William Maley

Another day, another large recall set from General Motors. The automaker announced six recalls covering around 3.5 million vehicles from the 2000 to 2015 model years. The largest recall covers around 3.36 million vehicles built between 2000 and 2014 and sold in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The problem deals with the vehicle's ignition switch where it can kicked off from the run position due to if keychain is heavy or if they experience a "jarring" event. GM will modify the ignition key by drilling a four-by-six-millimeter hole to deal with weight of a keychain better. The vehicles affected include: 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse 2006–2011 Buick Lucerne 2004–2005 Buick Regal LS & GS 2000–2005 Cadillac Deville 2004–2011 Cadillac DTS 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala 2006–2008 Chevy Monte Carlo GM says this issue has been linked to eight crashes and six injuries. The other five recalls are as followed: 68,887 Cadillac ATSs from the 2013 to 2014 model year, and 21,863 CTS from the 2014 model year equipped with the automatic transmission may have a shift cable that isn't fully secured to the shifter or transmission bracket. If the cable separates, the driver will not be able to shift out of gear. 57,192 2015 model year Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD will need to be inspected for proper attachment of the power steering hose clamps to the pump. If unattached, the vehicle would resort to manual steering and brakes with no warning to the driver. 16,932 model year 2011 Cadillac CTS sedans equipped with AWD may have a gasket leak where the CV joint meets with the rear driveshaft. The leak could cause the driveshaft to separate or become loose, which in turn causes a domino effect to where the side air bags deploy. GM is aware of 15 unintended deployments in this model. 712 model year 2014 Chevrolet Corvettes equipped with the optional Competition Sport Seats will need a new side airbag because "an unbelted child and door trim may block the passenger seat side air bag vent in a deployment." GM advises not to have any small kids ride in the Corvette till this is fixed. (We're also wondering why anyone would let a small kid ride in a Corvette without putting on a seatbelt, but we digress. -WM) 184 model year 2014-15 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups equipped with vinyl floors and accessory all-weather floor mats purchased new with the vehicle will need to return the floor mats for a refund as the floor mats don't have any attachments to lock them into the floor. This could cause the mats to slide about under the driver's feet. Source: General Motors William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Will Rework or Replace Keys on 3.16 Million U.S. Cars DETROIT – General Motors will rework or replace the ignition keys on about 3.16 million 2000 to 2014 model year cars in the U.S. because the ignition switch may inadvertently move out of the "run" position if the key is carrying extra weight and experiences some jarring event. The use of a key with a hole, rather than a slotted key, addresses the concern of unintended key rotation due to a jarring road event, such as striking a pothole or crossing railroad tracks. Only one of the models included in the U.S. recall of 3,160,725 cars is still in production – the previous generation Chevrolet Impala, which is sold to daily rental fleets as the Impala Limited. The total North America population – U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports – is 3,360,555. The safety recall follows a review of ignition issues following the recall in February of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars. GM is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall. If the ignition switch moves out of the "run" position, there is an effect on power steering and power braking. In addition, the timing of the key movement out of the "run" position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the air bags not deploying. The cars being recalled are the: Buick Lacrosse MY 2005-2009 Chevrolet Impala MY 2006-2014 Cadillac Deville MY 2000–2005 Cadillac DTS MY 2004–2011 Buick Lucerne MY 2006–2011 Buick Regal LS & GS MY 2004–2005 Chevy Monte Carlo MY 2006–2008 In these vehicles, the ignition switch may