Improving Safety On The Road

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The death toll on U.S. highways for 2009 has been the lowest in 50 years, according to a federal Department of Transportation report earlier this month. We might think that we have become better drivers, but there are many factors that have contributed to this decline.

  • Safety features on cars have significantly improved in recent years. Technology like multiple airbags, electronic stability control, automatic tightening seat belts….once found only on expensive cars are now becoming standard, even on economy cars. Historically it is the luxury vehicle consumers who pay for this technology. Luxury car manufacturers develop the technology making it cheaper for other manufacturers to obtain.
  • Competition between manufacturers means better deals. Once one car manufacturer starts offering a certain safety feature, it isn’t long before the competition offers it as well. Each manufacturer wants to sell the most cars, so the competition will keep prices low while offering the most. Most recently, car manufacturers are competing to develop infotainment systems, like Ford’s “Sync” and Kia’s “UVO”, to prevent drivers from becoming distracted while driving.
  • Online shopping makes it easy for the consumer to see what every car manufacturer has to offer. They can research crash test results to see which automobile is the safest. Recalls and technical service bulletins are much easier to obtain, making it easy for the consumer to get safety issues repaired before they cause problems.
  • Finally, pressure from government regulators have also played a big role in the safety of our vehicles. Ever since seat belt laws were made mandatory, the government has set standards to improve safety. As the technology becomes more affordable, government standards become higher. For example, in 2006, the government proposed a rule to require stability control as standard equipment in all 2012 model cars.

It’s good to know that auto manufacturers have our well being in mind, but we must remember that they are not a replacement for safe driving practices. While new technologies may cut out human error factors, they are prone to their own glitches as well.

Hyundai Steering Problem Recall

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling almost 140,000 Hyundai 2011 new generation Sonata’s. The complaint is that the vehicles can sustain a separation in the steering shaft assembly that results in loss of steering. Regulators are blaming the problem on a bolt in the steering system which was not tightened or not assembled properly. The vehicles involved were manufactured during the same month at the Hyundai factory in Alabama and each had fewer than 600 miles at the time of the alleged incident.

Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said the automaker has seen only two reports of the steering problem. There have been no reported injuries or accidents linked to the complaints. Owners of affected vehicles can go to their dealers for inspection and repairs. Dealers also will update the power steering software. Owners may also call NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for more information.

Chinese Company Seeks G.M. Stocks

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G.M. is planning to hold its first public stock offering in late November, giving the Treasury Department its first opportunity to begin selling off the 61 percent stake in G.M. How many shares the government decides to sell will be determined by the price offered. In order to break even, the Treasury Department estimates that the stock must sell for almost $135.00 per share.

Last week, the Treasury Department said it would not seek special deals with large investors to buy big chunks of its stake to ensure that small investors get a fair chance at buying GM stocks. “We expect that a large and diverse group of institutional investors will be offered an opportunity to participate, with no single investor or group of investors receiving a disproportionate share or unusual treatment.” the Treasury said.

But concerns about foreign influence over the largest American automaker are growing as Chinese automaker, the SAIC Motor Corporation, expresses interest in buying a stake in GM. The Shanghai-based company has had a longtime partnership with G.M. in China. They are one of China’s largest automakers and recently bought half of G.M.’s India division.

There was no comment from the Treasury about the possibility of a foreign company buying a big stake in G.M.

Toyota Expanding Their Hybrid Empire

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Toyota has set itself up as one of the top hybrid makers in the world with the development of one of the first hybrid vehicles, the Prius. They share their technology with companies like Nissan, Mazda and Ford, which allows them to produce hybrids in larger numbers while keeping the cost down. Recently, Toyota has partnered with Tesla Motors to develop and electric version of Toyota’s RAV4 crossover. The RAV4 EV will be making its debut at this years LA Auto show, and will begin selling the model to the public in 2012.

Japanese media reported this Friday that Toyota may be expanding it’s hybrid empire. Dailmler is working on its own hybrid technology and has approached Toyota about sharing its gas electric hybrid technology with them. The two companies have been in negotiations for over a year now, so an official announcement is expected soon. If the deal should go through we could see Toyota technology showing up in Mercedes-Benz vehicles as early as 2012.

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.