Autoblog

9 of 10 drivers want assist technology, but fewer than half want self-driving cars

George Kennedy — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST

Do you want a car with the latest in lane-departure warning, parking sensors, and the like? According to The Detroit News, interest in active safety features like those does not necessarily mean you want a self-driving car.

The paper cites a study of more than 2,500 drivers over the age of 18, commissioned by Ford, which found that nine out of ten drivers were interested in active safety tech.

According to the study, 60 percent of drivers blame blind spots for accidents, while 40 percent are actually afraid of parallel parking. Additionally, nearly half of the drivers surveyed have admitted to falling asleep while driving or know someone who has.

The study was conducted by market-research firm Penn Schoen Berland, and found that while drivers want driver-assist technologies, many are not aware of some that are already available.

Since Ford was the automaker to commission the study, it was quick to point out that the 2013 Fusion offers 10 such driver aids, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a rear view camera, among other features. It should also be noted that many of these features are also available on new Nissan, Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota vehicles.

As for the self driving car? The people have spoken, and more than half are interested, but only 39 percent said they could be comfortable driving an autonomous vehicle. Scroll down to check out the press release from Ford and their findings.

Continue reading 9 of 10 drivers want assist technology, but fewer than half want self-driving cars

9 of 10 drivers want assist technology, but fewer than half want self-driving cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Scott Burgess resumes role as auto critic for The Detroit News

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Following an official apology by his former and once again present editors, Scott Burgess, auto critic for The Detroit News, has returned to the newspaper. Burgess had resigned after changes were made to a review he had written that criticized the 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan, apparently in response to complaints made by parties that advertised with the paper. Naturally, we wish Burgess the best of luck with his reborn career with The Detroit News. [Source: Jalopnik]

Followup: Scott Burgess resumes role as auto critic for The Detroit News originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Detroit News apologizes

Dan Roth — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler

"I owe our readers an explanation and an apology for the lapse that raised questions about our credibility" writes Detroit News publisher Jonathan Wolman today in a response to the blowback caused by the paper's decision to weaken a review of the Chrysler 200 in response to advertiser demands. The decision to edit the online version of the review, which had already appeared in its original form in print, caused longtime auto reviewer Scott Burgess to resign rather than sacrifice his integrity. Burgess discussed the matter this week during a live appearance on Autoline After Hours and in a reader Q&A session at Jalopnik, which broke the story on Wednesday.

Wolman argues that Burgess was asked to "soften a few passages," but that "there was no effort to change Scott's verdict or his reasoning."

Why bother, then? The excuse that "our intent was to improve the piece by making these passages less grating" is an exceptionally thin attempt to cover the paper's backside. Nobody found it "grating" as the paper went to press, but suddenly, web readers are going to start bleeding from their eye sockets when Burgess rightly points out that while the Chrysler 200 is an improvement over the Sebring, that's all it is? This affair hasn't just "raised questions" about the paper's integrity; rather, it's all but ensured that The Detroit News will be viewed skeptically by many people going forward.

For his part, Scott Burgess states that he feels The Detroit News remains a source worthy of readers' trust. In a comment to Jalopnik readers, he says,

"I think nearly every print publication -- including The Detroit News -- are trustworthy. The reason this became a big deal is because it is so rare, it never happened before and it certainly won't happen again at the paper. In 15 plus years I had never had anything close to this happen to me. Journalists are a dogged group of people who work extremely hard, are typically underpaid and want to do the right thing.

In recent years, we've seen a lot of polarization of issues and I think that's been more of a threat from online the changing ways people consumer media. There are a lot more voices out there and papers shouldn't feel threatened by them, they should embrace them. I have always enjoyed the discussion, the debate, thoughtful response and evolution of ideas. There seems to less of that nowadays."

Advertisers must sell product, and it's natural for an auto dealership to complain about negative reviews of the wares it sells. It's also not a stretch to understand how a newspaper would pay attention to an unsatisfied car dealer, as automotive ads are one of the biggest sources of revenue to newspapers. Still, that doesn't get Wolman or The Detroit News off the hook, and a carefully-worded apology is too little, too late when the appropriate action would have been to back up the staff of "expert writers" the apology glowingly brags about.

[Source: The Detroit News]

The Detroit News apologizes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Detroit News explains resigning of auto critic Burgess [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Scott Burgess on Autoline After Hours - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Detroit News has set about attempting to explain its side of a recent flap that caused the paper's auto critic, Scott Burgess, to leave the publication. During a recent recording of Autoline After Hours, Burgess said that he left the paper because of the motivations behind the editing of his review of the 2011 Chrysler 200.

Burgess said that on March 11, he was told that an advertiser with the paper had complained about certain language in the review and that he was to remove portions of the copy from a version of the article published online. Burgess did so, but said that he later regretted the move and resigned from the paper.