be unable to handle extra weight hanging on a slotted key. GM will add an insert to the ignition keys of the recalled vehicles to close the slot and leave a 4x6-millimeter hole through which the key ring could be attached. In vehicles where the key cover has been worn, new keys with holes instead of slots will be provided free of charge. Rework of the keys – adding key inserts – at GM dealerships is expected to begin in the next few weeks. Until the rework or replacement is completed, owners of the recalled cars are urged to remove additional weight from their key chains and drive with only the ignition key. In addition to the ignition key recall, GM also announced U.S. recalls for 165,770 vehicles in these five actions: 68,887 model year 2013-14 Cadillac ATS and 21,863 model year 2014 Cadillac CTS sedans. In certain vehicles with automatic transmissions, the shift cable may not be fully secured to the shifter bracket or transmission bracket. If the shift cable comes out of the brackets, the driver may not be able to shift the transmission in or out of gear. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition. 57,192 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 GMC Sierra HD to inspect for proper attachment of power steering hose clamps to the power steering pump. If the vehicle is driven with the clamp unattached, the hose may disconnect from the pump or gear, causing a rapid loss of power steering fluid. This will result in loss of power steering assist and Hydro Boost powered brakes without warning. The vehicle would revert to manual brakes and manual steering. GM knows of no crashes or injuries from the condition. Dealers are to inspect power steering hose clamps in two locations to ensure they are properly attached. 16,932 model year 2011 Cadillac CTS sedans with AWD. On some vehicles, a gasket leak where the constant velocity joint meets the rear propeller shaft may cause the rear propeller shaft to separate or become loose, making contact with the vehicle floor above and causing the rollover sensor to deploy the roof rail air bags. GM is aware of 15 unintended deployments, but injury data is unclear. 712 model year 2014 Chevrolet Corvettes with optional Competition Sport Seats, because an unbelted child and door trim may block the passenger seat side air bag vent in a deployment. Dealers will replace the current air bag with a redesigned version. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition, but advises customers to not allow small children in the front seat until the vehicle is serviced. 184 model year 2014-15 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups with vinyl floors and accessory all-weather floor mats purchased new with the vehicle. The mats can slip under the driver's feet because the vinyl floors have no attachments to secure them in place. Customers are advised take the floor mats to their dealer for a full refund. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the mats. GM expects to take a charge of up to approximately $700 million in the second quarter for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter. This amount includes a previously disclosed $400 million charge for recalls announced May 15 and May 20. View full article

PickupTrucks.com is reporting that General Motors will be quietly dropping the light-duty full-size vans in the 2015 model year. That means the only vans you can buy at a Chevrolet or GMC dealer will be the 2500, 3500 and 4500 versions. GM sales spokesman Jim Cain said the 1500 models only made up 23 percent of the Chevrolet Express and 7 percent of the GMC Savana. "We recognize that the van space has changed radically. The 1500-series van was the last vehicle [of its type] that has been produced in North America that was under 8,500 pounds, and it had some very unique attributes to it," said Joe Langhauser, product manager for GM's full-size vans. GM isn't worried about the customers who bought the 1500. Langhauser said that buyers could either move up to the 2500 or go with something smaller like the City Express, due out in the 2015 model year. When asked about the 1500 model returning, Langhauser said it was possible. Source: PickupTrucks.com William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

More of the picture I think. Seen in person, I think the wheel and tires work.

