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OnStar Apps For The Chevrolet Volt EV

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Chevrolet and OnStar unveiled the first working smartphone application that will allow owners 24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely. The first to receive this new technology will be the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle which is scheduled to hit the show rooms later this year.

The Chevrolet Volt OnStar smartphone application is designed to enhance the Volt ownership experience with interaction and control never offered before.

  • With this application, owners will be able to remotely monitor and charge their vehicle and can be sent an e-mail informing them of the status.
  • Traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock and remote horn and lights – which have typically been accessible only through a call into the OnStar call center – will now be available via the application.
  • Volt drivers can also view and manage vehicle systems and commands from the vehicle, the internet or through a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.
  • The new services, including the ability to read text messages aloud, play music from the Internet-based provider Pandora and post updates to Facebook, won’t be available for a few months, but these and other apps are in the testing phase.
  • Additional upgrades that OnStar is planning include hardware to turn the cars into roving Wi-Fi hotspots. This will allow passengers to share the wireless Internet connection using other devices, like laptops and tablet computers, in the car. The Wi-Fi option won’t appear in 2011 models, but they could be upgraded with U.S.B. attached Wi-Fi routers in the future.

Chris Preuss, president of OnStar said that OnStar is taking a measured approach and is sensitive to the issue of driver distractions. “There’s the issue of what you can do, and then there’s the issue of what you should do,” he said. “We are going to be extremely vigilant on this issue. Just because something is possible, doesn’t always mean we should do it.”

Toyota Rav4 EV Debuts At The LA Auto Show

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It is no secret that Toyota and Tesla have joined forces to develop an all electric Rav4 that they hope will shake up the electric vehicle market. Tesla has already delivered a working RAV4 EV to Toyota earlier this summer and will debut it to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The vehicle is likely to be one of the stars of the Auto Show, which traditionally hosts “green” vehicle debuts. GM’s Chevy Volt and Nissans Leaf will also be there, but Toyota’s Rav4 hopes to attract the consumer who wants an electric vehicle, but wants something bigger than a compact car.

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 the “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. 2007 BMW 335i Full buy back Rosamond, CA 28,619 miles
  • 2. 2009 Mercedes Benz G550 Cash and Keep Rowland Heights, CA 10,143 miles
  • 3. 2008 Nissan 350Z Full buy back Murietta, CA 36,475 miles
  • 4. 2008 Toyota Prius Full buy back Palm Desert, CA 77,000 miles
  • 5. 2008 GMC Yukon XL Full buy back Santa Ana, CA 27,432 miles
  • 6. 2007 Lexus ES350 Full buy back West Hills, CA 18,307 miles
  • 7. 2006 Saab Cash and Keep San Francisco, CA 49,408 miles
  • 8. 2008 Buick Enclave Full buy back Culver City, CA 22,839 miles
  • 9. 2009 Harley Davidson FXDB Replacement Redlands, CA 618 miles
  • 10. 2005 Cadillac XLR Full buy back Los Angeles, CA 54,065 miles
  • 11. 2007 VW Jetta Full buy back Alpine, CA 43,938 miles
  • 12. 2008 BMW 550i Full buy back Fountain Valley, CA 19,548 miles
  • 13. 2006 Audi A4 Cash and Keep Newport Beach, CA 45,103 miles
  • 14. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Full buy back San Francisco, CA 2,291 miles
  • 15. 2006 Nissan Altima Full buy back Burbank, CA 36,378 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

Automobile Recalls For August 2010

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Below are some of the automobile recalls for August 2010

  • Honda is recalling some 2010 Elements with automatic transmission manufactured between April 01, 2010 through June 25, 2010. The cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly during assembly which could result in the key getting stuck in the ignition or the inability to shift into or out of park or reverse. While some Element owners have been contacted by phone about the problem, most owners will be notified through mail. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Honda is recalling some 2003 Accord and 2003-2004 Element vehicles for ignition interlock levers which could deform allowing the key to be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is not in park. Dealers will replace the levers with a new design free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Mazda is recalling some 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured form April 02, 2007 to November 30, 2008. These vehicle may experience sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Due to a shortage of parts, the recall will be carried out in two phases. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Armada vehicles manufactured between June 07, 2010 to June 11, 2010 for second row center seat hinge assemblies that were manufactured out of specification. The seat may not lock in the upright position which could lead to injuries during an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace defective assemblies. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Frontier king cab vehicles manufactured between June 10, 2010 and June 26, 2010. The weld between the tether anchor and the seat bracket is out of specification which could result in the tether anchor separating from the seat. The seat gusset will be replaced with a new one free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Ignition Coil Problems For Volkswagen