The Detroit News Editor and Publisher, Jonathan Wolman, meanwhile said that the changes to the copy in no way changed the overall conceit behind the Burgess review. Instead, it simply removed text that was "especially grating." Wolman said that the overall intent wasn't to make the piece softer on the 200, but was to make editing improvements. Wolman acknowledged that his publication had received a complaint from an advertiser about the article. The Detroit News has since republished the review in its original form. Click past the jump to watch Burgess explain things on Autoline After Hours.

[Sources: The Detroit News, Autoline After Hours]

Continue reading Followup: Detroit News explains resigning of auto critic Burgess [w/video]

Followup: Detroit News explains resigning of auto critic Burgess [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit News auto critic resigns. Was it because paper bowed to advertiser pressure?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Auto critic Scott Burgess has reportedly resigned his post at The Detroit News effective immediately. The well-respected scribe gave no reason for his sudden departure from the paper, but Jalopnik is citing unnamed sources who claim the writer's departure was spurred on by the unthinkable; a review that was neutered to appease an unnamed advertiser that wasn't Chrysler.

The review in question was for the Chrysler 200, which has been substantially updated (apparently not enough) for 2011. Yes, the same 200 that was featured in the excellent "Imported from Detroit" ad that Chrysler spent millions on to air during the Super Bowl, and the same vehicle that is essentially a reworked Sebring.

We don't have an official account detailing why Burgess called it quits, but the following facts are cut and dry. In the original review, which hit newsstands last week Thursday, Burgess called the 200 "a dog," adding "If this is the best vehicle Detroit exports, then Glenn Beck is right." Nice zinger, but unfortunately it didn't make its way to the online version of the review. The online version of the review was clearly diluted at least seven times (you can see all the editorial deletes/rewrites on Jalopnik), taking the edge off of an otherwise scathing account that paints the 200 as coming up short against the midsize competition.

While The Detroit News hasn't admitted to any inappropriate behavior and the advertiser in question is still unknown, evidence points to this whole thing stinking to high hell. If this turns out to be true then we tip our hat to Mr. Burgess for standing up for what he believes in, and for Jalopnik for bringing this to light.

[Source: Jalopnik | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Detroit News auto critic resigns. Was it because paper bowed to advertiser pressure? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge hipper than ever says Ralph Gillies

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

Ralph Gilles reports that the halls of Dodge are abuzz with enthusiasm since Fiat rescued Chrysler. In an interview with The Detroit News, Gilles conveys his enthusiasm for the Dodge brand and the new direction it's headed. Among the most significant changes? 100,000-plus fans on Facebook for Dodge. To many, that figure may be nowhere near as important as the divorcing of Ram into its own sub-brand, but Gilles notes there was virtually no social media presence for Dodge just months ago. Brash moves like the Challenger commercials during the World Cup are also harbingers of what we're likely to see from Dodge, Gilles says.

Nuts-and-bolts developments like the horsepower rating of the Pentastar V6 in the new Challenger, the continuation of the Durango name and the possibility of a new Viper find Gilles being more coy. It's an encouraging chat for anyone concerned with the future of Dodge. Gilles seems genuinely enthusiastic about the different directions Dodge is going to get its brand engaging with fans and customers. There's an apparel line that's done surprisngly well, a new NASCAR Challenger, more grassroots focus and it all means that you should expect to see Dodge popping up in unexpected places. The most important, and perhaps still unexpected place you'll see Dodge showing up soon is the auto show stand. Dodge and parent Chrysler are set to introduce a slew of new models in the coming months. If they're as good as they need to be, we'll be giddy like Gilles, too.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Dodge hipper than ever says Ralph Gillies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan for accelerator pedal entrapment due to floormat stacking *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

After the big mess that was the Toyota recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is taking quick action when any reports of accelerator pedal entrapment are reported. Case in point: The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are being investigated after NHTSA received only three instances of floor mats hindering the gas pedal's movement. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

A grand total of 249,301 cars are being investigated over this potential problem with Ford's all-weather floor mats, and we'll have more details as they arise. Here's hoping we don't have to relive the Toyota debacle all over again.

*UPDATE: We spoke with Said Deep, Ford's global product communications manager, who points out that NHTSA's investigation relates to instances where the optional all-weather floor mats have been stacked on top of the factory-installed carpeted mats. Deep further outlines this, saying:

Ford does not recommend stacking floor mats in any vehicle from any automaker. In fact, Ford's all-weather floor mats have these instructions printed on the top of every driver's mat. We are not aware of any customer complaints or any accidents related to 2010 Fusions and Milans with properly installed floor mats.