Alfa Romeo has announced the pricing and some specifications for the U.S. spec 4C. The model when it arrives later this year to the eighty-six Alfa Romeo dealers will have a base pricetag of $55,195 (includes a $1,295 destination charge). Differences between the European and U.S.-spec 4Cs include new headlights and the addition of 342 more pounds. The weight increase is due to the addition of aluminum inserts in the carbon fiber frame to help the 4C meet federal crash test regulations, and other safety equipment. Now the first 500 4Cs entering the U.S. marketplace will be the Launch Edition models which come equipped with new suspension tuning, racing exhaust, staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Matte Black, carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps, and a number of interior enhancements. The 4C Launch Edition will start at $69,695 (includes destination). Source: Alfa Romeo Press Release is on Page 2 The Attainable Supercar: All-new 2015 4C Coupe Delivers Groundbreaking Italian Design, Advanced Technological Solutions and Supercar-level Performance Only 500 serialized 2015 4C Launch Edition coupes will be available through 86 Alfa Romeo dealerships this summer with a MSRP of $68,400; followed by the a standard 4C coupe arriving in the fall with a MSRP of $53,900 Arriving in the third-quarter, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe spearheads the Italian sports car brand’s return to North America with an MSRP as low as $53,900 Mid-engine proportions and inspiration from the brand’s racing traditions highlight Alfa Romeo 4C’s purposeful design for maximum performance Unique set of advanced materials and technological solutions from Formula 1: carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum chassis structures and a composite body shell for an ultra-lightweight design with supercar-level performance State-of-the-art powertrain technology: all-aluminum 1750 cc direct-injection turbocharged engine with intercooler, dual variable-valve timing and advanced scavenging technology is paired to a blistering fast Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission) with Alfa DNA selector Excellence made in Italy: Alfa Romeo 4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of two brands, Alfa Romeo and Maserati June 14, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Alfa Romeo is taking the supercar segment by storm – offering the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe at a fraction of the price of other exotic supercars, thanks to groundbreaking Italian design and a unique set of technological solutions that are authentic and fully respect the brand’s DNA and motorsport tradition. “The all-new 4C marks the return of ‘the great Alfa Romeos` and represents the purest formation of the brand’s DNA with its supercar-levels of performance and innovation, all while focusing on making the driver an integral part and completion of the machine,” said Harald Wester, CEO of Alfa Romeo. “With its technological solutions derived directly from Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 4C creates an infusion of body and machine, an extension of its driver’s soul that is ready, capable and willing to respond and deliver.” The Alfa Romeo brand’s return this summer will start with the uniquely appointed and individually serialized (1 – 500) Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition with a MSRP of $68,400; followed by the standard 4C coupe arriving in the fall with a MSRP of $53,900 (both exclude $1,295 destination). An initial group of 86 Alfa Romeo dealers will be the first to sell the limited-edition 4C Launch Edition coupe and proceeding 4C coupe. The list of Alfa Romeo dealers in North America can be found at:http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=15705&mid=1 Designed to be innovative and revolutionary The all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C highlights the brand’s DNA that separates it from all the other marques: Most advanced and innovative engines A nearly perfect 50-50 weight balance A unique set of technical solutions Class exclusive power-to-weight ratios Groundbreaking design, functional and distinctly Italian Acronym 4C The Alfa Romeo 4C is inspired by the century-old tradition of Alfa Romeo and projects the brand's authentic values into the future: Italian style, performance and engineering excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety. The “4C” name recalls Alfa Romeo's great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished racing and road cars fitted with powerful eight and six cylinder engines. The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C model’s designation continues this tradition with the latest all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine. A tradition of essential beauty and function The inspiration for the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C dates back to the 1967 33 Stradale, the homologated version of the racing Type 33, which is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Like the 33 Stradale that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with undeniable Alfa Romeo style and performance – the 4C coupe shares its body forms and follows this performance tradition with an undoubtedly Italian-styled composite body “clothing,” a state-of-the-art carbon fiber and aluminum structure, and a high-performance turbocharged engine. With a purpose-built cockpit inspired by the legendary 1967 33 Stradale, entering the interior of the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C