Japanese auto manufacturing plants will remain closed today in order to assess the damage from Friday’s earthquake and Tsunami. Being outside the hardest hit areas, the factories are still operational, but rolling power blackouts and damaged infrastructure could prevent automobile shipments from leaving ports for a considerable amount of time. The three major Japanese automobile manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, supply most American consumers through factories in the U.S., but Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and smaller fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius and Yaris, and the Honda Fit are built in Japan. In America, consumers have been turning to these small fuel efficient cars as gas prices increase. Some dealerships in North Palm Beach say that they have already sold out of these efficient cars, and they don’t know if any will be getting to their dealerships anytime soon.
Tag Archives: Automobile industry in California
Easier Credit Boosts Auto Sales
The headlines in the news would suggest the automobile industry is back. Sales of new automobiles rose about eleven percent in 2010, and the first two month of 2011 are off to an even stronger start. Some say it is due to an improvement in the economy while others say that the increase in gas prices have prompted consumers to purchase more efficient automobiles. Whatever it is, those who are in the market for a new automobile will find it financially easier as well.
The increase of credit in almost every aspect of the economy is an important sign that the American economy is returning to health. Wall street loan packaging has allowed automakers to open up their wallets and start to give consumers loans more aggressively. Even car buyers with bad credit histories are getting financing, some without having to make a down payment. While nobody is suggesting that we are back to the days of the housing boom, the increase in credit is a sign that the American economy is gaining some health from the times where auto makers looked to the government for aid.
Electric Vehicles Expected Big In California
California is known as one of the largest automobile markets in the United States. They also have some of the strictest government environment regulations which has made them one of the leading markets for hybrid vehicles. Because of this, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor feel that the demand for plug-in and electric cars will follow a similar pattern.
California was the first state were the Chevy Volt, Nissan leaf and the Ford Focus Electric was released, and where fuel cell vehicles are leased in small numbers. According to the CAR report the demand for cleaner technologies is fed by incentives such as tax credits, priority parking spaces for environmentally friendly vehicles, and because California has invested into infrastructure to accommodate the electric vehicle.
Delsack & Associates California Lemon Law Buybacks
Here at the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, we represent our clients to the highest legal standards. In over 23 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. 2008 Nissan Versa: Full buyback – Corona, CA – 26,968 miles
- 2. 2008 BMW 335i: Full buyback – Beverly Hills, CA – 16,442 miles
- 3. 2006 Chevrolet Equinox: Full buy back – Torrance, CA – 21,236 miles
- 4. 2008 Buick Enclave: Full buyback – Daly City, CA – 20,630 miles
- 5. 2008 Chevrolet HHR: Cash and Keep – Burbank, CA – 30,320 miles
- 6. 2011 Toyota Camry: Full buyback – Fontana, CA – 9,315 miles
- 7. 2007 BMW 750i: Full buyback – Los Angeles, CA – 22,935 miles
- 8. 2008 Audi: Cash and Keep – Fullerton, CA – 34,706 miles
- 9. 2007 Ford F250: Full buyback – Bonita, CA – 50,003 miles
- 10. 2008 Cadillac CTS: Cash and Keep – Glendale, CA – 27,280 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
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
Honda Transmission Problems
Despite a recall in 2004 and a class action settlement in 2006, Honda and Acura drivers continue to have problems with their automatic transmissions. Over 3,000 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the last two years, with a spike in complaints in the last six months.
The 2004 recall covered the 2003-2004 Honda Accord, 2002–2003 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2004 Honda Pilot, 2000-2001 Acura MDX, 1999-2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2001-2002 Acura 3.2 CL. The class-action suit that was settled in 2006 claimed that Honda had misled consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Honda denied those claims but settled the case without admitting a defect. Owners got their vehicles repaired, or received an extension on their transmission warranties. But now owners continue to have complaints because they continue to experience problems, even after the extended warranties are up. While 2003 model vehicles seem to experience the most problems, complaints have been noted in:
- 2003-2004 Honda Accord
- 2002-2007 Honda Odyssey
- 2002-2008 Honda Civic
- 2003-2004 Honda Pilot
- 2000-2002 Acura MDX
- 1999-2004 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2001–2003 Acura 3.2 CL
If you have had repeated substantial problems, and if your vehicle is still not repaired, you should call 1-888-EX-LEMON for a free consultation with one of our experts to learn whether your vehicle qualifies or, if not, whether there are other legal alternatives.
If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:
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
GM Rivals Could See Onstar Soon
OnStar will be expanding its customer base this spring as the popular safety and security technology company starts making their service available at more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The product will come as an installable rear view mirror that will be compatible with top selling vehicles including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford F-Series trucks. The mirror will be selling for about $300 with a service plan of $18.95 a month or $200 a year. The same rate offered to GM OnStar subscribers.
The retail version will give drivers access to most of OnStar’s services, such as automatic crash detection, turn-by-turn directions, stolen vehicle location and the ability to reach an OnStar adviser by pushing a call button. Features such as remote starting, are being considered for the package, according to GM officials.
While some feel that Onstar advisers will become obsolete as voice recognition technology becomes better and more affordable, OnStar is teaming up with Verizon to take the OnStar service to the next level. With the Verizon 4G broadband network, high tech ideas such as tweeting, video chat and view live traffic camera images from behind the wheel is the aim of the partnership. OnStar and Verizon gave consumers a peek at what’s possible while unveiling a prototype Buick LaCrosse at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Consumer Reports Top Automobile Picks For 2010
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
Small SUV
Subaru Forester:
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