Ford will be fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA investigating 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan for accelerator pedal entrapment due to floormat stacking *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday

Chris Paukert — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mercury

2008 Mercury Sable - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercury's born-again Sable sedan is dead again - or, more accurately, it will be come so on Thursday. According to The Detroit News, Ford's gussied-up Taurus (itself a gussied-up Five Hundred) will expire later this week, leaving Mercury with just four models: the Milan, Mariner, Mountaineer, and Grand Marquis.

And while the Taurus is getting a brand-spanking new replacement model for 2010, a Sable stablemate is apparently not in the cards, in large measure because Ford reportedly chose to spend more money on developing and marketing its Taurus replacement.

Ford's middle-tier brand is expected to lose both the Mountaineer and Grand Marquis within the next couple of model years, and the only new product mooted for the waterfall-grille brand is a new small car that has yet-to-be confirmed.

Eerily, the Blue Oval recently tested the small car waters for its Lincoln luxury brand with its Concept C showcar that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The presence of the tidy Euro-look hatchback once again set tongues wagging that Ford may be pondering whether or not to axe the Mercury marque altogether. For its part, Blue Oval officials dismiss such plans, but there is no denying that Mercury's stable is getting smaller, and at the moment, little product appears to be in the replacement pipeline.

According to the DetNews, Ford sold just 1,158 Sables in April, a drop of nearly 40% year-over-year versus 2008.

Gallery: 2008 Mercury Sable

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ironic or appropriate? Wagoner up for "Michiganian of the Year"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

Depending on your point of view, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner could either be considered a Godsend or a pariah that represents all that's currently wrong with the country. Of course, we're referring mainly to the automotive bailout that the CEO helped (or hindered, again depending on your viewpoint) negotiate with the Feds and its impact on the jobs of thousands of Michigan workers. Regardless, Mr. Wagoner has been nominated for the "Michiganian of the Year" trophy by The Detroit News. That oughtta ruffle a few feathers.

Also up for the award, and perhaps equally as divisive, is John Dingell, the recently displaced chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. These men are just two of the choices mentioned by the newspaper, which has polled Michigan residents annually since 1978 for the award. Submissions are now open, and you can either cast a vote towards one of the preselected candidates or fill in your own.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ironic or appropriate? Wagoner up for "Michiganian of the Year" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit News web poll asks if buying a foreign car is un-American

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

It's really hard to figure what's dumber here: the Detroit News "CyberSurvey" that asks, in the wake of the vandalism (four cars) that took place in the Detroit area over the weekend, "Is buying a foreign car un-American?" or the fact that 60% of respondents answer it in the affirmative. Good grief. A quick refresher for everyone: the American thing is to buy whatever car you like. That's one of the nice things about living here, having the freedom to make that choice without it becoming a litmus test on your patriotism. Expect more stuff like this as the histrionics regarding the Detroit bailout climb to new heights with each passing day that doesn't include a White House press conference making it official.

[Source: The Detroit News via TTAC]

Detroit News web poll asks if buying a foreign car is un-American originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Compass gets dissed by consumer panel

Erin Mays — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Jeep

The Jeep Compass might be turning the heads of some consumers looking to the trail-rated brand for something new, but the ten members of the Detroit News Automotive Consumer Panel weren't impressed. While all ten said they would recommend the vehicle's sibling -- the Dodge Caliber -- to their friends, and six said they'd consider buying a Caliber themselves, just two of the ten would recommend the Compass to family or friends and none would consider buying one themselves. Calling the vehicle "ugly" and identifying it as something that is completely at odds with the Jeep brand, the panelists overwhelmingly gave the car two thumbs down after driving a few around town during the month of July.

Said one panelist, "Jeep, to me, no longer can justify having that 'rugged' reputation attached to its brand name. A Jeep is supposed to bellow 'run me into the ground.' Instead, this Jeep says, 'You guys want to go to the mall?'"

Let's hope, for Chrylser's sake, that the new Compass will overcome the opinions of these ten.

[Source: Detroit News]

Jeep Compass gets dissed by consumer panel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill Ford: cut the meetings

Erin Mays — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford

It's not really a new thing to most folks who work in a corporate setting. The higher up you go, the more meetings you sit in. At Ford, not anymore, says Chairman and CEO Bill Ford.

A memo written to corporate officers and senior execs by Bill Ford that made its way to the Detroit News said that he would be cutting down on the number of meetings, and even where a meeting is necessary, he would make sure that everybody in attendance absolutely needs to be there. In the memo, Ford stressed that meetings weren't seen-and-be-seen affairs or a continuation of "that's the way we've always done it;" rather, meetings have to have a strong bearing on turning the company around and getting the job done. The goal is to get folks at lower levels within the organization to make decisions on their own, hastening Ford's recovery.

The memo comes after Ford assumed some operating responsibilities after the retirement of Jim Padilla, former president and chief operating officer.

So what do you think? A step in the right direction, or a little bit of posturing?

[Source: Detroit News]

Bill Ford: cut the meetings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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