement authorities.

Though not a going concern yet, SpotSquad plans to demo the app in some private Winnipeg parking lots this summer, before loosing the hellish software on the innocent Canadian public. According to a report by CTV News, members of the public surveyed are split on whether or not SpotSquad is a clever idea, or a grim tattle-teller. Scroll down below to have a brief look at a how the app might work, and remember to do unto others as you'd have... never mind.

Continue reading SpotSquad app will let you snitch on illegal parkers [w/video]

SpotSquad app will let you snitch on illegal parkers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadaparkingparking violationspotsquadvideowinnepeg Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20621068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20621068/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/16/spotsquad-app-will-let-you-snitch-on-illegal-parkers-w-video/20621068/article-detail.xml 20621068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/spotsquad-app-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/spotsquad-app-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM recalls over 230,000 more Trailblazer-family SUVs over door electronics]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/gm-recalls-over-230-000-more-trailblazer-family-suvs-over-door-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/gm-recalls-over-230-000-more-trailblazer-family-suvs-over-door-e/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/gm-recalls-over-230-000-more-trailblazer-family-suvs-over-door-e/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



Back in August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall on the General Motors GMT360 SUVs (Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X) ranging from the 2005 to 2007 model years and the 2006 GMT370 SUVs (Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL) due to potential fires associated with the driver's door module. Initially limited to 250,000 units sold or registered in 20 Snow Belt states (and the District of Columbia), the recall has now been expanded to include an additional 193,000 of these SUVs in the US and, according to The Detroit News, 40,000 more sold outside the US, including Canada and Mexico.

Like the original recall, the issue is still a faulty driver's door module that can short out, which could lead to a fire. The Detroit News is reporting that, out of the 443,000 units being recalled, GM says that there were 58 fires that caused 11 minor injuries, and the expanded recall accounted for six fires and one injury. Despite the lower number of fires, the recall notice recommends that owners park their vehicles until the recall repairs has been performed.

On recalled units with functional modules, the repair consists of a protective coating being applied to the module, while vehicles with modules that are not working properly will have the driver's door module replaced. The official recall notice is posted below, and it includes contact information for customers of all five brands.

Continue reading GM recalls over 230,000 more Trailblazer-family SUVs over door electronics

GM recalls over 230,000 more Trailblazer-family SUVs over door electronics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buickbuick rainierchevychevy trailbalzerchevy trailblazer extgmc envoygmc envoy xlisuzuisuzu ascendernhtsarecallsaabsaab 9-7x Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20623271/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20623271/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/16/gm-recalls-over-230-000-more-trailblazer-family-suvs-over-door-e/20623271/article-detail.xml 20623271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/chevrolet-trailblazer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/chevrolet-trailblazer.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA boss Strickland weighs in on Jeep recall fracas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

David Strickland

Adding yet another chapter to the ongoing Jeep recall story, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) head David Strickland has gone on record to defend the government's request that Chrysler recall 2.7 million out-of-production Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty vehicles after the agency investigated fiery rear-end collisions that have reportedly killed at least 51 people over the years. In statements made to The Detroit News, Strickland said, "We felt very strongly that the process that we undertook and the findings that we made and ... we made the decision to issue a recall request. We do not take that very lightly." The top US auto safety regulator stopped short of telling owners to park their cars until the automaker takes action. "They can make their own risk assessment and their own choices," he said.

Chrysler does not intend to recall the models, insisting the "vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity" when they were manufactured and sold. "The company does not agree with NHTSA's conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," Chrysler announced last week in a statement. "We believe NHTSA's initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement."

Legally, Chrysler has until June 18 to formally respond to NHTSA's request. If the automaker does not take action, NHTSA is expected to issue a formal finding and seek a recall.

NHTSA boss Strickland weighs in on Jeep recall fracas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel tank recalljeepjeep firesjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep recallnhtsa Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622369/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/20622369/article-detail.xml 20622369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/david-strickland_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/david-strickland.jpg <![CDATA[Oklahoma man allowed to sue state over native american rain god on license plate]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/oklahoma-man-allowed-to-sue-state-over-native-american-rain-god/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/oklahoma-man-allowed-to-sue-state-over-native-american-rain-god/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/oklahoma-man-allowed-to-sue-state-over-native-american-rain-god/#comments Filed under:


License plates can be great ways for states to show off their history, but as Oklahoma has realized, they can create some drama, too. In this case, Keith Cressman is attempting to sue the state over the depiction of the "Sacred Arrow Rain" sculpture used on the official Oklahoma license plates.