means entering a world derived from motorsport – only essential components for performance are integrated. Two composite-framed sport seats, thermoformed dashboard and exposed carbon fiber monocoque highlight the coupe’s technological uniqueness. Furthermore, a driver-oriented cockpit with flat-bottom performance steering wheel with paddle-shift controls and aluminum pedals speak to the brand’s racing spirit. Emphasizing the Alfa Romeo 4C’s advanced technology and focus on lightweight technical solutions is a 7-inch full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster that displays simple, high-impact graphics to keep the driver focused on the road, or track ahead. Ultra-lightweight: carbon fiber, aluminum and composites structures To create the ultra-lightweight architecture needed for maximum performance and dynamic efficiency, Alfa Romeo 4C engineers looked to Formula 1 and only the most advanced supercars for state-of-the-art materials. The result is a monocoque made entirely of carbon fiber that delivers extraordinary stiffness and strength. Attached to the Alfa Romeo 4C’s exotic monocoque are front and rear cell structures, roof reinforcements and an engine-mounting frame made from lightweight aluminum. Alfa Romeo engineers continued the use of state-of-the-art materials by creating the bodywork entirely of SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), a low-density, high-strength composite material that is 20 percent lighter and dimensionally more rigid than steel. Providing the ability to create complex shapes while saving weight by 20 percent compared to steel are PUR-RIM (injected polyurethane) fascias and rear spoiler. Engineers even optimized the Alfa Romeo 4C’s windshield and side windows by using 10 percent thinner glass to reduce weight by up to 15 percent. Finally, two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and seating position needed for performance driving. Supercar performance, compact size Thanks to Alfa Romeo 4C’s advanced technological solutions and compact size, the coupe demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with: The 4C exudes proportions of exotic supercars, dimensions include: 157.5 inches (400 cm) overall length 73.5 inches (186 cm) overall width 46.6 inches (118 cm) overall height [*]160 mph top speed [*]0-to-60 mph acceleration = mid-4 second range [*]0.335 Coefficient of drag (Cd) [*]Lateral acceleration >1.1 g [*]Maximum braking deceleration > 1.25g [*]2,315 lbs. (1,050 kg) dry weight [*]2,465 lbs. (1,118 kg) EPA curb weight [*]10.4 lbs./horsepower (4.7 kg/horsepower) EPA curb weight-to-power High-tech 1750 Turbo engine and Alfa TCT pair for exceptional performance and drivability The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo, and for the 4C, it beats to an all-new 1750 cc direct-injection 237 horsepower all aluminum engine. To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, this new engine features cutting-edge technical solutions, including direct-injection, intercooler, dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing (VVT), a camshaft with eight counterweights, and intake and exhaust systems optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C’s mid-engine layout. A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. A waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine’s efficiency. Advanced scavenging technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 Nm); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm. Teamed to the all-aluminum engine is a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission, which has been specifically tuned for the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. With its uniquely calibrated software that adjusts with the Alfa DNA selector system, the Alfa TCT’s gearshifts are designed to become most aggressive in the Dynamic and Race modes. The Alfa TCT system also integrates a “launch control” mode – delivering the utmost acceleration possible as soon as the driver releases the brake. Innovative Alfa DNA selector The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C features the brand’s innovative Alfa DNA selector with “Race” mode – enabling the driver to optimize the right level of performance through four modes. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the character of the Alfa Romeo 4C can be changed to (in order of increasing capability): All-weather – designed to ensure maximum control under adverse weather conditions and enables gentler accelerator input and special engine and brake control logic to match road speed and prevent skidding Natural – enables grand touring comfort and smooth drivability for the Alfa TCT gearbox Dynamic – enables improved driving performance via a more aggressive powertrain calibration and less intrusive electronic stability control (ESC) setting Race – is the most extreme performance mode, putting the driver in total control of the car under race conditions. ESC and anti-slip regulation (ASR) are deactivated to allow the driver to control traction through the accelerator pedal. The Alfa Romeo Electronic Q2 differential control system remains active for fast exits out of corners or bends. In Race mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C to deliver supercar-level 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in the mid-4 second range For driving convenience in Dynamic, Natural or All-weather modes, the Alfa Romeo TCT gearbox can utilize an “auto” mode. 4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of Alfa Romeo and