Automobile leasing has traditionally been used by high end automakers as a way of making their vehicles more accessible for consumers. High used car prices, low interest rates and Americans’ tendency to buy vehicles based on monthly payments, now has automakers using the strategy to sell more moderately priced vehicles as well. This selling tactic has resulted in strong sales with leases accounting for approximately 26 percent of new vehicles purchased, the highest it has been since 2007. Continue reading
Chevy Corvette Loss Of Headlight Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into certain 2005-2007 Corvette and Corvette Z06 vehicles after receiving thirty reports from consumers complaining of loss of headlights after 5 to 30 minutes of driving. Continue reading
Ford Sedans May Experience Loss Of Steering
Ford have announced that they will be recalling certain 2005-2011 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury sedans because the steering column lower bearing could separate, resulting in loss of steering and an increased risk of an accident. The NHTSA Campaign number is 13V385000. The recall affects approximately 355,000 vehicles, including: Continue reading
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Headliner Fire Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened a preliminary investigation into certain 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles after receiving complaints of the passenger side headliners catching on fire. Continue reading
Nissan Says Autonomous Driving By 2020
In a news release this week, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Nissan, said that the Japanese automobile manufacturer hopes to be selling their first commercially viable autonomous vehicle by 2020. The automaker said that the technology will be offered in several different models and will be realistically priced for most consumers. Continue reading
2012 Chevy Cruze Brake Assist Problem
General Motors will be recalling certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions because the vehicles could experience an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist. (The NHTSA Campaign Number is 13V360000) Continue reading
Fiat 500E Power Train Problem
Chrysler is recalling certain 2013 Fiat 500E electric vehicles manufactured December 16, 2012, through August 13, 2013, because bolts in the half shaft joints may not be engineered correctly. The NHTSA Campaign Number is13V358000. The recall affects 491 vehicles. Continue reading
Ford C-Max Owners Reimbursed For Poor Mileage
Criticisms against the reported fuel economy on Fords C-Max hybrid vehicles has led the automobile manufacturer to restate the cars mileage ratings and issue special payments to people who bought the vehicle. Earlier this year, controversy over inaccurate fuel economy ratings led some manufacturers to suggest the problem is in how the government ratings are calculated. They say the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels do not require separate fuel rating tests for vehicles that share the same engine, transmission and weight class, but because of things like aerodynamic design, the fuel economy is not always identical. The mileage can also be affected by driving habits and weather conditions. Continue reading