This sculpture shows a Native American warrior shooting an arrow at the sky in the hopes of a rain god bringing rain, and Cressman, who is identified as a Christian, feels this is a violation of his First Amendment rights because he is forced either to display an image he finds offensive or pay extra money for a plate he finds more acceptable. The state does issue an "In God We Trust" license plate, but at an initial cost of $18 and an annual renewal fee of $16.50).

Cressman's case was originally dismissed in 2012 at the district court level, but that dismissal was reversed earlier this week by the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals because it felt the license plate constituted an act of compelled speech. Thus, the case itself is far from decided, but Mr. Cressman has now been granted permission to pursue it.

Of course, license plates are no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to people being offended by what's on them. Offense is most often generated by vanity plates that display something others don't want to read, like the case of this bean-curd-loving Tennessee woman who wasn't allowed to display a plate reading "ILOVETOFU," or this Georgian man whose gay pride was too hot for the state to handle. Rarer, though, are cases like Cressman's in which the state itself comes under fire for what's on a license plate, but it's not unheard of - Mississippi came under fire in 2011 for just considering a license plate honoring controversial KKK leader and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Continue reading Oklahoma man allowed to sue state over native american rain god on license plate

Oklahoma man allowed to sue state over native american rain god on license plate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> compelled speechfirst amendment rightskeith cressmanlicense plateoklahomaoklahoma archer platerain godsacred rain arrowus court of appeals Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622225/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622225/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/14/oklahoma-man-allowed-to-sue-state-over-native-american-rain-god/20622225/article-detail.xml 20622225 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/ok-archer-plate-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/ok-archer-plate-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW slapped with discrimination suit by EEOC]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bmw-slapped-with-discrimination-suit-by-eeoc/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bmw-slapped-with-discrimination-suit-by-eeoc/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/bmw-slapped-with-discrimination-suit-by-eeoc/#comments Filed under: , , ,

BMW Spartanburg plant

According to a report from CNNMoney, BMW has been hit with a lawsuit from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after revised criminal background check policies resulted in the dismissal of 88 contractors, 70 of whom (that's about 80 percent) were black. A total of 645 contractors were required to submit to background checks at BMW's facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina after BMW switched contract companies at its plant.

Though the 88 persons who were not rehired by the new contractor all had criminal records, that may not necessarily be a legal way to screen applicants, as the EEOC counters: "BMW's policy has no time limit with regard to convictions. The policy is a blanket exclusion without any individualized assessment of the nature and gravity of the crimes, the ages of the convictions, or the nature of the claimants' respective positions."

BMW's actions were in violation of the Civic Rights Act of 1964, according to the EEOC, because they utilized "a criminal conviction policy that disproportionately screened out African-Americans." A recent bulletin offering guidance from the EEOC on the Civil Rights Act can be found here, but the EEOC's stance on the issue has been the same for years: "Since issuing its first written policy guidance in the 1980s regarding the use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions, the EEOC has advised employers that under certain circumstances, their use of that information to deny employment opportunities could be at odds with Title VII."

BMW argues that background checks are legal, a fact that the EEOC concedes, and it "believes that it has complied with the letter and spirit of the law and will defend itself against the EEOC's allegations of race discrimination." The automaker adds, "The BMW plant in South Carolina employs thousands of people and providing a safe work environment is one of the Company's highest priorities."

Sounds like the company and the EEOC are in for a long legal battle...

BMW slapped with discrimination suit by EEOC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwdiscriminationeeocequal employment opportunity commissionequal opportunitiessouth carolinaspartanburg Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20619089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20619089/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/13/bmw-slapped-with-discrimination-suit-by-eeoc/20619089/article-detail.xml 20619089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-spartanburg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-spartanburg.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin recalling 689 vehicles over faulty throttle arms]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/aston-martin-recalling-689-vehicles-over-faulty-throttle-arms/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/aston-martin-recalling-689-vehicles-over-faulty-throttle-arms/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/aston-martin-recalling-689-vehicles-over-faulty-throttle-arms/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



There have been quite a few recalls to report lately, but as proof that no automaker is immune from the bug, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall that affects almost the entire 2012-13 Aston Martin lineup of vehicles. A total of 689 DB9, Rapide, Virage, V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage models built between May 2012 and April 2013 are being recalled due to an issue with the throttle pedal arm that could cause it to break without warning. Only 498 recalled vehicles are currently in customers' possession.

Aston Martin says that the first broken throttle pedal was experienced at a press event back in March, and after the part was examined it was determined that the issue was caused by an incorrect manufacturing process. To fix the problem, Aston Martin will be replacing the throttle pedal assemblies on affected vehicles, but no dates have yet been announced for when the recall will begin. Scroll down for more info on the recall as well as contact numbers for Aston Martin and NHTSA.