Maserati The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. Teamwork between the two brands included the integration of the Alfa Romeo Style Center design with the well-known craftsmanship of the Maserati brand’s Modena production plant. In addition, the Alfa Romeo 4C was boosted by the technological contributions of Italian suppliers, who are international leaders in manufacturing high-performance components. This is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products around the world. Limited to 500 serialized units: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition For “Alfisti” in North America, a special 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition will be made available midyear. These first 500 Alfa Romeo 4C coupes will be serialized and include the following appointments: Rosso Alfa, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White exterior paint Bi-xenon headlamps with LED illuminated daytime running lights Front fascia with side air intakes Carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps Race suspension tuning with front- and rear-sway bars and shock absorbers Racing exhaust Staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Matte Black Red lacquered brake calipers Sport seats with black microfiber Leather wrapped instrument panel and door panels Red or White interior accent stitching on the instrument panel steering wheel, floor mats and door handles Interior Carbon Fiber Trim Plates Cluster Bezel Gear Shift Bezel Passenger Side Trim Plate [*]Serialized "Launch Edition" plaque View full article

General Motors today announced another set of recalls that covers over 500,000 vehicles, The first and largest recall is for the Chevrolet Camaro from the 2010-2014 model year due to the key fob being accidentally hit by a driver's knee and causing the key to move out of the move position. GM says this isn't a problem with the ignition switch, but with the key fob itself. GM also said that it is aware of three accidents where the key fob was the problem. A total of 511,508 Camaros worldwide will get a separate ignition key and fob to fix this problem. Dealers have been told to stop selling Camaros for the timebeing. The other recalls issued by GM include: 28,789 Saab 9-3 Convertibles from the 2004-2011 model years for a cable in the driver's side seat belt tensioner that could break, causing the seat belt not to retract. Dealers will replace the tensioner, while GM will issue a lifetime warranty on the passenger side tensioner. 21,567 Chevrolet Sonics from the 2012 model year equipped with the 1.8L four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission. A transmission shaft can fail, causing a transmission problems, some of which could be sudden. Dealers will install a new shaft. 14,765 Buick LaCrosses from the 2014 model year for a wiring splice in the driver’s door may corrode and break, allowing someone to operate the power windows and sunroof when key is no where near the vehicle. Dealers will inspect the wiring harness and if need be, replace the splice. Source: General Motors Press Release is on Page 2 GM Proactively Announces Four New Recalls DETROIT – General Motors will recall all current generation Chevrolet Camaros because a driver’s knee can bump the key FOB and cause the key to inadvertently move out of the “run” position, with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. The issue, which may primarily affect drivers sitting close to the steering column, was discovered by GM during internal testing following the ignition switch recall earlier this year. “Discovering and acting on this issue quickly is an example of the new norm for product safety at GM,” said Jeff Boyer, vice president of GM Global Safety. The Camaro ignition system meets all GM engineering specifications and is unrelated to the ignition system used in Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars included in the ignition switch recall. GM is aware of three crashes that resulted in four minor injuries that it believes may be attributed to this condition. The company will change the Camaro key to a standard design from one in which the key is concealed in the FOB and is opened by pushing a button. The change will make the ignition key and FOB independent of each other, so that inadvertent contact with the FOB won’t move the key from the “run” position. There are 464,712 Camaros from the 2010-2014 model years in the U.S. included in the recall. Including Canada, Mexico and exports, the total recall population is 511,528. Separately, GM also announced two safety recalls and one non-compliance recall involving a total of 65,121 cars in the U.S. all three of which were reported to the NHTSA on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Including Canada, Mexico and exports, the total recall population is 69,839. In all cases, customers will receive letters from GM letting them know when they can bring their vehicles into a dealership, where the recall repairs will be performed free of charge and courtesy transportation would be provided as needed. The recalls: 28,789 Saab 9-3 convertibles from the 2004-2011 model years for an automatic tensioning system cable in the driver’s side front seat belt retractor that could break. If the cable were to break, seat belt webbing spooled out by the driver would not retract. The convertibles and sedans were investigated at the same time, but the convertible parts were not identical to the sedan parts. GM has since learned of customer complaints to the NHTSA for the convertibles. Dealers will replace the driver’s side retractor in the recalled vehicles. In addition, GM has issued a special coverage, so that if the same repair is required to the passenger side retractor it will be covered for the life of the vehicle. GM also extended the special coverage for passenger side belt retractors on the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedan from the original 10-year coverage to the life of the vehicle, like the convertibles. