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Los Angeles Gridlock About To Get Worse

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In Los Angeles, the intersection of Interstate 405 and Sunset Boulevard is well known for its traffic delays and has just gotten worse with the recent $1.3 billion highway reconstruction project. The project, which is expected to take about three years, will bombard local residents with closed exit ramps, shut and narrow lanes, noisy night time construction and detours that will send traffic through residential neighborhoods.

People in Los Angeles often complain about traffic, but this construction project has an unusually broad reach. Not only does it make it almost impossible for commuters to get where they are going, it will also hurt any local businesses in the area as well as make it dangerous in residential neighborhoods due to the increased traffic.

This project is intended to complete a nonstop car-pool lane on the 405 from the 10 on the south side of Santa Monica to the 101 in the Valley. “If we didn’t do this, it would continue to be a nightmare,” said Michael Barbour, who is directing the project for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “I think that message has gotten across to the locals. They understand it. They are sucking it up over the next three years.” But the car pool lane is seen by some as taking a lane of traffic away from all commuters, since it is rare to find people in Los Angeles who are on the same schedules.

Automobile Recalls For July 2010

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Below are some of the automobile recalls for July 2010

  • Chrysler is recalling some 2010 left hand drive Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Ram 1500 trucks and right and left hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles that may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit brake tube assembly end flare. This could lead to a loss of brake fluid resulting to reduced braking. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
  • Ducati is recalling some 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles for several problems. The throttle cables may come in contact with the upper edge of the radiator, the center stand mounting screws may come loose during operation, and an incorrect screw may have been installed in the steering head. Dealers will correct these problems free of charge. Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696.
  • Ford is recalling certain 2010 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2008 to May 31, 2010. The headliner retention push pin located on the headliner above the b-pillar trim on both the left and right side of the vehicles needs to be replaced because it exceeds the head injury criteria requirement standards. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company at 1-866-436-7332.
  • Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2010 FXDF motorcycles with fork leg assemblies (LH P/N 48622-08, RH P/N 48623-08) manufactured from January 29 through February 9, 2010. The wrong springs used in these fork leg assemblies may reduce suspension effectiveness which may result in reduced traction and possibly affect parking stability. Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
  • Jaguar is recalling some 2010-2011 XK and 2010 XF V8 5.0L gasoline engine vehicles which may experience fuel starvation due to an incorrectly activated fuel pump relay. Dealers will download revised software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before August 30, 2010. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
  • Kawasaki is recalling certain 2009 EX650C9F/FL and 2010 EX650CAF/FL Ninja 650 motorcycles for cowlings that can interfere with the operator’s foot while braking. This could reduce the operator’s control over braking or distract the operator, creating the potential for a crash. Dealers will install an updated footrest guard and fairing bracket free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki Consumer Services Department at 1-866-802-9381.
  • Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles manufactured from August 24, 2001 through August 28, 2001. Due to an improper installation, the inflator housing may rupture, producing loose metal fragments that could injure the front passenger. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module assembly with a new one free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin August. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
  • Subaru is recalling some 2010 and 2011 Outback and Legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from April 28 to June 23, 2010. An omitted lubrication hole prevents the transmission gears from being lubricated, which will lead to the gears eventually breaking. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
  • Yamaha is recalling certain 2009 VMX17 motorcycles manufactured from June 2008 to March 2009. Excessive electrical resistance in the accelerator position sensors and throttle position sensors ground wire could lead to a dangerous unstable idle speed. Yamaha will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

Two Recalls For Mercedes Benz

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A recent recall on Mercedes Benz G-Class sport utility and G55 AMG model vehicles may give some off roader enthusiasts second thoughts about complying. About 2,000 2002-2009 G55 AMG models are violation federal lighting standard because of a grill guard designed to protect the headlamps while driving off road as well as about 3,500 G-class models from 2002-2010 have grills that cover the front turn signals. The fix for the recall is to remove the grills from in front of the headlamps and an improved reflector installed for the signal lights.

Mercedes will send owners notices of the recall, but neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Mercedes can force owners who like the extra protection to carry out the fix.

Our Recent Lemon Law Settlements In California

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Here at the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, we represent our clients to the highest legal standards. In over 22 years of helping California consumers, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases, with all vehicle manufacturers. We are especially proud of the fact that in more than 9 out of 10 of these cases we are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the settlements fast and stress free for our clients. The high standards we have set to represent only those clients with legitimate lemon law claims means that we do not compromise our integrity or reputation. Our goal is not to be “largest” lemon law firm in California, but to continue to be the best.