Continue reading Aston Martin recalling 689 vehicles over faulty throttle arms

Aston Martin recalling 689 vehicles over faulty throttle arms originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin db9aston martin rapideaston martin recallaston martin v12 vantageaston martin v8 vantageaston martin viragenhtsarecall Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617231/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617231/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/12/aston-martin-recalling-689-vehicles-over-faulty-throttle-arms/20617231/article-detail.xml 20617231 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-aston-martin-db9-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-aston-martin-db9-review.jpg <![CDATA[SC investigating changeable electronic license plates [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/sc-investigating-changeable-electronic-license-plates-w-poll/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/sc-investigating-changeable-electronic-license-plates-w-poll/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/sc-investigating-changeable-electronic-license-plates-w-poll/#comments Filed under: , , ,

electronic license plate

South Carolina may soon lead the way into the future with electronic license plates for cars and trucks. Using so-called electronic paper, technology similar to what is seen on digital readers like the Amazon Kindle, these new license plates would be capable of dynamically changing from normal numbers and letters to a word like SUSPENDED, UNINSURED or STOLEN.

Both passing motorists and police would be able to read the plate's message, and the designers say warning messages could be in bright red or made to flash. Each digital license plate would be linked to the DMV using a cellular connection, and power for the display would be generated either by the vibrations of an automobile or by a solar film over the plate. Power would only be required to change the plate's display - no power is required to keep the current display in place, and its creators say the DMV would not be able to track the plate.

At present, a proposal is in the works that would see state-owned vehicles in South Carolina use these electronic plates in a pilot program. If successful, and if cost can be brought to manageable levels, electronic plates could replace the simple stamped metal plates currently in use across the country. We have to wonder, though, how the general population would react to digital license plates that are connected wireless to an agency like the DMV. Why not voice your opinion in our completely unscientific poll, but not before watching the video report below.

View Poll

Continue reading SC investigating changeable electronic license plates [w/poll]

SC investigating changeable electronic license plates [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dmve paperelectronic license plateelectronic papereplatelicense platesouth carolina Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20618083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20618083/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/sc-investigating-changeable-electronic-license-plates-w-poll/20618083/article-detail.xml 20618083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/electronic-license-plate_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/electronic-license-plate.png <![CDATA[More than 50% of NY drivers fail basic road test]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/more-than-50-of-ny-drivers-fail-basic-road-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/more-than-50-of-ny-drivers-fail-basic-road-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/more-than-50-of-ny-drivers-fail-basic-road-test/#comments Filed under: ,

Crazed teenage girl motorist behind the wheel

A new analysis of data from New York State has revealed that less than half of those who took a driving test in New York City last year passed the on-road exam. According to the New York Daily News, a total of 46 percent of the 181,196 individuals who took the basic road test in 2012 passed the assessment, down from 52 percent the year prior. Not surprisingly, the American Automobile Association and driving school owners point to the fact that schools have cut driver's education in an attempt to save money as the main culprit behind the slide. Ill-qualified family members often step in to fill the educational gap, and the result is young drivers who aren't properly prepared for a road test.

In New York, those applying for a driver's license are required to first get a learner's permit and complete a five-hour driving course. New drivers under the age of 18 must complete 50 hours of driving practice while supervised by a licensed driver. The state requires 15 of those hours to be at night.

More than 50% of NY drivers fail basic road test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drivers licensedriving testnew york citynew york drivers fail driving testnew york statetest Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617655/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/more-than-50-of-ny-drivers-fail-basic-road-test/20617655/article-detail.xml 20617655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/crazed-teen-girl-motorist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/crazed-teen-girl-motorist.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit's infamous Packard plant headed for auction block]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/detroits-infamous-packard-plant-headed-for-auction-block/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/detroits-infamous-packard-plant-headed-for-auction-block/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/detroits-infamous-packard-plant-headed-for-auction-block/#comments Filed under: ,

Detroit's abandoned Packard plant complex

Crain's Detroit Business reports Detroit's abandoned Packard plant is set to come up for auction this September. Wayne County officially foreclosed on the property this year due to tax delinquency. The owner owed around $975,000 on the 43 parcels that make up the old manufacturing site, and bidding is expected to start at that figure. All of the parcels will be sold together as a bundled property, but if the plant fails to sell, Wayne County will put it up for auction again in October at a bundled $500 per parcel. That means that in theory, someone could walk away with the whole site for a mere $21,500.