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities due to this condition. 21,567 Chevrolet Sonic 2012 model year compacts equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for a condition in which the transmission turbine shaft may fracture as a result of a supplier quality issue. If this were to occur in first or second gear, the vehicle could not upshift into third through sixth gears. If the turbine shift fractured while in one of the higher gears, the vehicle would coast until it was moving slow enough to downshift into first or second gear. In both instances, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate. If driven in this condition for a long period of time, all forward gears may become inoperable. The engine would continue to run and all power accessories would function. Dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft. GM is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition. 14,765 model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse sedans because a wiring splice in the driver’s door may corrode and break. That may communicate incorrect information to circuits that control the door chime and allow passenger windows, rear windows and the sunroof to function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle. In addition, a chime will not sound when the driver’s door is opened if the key is in the ignition. Dealers will inspect the driver door window motor harness and, if necessary, replace an electrical splice. GM is unaware of any thefts, crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition. View full article

Not even a full year has passed since Ford lowered the fuel economy estimates on a number of vehicles, but they are doing it again. This afternoon, the company announced that it will be lowering the fuel economy ratings on a number of its 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles due to an error in the company's internal testing. The error comes from what is known as the Total Road Load Horsepower (TRLHP). The automaker explains TRLHP is used as a measure of resistance in dyno testing for fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is different for each vehicle. Ford says that the TLRHP used on the affected vehicles was incorrect. There was also problems in how the wind tunnel testing was factored into the estimates. "Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information. We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again," said Ford president and CEO, Alan Mulally. The vehicles involved are: 2013 - 14 C-Max Hybrid (Down 3 MPG on combined) 2013 - 14 C-Max Energi (Down 5 MPG on combined) 2013 - 14 Fusion Hybrid (Down 5 MPG on combined) 2013 - 14 Fusion Energi (Down 5 MPG on combined) 2013 - 14 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Down 7 MPG on combined) 2014 Fiesta (1.0L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder, 1.6L Four-Cylnder equipped with the Automatic, 1.6L SFE equipped with the Automatic) (Down 1 to 2 MPG on combined) Ford will be issuing goodwill payments to consumers who leased or purchased the affected vehicles. Amounts will range from $125 to $1,050, depending on the model and whether it was bought or leased. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 JUN 12, 2014 | DEARBORN, MICHIGAN FORD MOTOR COMPANY LOWERS FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS FOR SIX VEHICLES Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings for certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ford worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles, which resulted in lower fuel economy ratings for Ford’s 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas The company apologizes to its customers, and will make goodwill payments to owners of the approximately 200,000 affected U.S. vehicles for the difference between the previous and revised ratings Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other fuel economy ratings adjustments are planned Ford Motor Company announced today it is lowering the fuel economy ratings for its 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas. Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings on certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified EPA. The company worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings. “Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again.” Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other label adjustments are planned. “This is our error. When we see an issue, we address it,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “That is why we notified EPA and lowered the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.” Fuel Economy Testing Fuel economy testing involves many factors. Ford’s error was specific to a factor called "Total Road Load Horsepower", or TRLHP. TRLHP is a vehicle-specific resistance level used in vehicle dynamometer testing that determines fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is established through engineering models that are validated through vehicle testing, including physical track tests referred to as coastdown testing. Use of these engineering models is a common industry practice, consistent with EPA regulations. These models normally are more reliable and consistent than physical vehicle tests, which can exhibit variability. As an ongoing practice, Ford conducts tests on production vehicles to validate its engineering models. Based on coastdown testing of the Fusion Hybrid, the company found the TRLHP did not match the values used for the dynamometer testing. Upon further testing, Ford also discovered an error specific to how we correlate wind tunnel results into the TRLHP model. Ford’s error was the result of a recent process change, which the company has since corrected. Ford has now validated through physical vehicle testing the TRLHP for the vehicles affected by this error and also has instituted enhanced validation tests for future vehicles to prevent reoccurrence of this error. New Fuel Economy Ratings and Customer Information Ford has communicated to its dealers that new fuel economy labels will be available in approximately six days and that dealers may continue selling the vehicles until the new labels are received. Ford estimates that approximately 200,000 of these vehicles have been sold or leased to customers in the United States. Affected Ford and Lincoln owners and lessees in the United States will receive a goodwill payment for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two fuel economy labels, as shown in the table below. Affected U.S. fleet owners and affected owners outside of the United States will be contacted by their local Ford representatives. Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or visit: www.ford.com/mpglabel and www.lincoln.com/mpglabel. View full article

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' five-year plan for each of its nine core brands doesn't sound realistic to analysts. Automotive News Europe reports that analysts cannot see FCA achieving its goal of doubling or tripling sales without investing a lot of money, something FCA doesn't quite have at the moment. Analysts believe for FCA to pull this monumental plan off, they'll need to cut some brands out. “The problem is PowerPoint presentations are a lot easier than real life. These brands need a huge amount of work to get where they need to be. The world changes very slowly and you have brands at the bottom of the pile in many regions. It’s not going to happen overnight,” said Harald Hendrikse, a London-based analyst with Nomura Holdings. CEO Sergio Marchionne disagrees with analysts, saying that FCA’s advantage is that “we now have brands in the marketplace that are not butting heads.” Marchionne also pointed out that plan already eliminated two brands; Lancia and SRT. Marchionne also responded to comments that Chrysler and Dodge should be combined. “Co-mingling Dodge and Chrysler would have cost us a lot of share. That combination doesn’t work in our view,” Marchionne said. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

I believe so.

As the group of journalists were finishing up lunch and listening to closing statements of a presentation, the thoughts of many turned to what they would like to get their hands on next. Would it be the Jaguar F-Type? Maybe the Corvette Stingray? How about the SRT Viper? Yours truly had this same thought as well, but it wasn't towards to any of those vehicles mentioned. Instead, what I had my eye on was a yellow vehicle with NYC taxi graphics. Yep, I had my sights set on the Nissan NV200 Taxi. Trying to figure why I would want to drive a taxi cab of all things when there is a multitude of other vehicles that many would say are much more desirable could take years to figure out, so lets skip that and talk about the vehicle itself. The NV200 Taxi is a fully functional taxi cab with such items as the bright yellow paint, lights on the roof, the divider between the front and back, and other details. Sitting in the back is alright with loads of head and legroom. There's also enough space for a wheelchair fit back here (the NV200 has an integrated ramp to allow one to enter). As for the driver, controls are logically laid out and the front seat is pretty comfortable. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder with 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. On city roads, the engine is more than plenty to get up to such speeds as 25 to 35 MPH. On the country roads of Elkhart Lake, the engine really had to pushed to get up to speed (55 MPH) and the CVT didn't really help matters as the drone would come in. Ride quality is really good. The NV200 Taxi's suspension setup soaks up bumps and ruts to make the trip feel somewhat relaxed. The same cannot be said when you take it into corner as the NV200 Taxi has the handling characteristics of a plat of Jello. If your taxi driver decides to a turn a little too quickly in the NV200 Taxi, hold on to dear life. Whether or not the NV200 Taxi becomes commonplace on New York streets remains to be seen. But Nissan has interesting option for those taxi operators who want something a bit versatile. Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the NV200 Taxi for the MAMA Spring Rally Year: 2014 Make: Nissan Model: NV200 Taxi Trim: N/A Engine: 2.0L Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 131 @ 5,200 Torque @ RPM: 139 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 23/26/24 Curb Weight: N/A Location of Manufacture: Civac, Mexico Base Price: $29,700 As Tested Price: $30,560 (Includes $860.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article