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volkswagen ignition coil recallVolkswagen is conducting a voluntary emissions service program to inspect and, if necessary, replace ignition coils installed in some 2001 to 2007 Volkswagen vehicles. The coils in some of these vehicles are prone to malfunction under certain conditions, which could lead to poor engine performance, decreased fuel economy, increased vehicle emissions, and an illuminating Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

If the MIL should illuminate, you should take your vehicle to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible to avoid damaging the vehicle. If you vehicle is not experiencing any problems, it is safe to continue driving until you receive a notification to bring it in. Because of a shortage of parts, customer vehicles with immediate needs will be dealt with first. Some vehicles have already been equipped with the latest version of the parts and are not included in this campaign.

If you have paid to have ignition coils replaced in your Volkswagen prior to this program, you may be eligible for reimbursement. For further information, please contact Volkswagen Customer Care at: 888.683.9156 (United States) or 888.595.8228 (Canada). For more information, go to http://www.vwcoils.com/.

First Chevy Cruze For The US Market

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Yesterday, GM’s first Chevrolet Cruze for the United States market, rolled off the assembly line in Lordstown, Ohio. The car first made its debut at the last LA Auto Show, and has been GM’s second best seller overseas after their Silverado pickup trucks.

The Cruze is GM’s most significant new model introduced into the United States since last year’s bankruptcy. With the forty miles per gallon fuel consumption on the highway, they hope to break into the fuel efficient market that they gave up to imports thirty years ago. With an emphasis on safety, like ten air bags and traction control as standard equipment, they hope to make the Cruze stand out from all other models.

While the Cruze costs a little more than most of its competitors, G.M. argues that it provides a better value with extras like air-conditioning and power locks that are basics in high end models but extra on most compacts. That approach helps the Cruze generate more revenue and allows the car to be built profitably at a union plant in the United States. (Most competing compact cars are built at nonunion plants or in other countries.)

To build the Cruze, G.M. added a third shift at the Lordstown plant after being downsized to a single shift during the height of the recession. The plant now has about 4,500 workers, including 800 who transferred from elsewhere at G.M.

Pet Distractions While Driving

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There are many stories about the dangers of drivers becoming distracted by their cell phones while driving. The problem has become so wide spread that some states have brought in laws that prevent drivers from using their phones completely while behind the wheel. The government spends millions of dollars every year, on programs to catch anyone who ignores these laws.

A new survey done by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that pets riding in cars can be just as distracting to drivers as texting while driving. One in five dog owners say that they let their dogs sit on their lap while driving. Owners have also addmitted to petting, playing and feeding their dogs while driving. With reports like these, it is not surprising that 60% of pet owners say that they have been distracted at least once by their pets while behind the wheel. Even a well behaved dog can become a hazard in a vehicle during hard braking or quick maneuvering situations.

For now, there are no laws requiring drivers to buckle up their pets or prohibiting them from holding animals on their laps. But police can ticket drivers for having an obstructed view of the road or being obstructed from using the steering wheel and other mechanisms in the vehicle.

Jaguar’s 2011 XJ Offers A Sleek Design

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In March of 2008, when Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, some feared the sale would alienate the typical Jaguar owner. Based on early sales figures, this just isn’t true.

The XJ model has been one of the best sellers for Jaguar since it was introduced in 1968. Over the years the car has undergone major redesigns, but never really strayed far from the original model. The new 2011 XJ model is said to have a “wow factor that has smitten those who thought the XJ model had become too old school.”

“We are trying to bring the word ‘sleek’ back to Jaguar styling,” said Ian Callum, chief designer.

  • The dashboard has been redesigned nine inches lower, giving the cabin a roomy feeling.
  • The new interior is one of the most elegant in the industry, with soft grain leather trimmed with choice wood or carbon fiber.
  • The mechanical components of the XJ is basically the same as its predecessor, but with key refinements.
  • The exterior still has the same luxurious Jaguar look, but with a thoroughly modern design.

It seems that the transition of Jaguar from Ford to Tata motors has been a smooth one. With the help of Ford, Jaguar continues to offer the luxury and design their customers expect.