Originally constructed in 1903, the plant covers 3.5 million square feet of floor area. Though the Packard auto brand closed up shop in 1958, other small businesses have used portions of the facility for a range of endeavors, including simple storage. Recent years have seen the plant devolve into an empty hulk, with scrappers, vandals and graffiti artists having their way with the sites many buildings.

The city of Detroit has been working to foreclose on the property for years, but wound up tangled in a legal dispute over who actually owns the land.

Detroit's infamous Packard plant headed for auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auctionblightdetroitpackardpackard plantpackard plant auctionruin porn Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617378/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/detroits-infamous-packard-plant-headed-for-auction-block/20617378/article-detail.xml 20617378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/detroit-packard-plant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/detroit-packard-plant.jpg <![CDATA[Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab

US District Judge Gershwin Drain has dismissed a $3-billion lawsuit Spyker filed against General Motors. In the suit, Spyker accused GM of attempting to bankrupt Saab after the US automaker had already sold the company to Spyker. GM in effect blocked the sale of Saab to China's Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Company by prohibiting the transfer of some of its intellectual property. But the court found that GM had a "contractual right" to approve or disapprove any change of ownership. Furthermore, Reuters reports Judge Drain said the contract between GM and Spyker "is clear, unambiguous and absolute" on the matter.

GM, meanwhile, says it is pleased with the ruling. Spyker CEO Victor Muller has not said whether or not his company will appeal the ruling. The Dutch automaker is expected to make a final decision once the court issues its written order on the case.

You can read the official Spyker press release about the court ruling below for more information.

Continue reading Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out

Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmsaabspykerspyker lawsuitvictor mulleryoungman Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20616204/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20616204/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/20616204/article-detail.xml 20616204 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/saab-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/saab-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Canada announces alignment of emissions standards with US]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/canada-announces-alignment-of-emissions-standards-with-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/canada-announces-alignment-of-emissions-standards-with-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/canada-announces-alignment-of-emissions-standards-with-us/#comments Filed under: ,

Canada's Environment Minister Peter Kent

Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister, has announced his country will adopt the United States Tier 3 emissions standards for passenger vehicles. Kent (shown above) says doing so will reduce air pollution from new vehicles by around 80 percent compared to the old Tier 2 standards currently in place. The Tier 3 standards will include tighter limits on the amount of emissions from new cars and light trucks as well as reduce the amount of sulfur in gasoline from 30 parts per million to 10 parts per million.

The Global Automakers of Canada, an industry association comprised of 15 different manufacturers, has come out in support of the move, saying the new standards are a step toward reducing emissions to the benefit of all Canadians. The group also said the move will help spur automakers to embrace new technologies. And since most new cars and trucks sold in Canada are also available in the US, the necessary recalibrations should be quite easy to perform.

The Canadian Fuels Association and Toyota have also voiced their support for the policy change. For more, check out the official press release from Environment Canada below.

Continue reading Canada announces alignment of emissions standards with US

Canada announces alignment of emissions standards with US originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto emissionscanadacanadian carscar emissionsemissionsenvironment canadaenvironmental ministerglobal automakers of canadapeter kenttier 3tier 3 emissions Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20606164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20606164/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/canada-announces-alignment-of-emissions-standards-with-us/20606164/article-detail.xml 20606164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/canadas-environment-minister-peter-kent_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/canadas-environment-minister-peter-kent.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #336 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Autoblog podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #336 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #336
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #336 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollaappleapple iosapple ios for carsautoblog podcast topicsios for carsjeepjeep fuel tankjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep nhtsanhtsapodcastpodcast topicstoyota Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20607131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20607131/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/20607131/article-detail.xml 20607131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Auto exec Bob Lutz interviewed by reporters

Bob Lutz, the well-known executive with a range of automakers including both General Motors and Chrysler, says he supports Chrysler for not caving under federal pressure to issue a recall on 2.7 million Jeep vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is arguing that the plastic fuel tanks positioned behind the axles of certain 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee models and 2002-2007 Liberty models may become punctured in a collision and potentially catch fire, so it has called upon Chrysler to recall the vehicles. 15 deaths and 46 injuries have been attributed to the issue. For its part, Chrysler has maintained that its models "met and exceeded" all safety applicable mandates when they were manufactured, and furthermore, they argue that the government agency's own data proves that the vehicles are no more dangerous than similar SUVs produced by other automakers at the time. As a result, it is taking the unusual step of refusing to recall the vehicles.

According to The Detroit News, Lutz says Chrysler is right to push back when the government is out of line. Lutz also said that he wished he could have done the same when NHTSA urged Chrysler to issue a recall on certain minivans back when he was with the automaker 25 years ago.

