Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
Electric Cars Get Top Crash Test Ratings
When the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, hit the market, they were advertised as being easy on the pocketbook and good for the environment. Because of their size and weight, may consumers had concerns that safety may have been compromised in order to meet the promised fuel efficiency. Recent crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown that this just isn’t true. In fact, both cars have received “Top Safety Ratings” receiving the highest possible ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. According to Joe Nolan, the IIHS chief administrative officer, Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to an electric vehicle should not think twice about buying a Leaf or Volt for highway driving. General Motors and Nissan have shown that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fuel economy.
NHTSA Investigates Ford Freestyle SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Ford Motor’s Freestyle crossover SUV after receiving almost 240 complaints of unintended lunging. Reports filed with the NHTSA say that the vehicles lunged forward at low speeds when the driver’s foot was not on the accelerator pedal. 18 of the reports claimed to have resulted in an accident, including one with minor injuries. Owner said that the problem seemed to have worsened when the vehicles’ air conditioning was turned on or the steering was turned sharply. Spokesperson for the Michigan based automaker said that, Ford will fully cooperate with the NHTSA in an attempt to rectify the problem. The investigation will include about 170,000 Ford Freestyle SUV’s, of the 2005 to 2007 model years.
Saab Automotive Future Questionable
The future of Saab is once again being questioned after negotiations between Spyker Cars and China’s Hawtai Motor Group were terminated. Saab hoped that money obtained through the million dollar agreement, would allow Saab to reopen their Sweden factories, which have been closed since April due to lack of credit from suppliers. Hawtai confirmed that talks have fallen through saying that both sides were unable to reach an agreement in the allowed time frame, but hope that negotiations will continue. The lack of consensus of the deal is being blamed on a hasty agreement put together by Spyker’s chief executive and chairman before full approval was obtained from its backers.
Spyker also continues to remain in discussion with another potential investor, the Russian businessman Vladimir A. Antonov. Negotiations between the two parties was blocked last year by G.M before they sold the Swedish automaker. Allegations of suspicious financial dealings was the reason for the breakdown of those negotiations.
Update
Things are starting to look better for Saab today as they signed a tentative deal with one of the largest publicly traded car distributors in China. The finance and import deal with Pangda Automobile Trade, comes after several negotiation collapsed with other potential Chinese partners. Under the agreement, Saab will receive $63 million for an unspecified number cars, plus almost $90 million for equity in Spyker Automotive, giving them some control in Spyker and Sabb management. The deal will include a joint venture to make and distribute cars in China under the Saab brand and a new brand not yet announced. According to Victor Muller, chief executive of Spyker and Saab, “The agreement is a tremendous boost for the company, allowing them to sell imported Saabs in China.”
Brake Recall For GMC Savanna And Chevy Express
General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
Ford Uses Dandelion Rubber For Auto Parts
For most people, Dandelions are a pest, and many do what ever they can to get them get rid of them. The Ford Motor Company in conjunction with Ohio State University plans to turn this common weed into a replacement for synthetic rubber to be used for automotive applications such as floor mats, cup holders and interior trim.
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is a Russian Dandelion or Rubber Root that has been used for its production of high quality rubber as far back as 1932. The Ohio State Agricultural Research and Development Center is growing TKS for Ford, hoping that the rubber produced will be durable enough for automotive applications. Before the Dandelion rubber can be used in automotive applications, Ford will test how it performs with different plastics to make sure it is durable enough. Ford has been experimenting with alternative building materials for automobiles for some time now. The company currently uses soy foam and wheat straw in seats and other components of its vehicles.
Unfixed Recalls Could Be Dangerous
With millions of recalls issued every year, it is not surprising that an estimated 25% are never fixed. Even though new car dealerships are forbidden from selling vehicles with open recalls, there’s no similar requirements for used car dealerships. According to Clarence Dithlow, the executive director for the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, “Every safety defect is serious and should be fixed, and better regulation is needed to ensure that they are.”
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADE) opposes any legal mandate that would prohibit a dealer from selling a vehicle with open recalls, because forcing used car dealerships will impose major costs and burdens on used car commerce. They say that it is the responsibilities of owners of pre-owned vehicles to investigate if a recall has been issued for their vehicle.
Ford F150 Investigation Into Fuel Tanks
An investigation into fuel tank problems could have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalling Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The investigation was started a year ago after 32 complaints of fuel tanks falling off. Today over 240 complaints have been received, with 95% of the reported incidents resulting in fuel spillage. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost three million 1997-2001 F-150 trucks could be recalled. Ford is cooperating with the NHTSA and encourages owners to contact their local dealer if they have any questions about the investigation.