Below is a list of some of our most recent success stories where we helped consumers get settlements for their lemons:

  • 1. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Full buy back Alta Loma, CA 26,612 miles
  • 2. 2009 Honda Accord Full buy back Burbank, CA 10,845 miles
  • 3. 2004 Jaguar 3.0 S type Full buy back Aliso Viejo, CA 35,233 miles
  • 4. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Full buy back Concord, CA 45,500 miles
  • 5. 2006 Jeep Commander Full buy back Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 42,930 miles
  • 6. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Cash and Keep Irvine, CA 22,295 miles
  • 7. 2008 BMW 328i Full buy back Reseda, CA 30,496
  • 8. 2008 VW Passat Cash and Keep Panorama City, CA 40,869 miles
  • 9. 2005 Mercedes Benz SL 55 AMG Full buy back San Ramon, CA 40,103 miles
  • 10. 2008 Nissan Rogue Cash and Keep Whittier, CA 17,091 miles
  • 11. 2007 Land Rover Full buy back Los Angeles, CA 28,511 miles
  • 12. 2007 BMW X5 Full buy back Anaheim, CA 28,641 miles
  • 13. 2007 Toyota Tundra Full buy back Whittier, CA 19,492 miles
  • 14. 2007 Kia Rio Full buy back Santa Rosa, CA 62,825 miles
  • 15. 2007 Hyundai Vera Cruz Full buy back Upland, CA 40,111 miles

If you are in California and feel that you may have a lemon, contact our lemon law offices, or fill out our Lemon Law Case Review, for a FREE consultation.

Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)

  • California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
  • California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
  • California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
  • California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
  • California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
  • California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500

Honda Recalls Vehicles In North America

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On Monday, Honda Motor Co. announced that they would be recalling more than 428,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because the vehicles may roll away if parked incorrectly. The vehicles involved in this recall are 2003 and 2004 Accord, Civic, Element and some Acura 1.7 ELs.

The problem is with the ignition interlock lever, the device that stops the ignition key from being removed, when the vehicle is not in park. If the part fails, it is possible that the driver may think the car is in park when it is not.

The safety recall started with an inquiry from U.S. safety regulators in September 2008. By 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration upgraded its inquiry of the potential defect for the 2002 model year Accord. In early July, Honda and NHTSA representatives met to discuss the situation and on July 29 Honda determined that it had a safety defect with the ignition switch that demanded a recall.

Toyota Posts Quarterly Profit

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Despite the bad economy and the multiple safety recalls, Toyota has posted a $2.2 billion quarterly profit, the biggest in two years. While automobile manufacturers have been struggling to make a profit, Toyota sales in North America, Japan, and other Asian countries ended up being higher than what was first forecast. Analysts say that consumers have been buying Toyota due to their sale incentives such as zero percent financing and added free options. The company has also received government incentives for green vehicles such as the Prius hybrid. Whatever it is, it has caused the company’s shares to increase two percent. With Toyota’s increased awareness of safety and recalls, the company can’t help but to come out stronger.

New Design For Gas And Brake Pedal

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Masuyuki Naruse, a Japanese inventor in southwest Japan, says he has revolutionized the brake and accelerator pedals of automobiles, to make it safer for drivers. Naruse says the side by side pedal arrangement that exists today, makes it easy for drivers to mistakenly floor the accelerator, instead of brakes, when under stressful situations. His solution? A single pedal that accelerates the vehicle when pressed with the side of the foot, and brakes when the pedal is pushed down. Mr. Naruse’s pedal has been around for two decades, but until recently, his design has not been takes seriously. About 130 cars are equipped with Mr. Naruse’s pedal, mostly owned by friends and acquaintances. He holds patents for the Naruse Pedal in Japan, the United States and six other countries.

Ririko Takeuchi, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman for Toyota, said the company could not comment on Mr. Naruse’s pedal design. But she said Toyota “listens to ideas received from the public, because we believe there’s always room for improvement.”

Volvos Sale To Geely Motors Completed

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The sale of Volvo to Chinese car maker Geely is the first time a Chinese car maker has acquired 100 percent of a foreign rival. Li Shufu, chairman of Geely Holding, said that they would push to expand market shares around the world while keeping to the characteristics that made Volvo popular. Stefan Jacoby, the former head of Volkswagen of America, was named president and chief executive and will join the board of Volvo in August to determine the strategy of the company.

Ford bought Volvo for $6 billion in 1999 as part of a global push in which it also acquired Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Of those international luxury brands, Volvo is the last to be sold. Ford will now focuses on its core North American and European businesses. Ford, while emerging relatively healthy from the crisis during which General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection, is still struggling under about $27 billion in debt, and can use the funds from the Volvo sale to pay it off.

The Chinese car maker paid $1.3 billion cash and issued a $200 million note payable to Ford to complete the acquisition. Further payments are expected after an audit and final adjustments in Volvo’s value.