Meanwhile, United Auto Workers Vice President General Holiefield also defended Chrysler by saying, "Our legendary Jeeps are crafted with pride by our dedicated UAW American workforce who work tirelessly to ensure the utmost quality of each Jeep that is produced for customers."

Who do you think is in the right, Chrysler or NHTSA? Vote in our poll below, then have your say in Comments.

View Poll

Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzchryslerjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsauawunited auto workers Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605515/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/20605515/article-detail.xml 20605515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview.jpg <![CDATA[Federal investigations about safety of rear-mounted gas tanks is nothing new]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee wireframe drawing

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Chrysler are currently making waves in our daily news feeds due to a disagreement over the safety of a few million Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee models. Specifically, NHTSA has asked Chrysler to recall the SUVs because of the location of their fuel tanks, but you may be interested to know that requests such as this are nothing new.

Besides the two Jeep models, NHTSA has launched investigations over the years in such models as the Ford Crown Victoria (and its police-car counterpart), GM pickups built between 1972 and 1987, and rather famously the Ford Pinto.

Understanding how automakers and NHTSA have dealt with fuel-tank-safety concerns in the past may offer a better understanding of how Chrysler and the government agency will settle their current dispute. Check out the complete article from The Detroit News here.

Federal investigations about safety of rear-mounted gas tanks is nothing new originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel tankgas tank recalljeepjeep gas tankjeep grand cherokeejeep libertynhtsarecall Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602454/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/20602454/article-detail.xml 20602454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-grand-cherokee-drawing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-grand-cherokee-drawing.jpg <![CDATA[Distracted driving blamed for 7.3 million red light violations]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/distracted-driving-blamed-for-7-3-million-red-light-violations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/distracted-driving-blamed-for-7-3-million-red-light-violations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/distracted-driving-blamed-for-7-3-million-red-light-violations/#comments Filed under: ,

Stoplight

A new study commissioned by the National Coalition for Safer Roads and FocusDriven has found that roughly 12 percent of red light violations are caused by distracted driving. The research looked at 118 intersections in 19 communities over a three-month time span. After reviewing stoplight camera images from those intersections, researchers found that approximately 12 percent could be attributed to distracted driving. Extrapolating that evidence to the US at large, the two safety organizations claim distracted driving could be responsible for as many as 7.3 million red light infractions per year.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has said drivers running red lights is the leading cause of accidents in urban settings. Combine that with the fact that the National Safety Council has singled out cell phone use as a factor in 21 percent of all crashes and it's easy to see reason for concern. You can read the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Distracted driving blamed for 7.3 million red light violations

Distracted driving blamed for 7.3 million red light violations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> focus drivennational coalition for safer roadsstop lightstop light camerastop lightsstudy Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603480/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/08/distracted-driving-blamed-for-7-3-million-red-light-violations/20603480/article-detail.xml 20603480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/roa0099.jpg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/roa0099.jpg.jpg <![CDATA[Treasury poised to sell off 30 million more GM shares]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/#comments Filed under: , , ,

GM stock debuts on NYSE - CEO Dan Akerson rings the bell

The next step in the US Treasury's efforts to eliminate its financial interests in General Motors will involve the sale of 30 million shares of the automaker's stock. The government's move to divest itself of GM is all part of a larger plan to sell the remaining 300 million shares of stock it received in compensation for the 2009 bailout of the then-failing automaker. The US Treasury plans to sell off all remaining stock - around 18-percent of GM - by early next year, yet this 30 million share sell-off, which may happen today, is a much smaller divestment than the 200-million shares it sold back to GM in December for $5.5 billion. The United Auto Workers, whose retiree medical trust also owns a large chunk of The General, will also sell off 20 million shares in this latest offering.

According to The New York Times, the sale is timed in tandem with GM's return to Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, a mental milestone of sorts that many investors believe will help improve the company's under-performing stock. GM is taking the spot on the S&P 500 formerly occupied by H.J. Heinz, the Pittsburg-based food conglomerate that has gone private thanks to investment by Berkshire Hathaway and investment firm 3G Capital.

At the time of this writing, GM stock is trading at $34.04 a share, a little above its initial public offering price of $33 back in November 2010.

Treasury poised to sell off 30 million more GM shares originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> department of the treasurygmgm bankruptcygm stockstandard and poorstreasury departmentuawus treasuryveba Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20601738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20601738/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/20601738/article-detail.xml 20601738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-lists-on-nyse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-lists-on-nyse.jpg -1 2